Victorinox, makers of the legendary Swiss Army knife have recently setup its subsidiary in India. Besides Mumbai, Victorinox India's country headquarter, the company has office's in Bangalore and Delhi at present. In India Victorinox have many authorized shop-in-shop and franchisee showrooms. At present they have 7 authorized franchisee showrooms and several shop in shops in all the major  metros like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai; plans are on the way to  open 6-7 more franchisee showrooms by mid 2008 and continue the shop in shop concept.

The upcoming franchisee showrooms by mid 2008 would be approximately 500 to 700 sq. feet. each.  Victorinox is mainly targeting the youth segment and thus selecting the franchisees, they would keep this factor in mind. The total investment (approx) that Victorinox is expecting to shower would entirely depend on the size of the showroom which caters roughly to an approximate amount of 25 to 30 lakhs. However, Victorinox plans to continue the shop in shop concept and is expecting 25 to 30 more to come on the bord this financial year.

Victorinox has been creating waves in the global market by introducing a range of products that has helped to carve a niche for itself and its innovative product line. True to its philosophy Victorinox has always been providing customers around the world with functional and practical high quality products at affordable prices.  Victorinox‘s plans to open its subsidiaries in India has been beneficial to them. India has always been one of the best outdoor locations for one to engage in outdoor adventurous activities and that is the potential that Victorinox see as it is one of the most used outdoor equipment.

Mr. Anish Goel, Managing Director, Victorinox India shares, “We are looking at the first year turnover as Rs. 15 crores in the retailing division apart from this there is a strong corporate gifting market that should be aprox Rs. 10 crores. While  Victorinox as a group with all its product lines did half a Billion Swiss Francs last year and as regards India this is the first year of operations. We expect to meet our targets this year.”

At present on the Indian market the Swiss Army Knives, the Kitchen Knives for domestic and professional hotel Industry, grafting and pruning knives for the Horticulture and farming industry, and the wrist watches have been introduced, soon to come is the travel gear line which has achieved a remarkable success worldwide. 

Sourced From: ICPAR