Savile Row Finds Indian Market Suits Its Expertise

The Savile Row Company in Castledawson will benefit from new export business for quality garments in India, with assistance from Invest Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland company will support a contract won by 40 Savile Row, its London-based international retail operation, for two franchise units within the upmarket Study by Janek (SBJ) House of Luxury department stores in New Delhi.

Invest NI's team in Mumbai, in conjunction with their Northern Ireland based advisors, assisted Savile Row with in-market research and other support services.

40 Savile Row brand shirts, suits and ties are now being featured among other international fashions for men and women, including Italian houses Massimo Rebecchi, Daniele Alessandrini, Gaudi, PT 01, and Giantti in the Delhi stores.

The 40 Savile Row franchise shops in the Delhi department stores are modelled closely on the company’s successful retail outlet in Savile Row, London, the heart of the city's garment district, which opened in 1998.

The new business for the company in India was announced by Jeffrey Doltis, Savile Row Managing Director, and welcomed by Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director.

Dr Kell said: “Savile Row has been quick to identify and to grasp the new business opportunities for fashion garments from the UK and Europe now growing strongly as a result of India’s vibrant economy and in particular the rapid expansion of a new and very affluent middle class in huge urban centres such as Delhi, India’s richest city, as well as Mumbai and Kolkata.

"The new business is the outcome of the company's strategic decision to focus on this immensely important marketplace, make good use of the knowledge and professional services which are readily available for Northern Ireland exporters from our office in Mumbai, and the proactive stance taken to develop the contacts made.

"Our strategy for growing business there recognises the position of India as a globally important consumer economy in which demand for Western products is growing steadily.

"Savile Rows success shows what can be achieved by companies prepared to invest in this market and to work with our people. We hope that this company’s success will encourage others in consumer and lifestyle products to explore the opportunities now in this hugely significant marketplace," added Dr Kell.

Mr Doltis said: "The key to success in India is to find the right partner there. We’ve spent a considerable amount of time getting to understand the market, the opportunities, requirements and business procedures and have benefited substantially from advice and practical support provided by Invest NI, including their Mumbai office. This enabled us to identify SBJ House of Luxury as an ideal fit for our high-end garments and bespoke tailoring services in India. The contract with SBJ means we will be exporting the brand identity, shop style and tailoring services which have been so successful in London through a contract with an ambitious and progressive retailer.

"The two luxury stores in New Delhi are the first stage in a major investment planned by SBJ House of Luxury in key centres throughout the north of India, where demand for luxury clothing and other products from Europe is continuing to grow strongly, especially within the Indian wedding market.

"The contract will enable us to grow our business as SBJ House of Luxury expands to other urban centres."

(CD/GK)