Safilo aims to treble sales in 3 yrs, targets 60 cities

Italian premium eyewear maker Safilo is aiming to treble sales in the country in the next three years and expand to 60 cities.

Besides, Safilo group, which has 31 brands under its global portfolio, would introduce three more brands - Dior, Elie Saab and Havaianas in India by January 2017, to consolidate its position in the segment.

"In the next two-and-half years, we have set targets for growing brand awareness, strengthening our presence in the top 60 cities by working with reputed retailers," Safilo Group CEO Luisa Delgado told PTI.

She further added: "Safilo is looking to introduce Dior eyewear, premium brand Elie Saab, and mass-cool brand Havaianas in the coming year.

"India is one of the leading markets for us and we see lot of potential for growth as Indian consumers are increasingly opting for branded eyewear," she said, adding, the company would cater to the luxury segment as well as aspirational class with its affordable range.

The group reported sales of 1.27 million Eruo (Rs 9.23 crore) in India in 2015 and has 24 brands.

"Year-on-year, we look to add good figures to it. We are looking ahead for sustained growth plus new partnerships like we recently did with Givenchy, Havaianas and Swatch The Eyes," she added.

The company would focus on affordable models as Polaroid in the India market to gain volume as it is expecting a good potential from sub Rs 5,000 category.

"We are expecting Polaroid to reach 1,000 doors," Delgado said adding that sub 60 Euro would cater to the aspirational youth who are now preferring branded eyewear.

Presently, Safilo has brands as Carrera, Polaroid, Smith, Safilo and Oxydo in the Indian market.

Besides, Safilo has presence of its licensed brands which includes Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Banana Republic, Bobbi Brown, BOSS, Fossil, Givenchy, J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, Jack Spade, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Pierre Cardin and Saks Fifth Avenue.