News: 'Build-a-Bear' chain to open shop in India
(ZN 01/05/2006) Silicon Valley - Build-a-Bear Workshop Inc, a franchise chain that specializes in customized stuffed animals, will open its first store in India this year through its new international franchisee the Murjani Group.
The first store, where customers can create their own customized stuffed animals, in India will be located either in Mumbai or New Delhi.
"We are looking forward to the exciting growth Murjani Group can help us achieve. Mohan Murjani's 35-plus years of proven brand management and retailing experience is a wonderful asset for Build-a-Bear Workshop," chairman and chief executive of Build-a-Bear Maxine Clark said.
Murjani Group chairman Mohan Murjani said the company was "pleased to bring this wonderful, loving concept and look forward to sharing lots of teddy bear hugs with the young and old, throughout India."
The Murjani Group, with its headquarters in New York, is focused on apparel industry and brand name development. The groups's brands account for retail sales over USD five billion.
It launched Gloria Vanderbilt followed by Tommy Hilfiger in 1984 and became the first Indian company to develop and market designer brands in the international market place.
Murjani said that his group initiated the deal with St Louis-based retailer after visiting a store and liking the concept. He believes that concept will work in India.
"It's affordable, bears are international and it makes people, both young and old, feel good," he said in an e-mail.
He said an aggressive expansion strategy is in place for Build-a-Bear in India with plans to open 50 to 100 stores over the next few years.
The first store, where customers can create their own customized stuffed animals, in India will be located either in Mumbai or New Delhi.
"We are looking forward to the exciting growth Murjani Group can help us achieve. Mohan Murjani's 35-plus years of proven brand management and retailing experience is a wonderful asset for Build-a-Bear Workshop," chairman and chief executive of Build-a-Bear Maxine Clark said.
Murjani Group chairman Mohan Murjani said the company was "pleased to bring this wonderful, loving concept and look forward to sharing lots of teddy bear hugs with the young and old, throughout India."
The Murjani Group, with its headquarters in New York, is focused on apparel industry and brand name development. The groups's brands account for retail sales over USD five billion.
It launched Gloria Vanderbilt followed by Tommy Hilfiger in 1984 and became the first Indian company to develop and market designer brands in the international market place.
Murjani said that his group initiated the deal with St Louis-based retailer after visiting a store and liking the concept. He believes that concept will work in India.
"It's affordable, bears are international and it makes people, both young and old, feel good," he said in an e-mail.
He said an aggressive expansion strategy is in place for Build-a-Bear in India with plans to open 50 to 100 stores over the next few years.
posted by InCar Group Press Room at 13:52
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