Guess plans India unit, new stores

Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand and retailer Guess plans to set up an Indian subsidiary - Guess India - to relaunch the brand and expand its retail presence by opening company-owned stores, a departure from the earlier model where stores were operated by franchisees. Lander Isasi, managing director for Guess - Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia and India, said: “The immediate plan is to launch two-three stores, followed by another 8-10 stores over the next year or two.” The initial phase of the expansion will focus on Tier 1 cities in India. The retailer has shut all the franchisee-run stores in the market. Apart from partnerships with popular e-commerce firms, Guess India will also start its own online portal for wider reach. Isasi added, “We have distributors for some of our product categories, who liaison with several domestic e-commerce platforms, to sell Guess products.” Victor Herrero, CEO of Guess, said: “India has always been a country of strategic importance to the brand, and given the recent relaxation of FDI norms, this was a natural decision. It is a fundamental step for us to accelerate the strength of our brand with clear and strong control over presentation and product assortment that is consistent with our brand strategy.”