But will the Ebony-Gautier combo florish?
What happens when a French beauty ties the knot with a desi babu? We are talking about the France-based luxury furniture maker Gautier, which has roped in domestic retail player Ebony to bet its bucks on India. With an investment plan of Rs.120 crore, the company is going great guns to expand its operations in India. But will the combo of Ebony and Gautier succeed to shake off the big daddies of this segment? Well, to know the answer to that we may well have to wait till the end of 2008; but as of now the combined entity is not leaving any stone unturned to launch a galactic attack against its rivals. In a candid interview with 4Ps B&M, Dominique Soulard, Chairman and MD of Gautier, unveiled the company’s game plan for India. Excerpts from the interview:
On prospects in the Indian market
India is a vast country with huge business potential. It is one of the key countries we are looking forward to for our business. We see a market gap and are partnering with Ebony for the retailing of contemporarily styled branded furniture in India. With the increased spending on home renovation by the Indian consumers, it is definitely a safe bet.
On collaborating with Ebony
With their know-how of preferences of the Indian consumers and the synergies of the Indian market, Ebony is one of the pioneers and leaders of lifestyle retailing in India. In fact, Ebony will also make a financial investment, besides providing their rich retail knowhow for the joint venture. The blend of Ebony and Gautier, on the one hand and the entire range of authentic Gautier products, on the other, would definitely result into a productive partnership.
On Gautier’s presence in India
We are looking forward to establishing a pan India outreach. Starting from the Northern and Western regions of India, we plan to expand our presence to every nook and corner of the country over a period of time. The Gautier product range is internationally renowned. And in India, we wish to provide the same quality and experience to consumers.
On competition from existing players
We don’t think that we have any existing competition in India. Our home adornment stores are one of their kind in the country. So, basically there is no real competition in this segment, though there are myriad unorganized players. However, we are geared up to tackle these smaller players.
On future plans
Well, we have great plans for India as we consider it to be a profitable market. We plan to setup at least 20 home adornment stores with an investment of Rs.120 crore for the next two years expecting a turnover of Rs.400 crore by the end of next year. We expect to establish a pan India presence. We hope to do that and grow in a gigantic way in the coming 10-15 years. We may also look at setting up a manufacturing facility in India in the long run.
For Complete IIPM Article, Click on IIPM ArticleWhat happens when a French beauty ties the knot with a desi babu? We are talking about the France-based luxury furniture maker Gautier, which has roped in domestic retail player Ebony to bet its bucks on India. With an investment plan of Rs.120 crore, the company is going great guns to expand its operations in India. But will the combo of Ebony and Gautier succeed to shake off the big daddies of this segment? Well, to know the answer to that we may well have to wait till the end of 2008; but as of now the combined entity is not leaving any stone unturned to launch a galactic attack against its rivals. In a candid interview with 4Ps B&M, Dominique Soulard, Chairman and MD of Gautier, unveiled the company’s game plan for India. Excerpts from the interview:
On prospects in the Indian market
India is a vast country with huge business potential. It is one of the key countries we are looking forward to for our business. We see a market gap and are partnering with Ebony for the retailing of contemporarily styled branded furniture in India. With the increased spending on home renovation by the Indian consumers, it is definitely a safe bet.
On collaborating with Ebony
With their know-how of preferences of the Indian consumers and the synergies of the Indian market, Ebony is one of the pioneers and leaders of lifestyle retailing in India. In fact, Ebony will also make a financial investment, besides providing their rich retail knowhow for the joint venture. The blend of Ebony and Gautier, on the one hand and the entire range of authentic Gautier products, on the other, would definitely result into a productive partnership.
On Gautier’s presence in India
We are looking forward to establishing a pan India outreach. Starting from the Northern and Western regions of India, we plan to expand our presence to every nook and corner of the country over a period of time. The Gautier product range is internationally renowned. And in India, we wish to provide the same quality and experience to consumers.
On competition from existing players
We don’t think that we have any existing competition in India. Our home adornment stores are one of their kind in the country. So, basically there is no real competition in this segment, though there are myriad unorganized players. However, we are geared up to tackle these smaller players.
On future plans
Well, we have great plans for India as we consider it to be a profitable market. We plan to setup at least 20 home adornment stores with an investment of Rs.120 crore for the next two years expecting a turnover of Rs.400 crore by the end of next year. We expect to establish a pan India presence. We hope to do that and grow in a gigantic way in the coming 10-15 years. We may also look at setting up a manufacturing facility in India in the long run.
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2008
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