“I will be disappointed if we do not have 30 stores in India in 10 years time, and by that, I mean proper department stores,” Francis McAuley, international director, Debenhams, said. “The Indian market has a real appetite for western brands, and the education and understanding of the young people is second to none,” he added.
The company has planned to open two outlets in Gurgaon by the end of the year, and will open more outlets at a considerable pace over the coming decade.
Speaking about its target consumers in India, McAuley informed that Debenhams is targeting the country’s upper- and middle-class shoppers. “Our biggest-selling brands in India include Red Herring and Maine New England. Besides, designer brands including Jasper Conran and Rocha are also popular. All these brands are targeted to the upper- and middle-class segment.”
The company is also targeting more than two-fold growth in the next four years from the country. The first Debenhams store in India opened in October 2007 in Gurgaon.
