Firefox launches 100th Store in NCR

Bicycles are gradually becoming an integral part of modern urban lifestyle, especially for fitness and allied activities. And, leveraging these opportunities is Firefox, which began operations in early 2005 with a range of bicycles, including all-terrain mountain bicycles and also those in the children’s segment. In a candid conversation, Shiv Inder Singh, MD of Firefox Bikes, highlights their growth strategy. 

Baibhab Das (BD): Kindly share your views on the development of the bicycle industry in India and the key challenges faced?

Shiv Inder Singh (SS):  The industry needs to urgently position bicycles in the right way, and change its positioning from a poor man’s ride to an integral part of urban lifestyle. The other  major challenges for us include non-availability of appropriate infrastructure facilities, coupled with high import duties for bicycles made overseas. The Indian bicycle industry is divided in three segments; commuter, fancy and premium, and the latter two segments are growing rapidly, given consumers upgrading.

BD: Kindly throw light on your brand Firefox?

SS:  We started operations almost a decade back and introduced an array of premium bicycles, coupled with modern retailing outlets. Our products have been well accepted by our primary target audience, consumers aged 8-18 years and from families in the higher income
segment.  We have 102 outlets across the currently and plan to open 10 more shortly. We also have franchisees which are multi-brand outlets, but our brand occupies an important position in the store.

BD: Are you also leveraging licensing for expanding your presence?

SS: Firefox introduced MTV co-branded products, coupled with Popeye co-branded bikes for kids, and the response for both these products have been encouraging. We are also planning more licensing deals, shortly.

BD: Your annual turnover and growth targets for the current fiscal?

SS: We achieved a turnover of nearly Rs 50 crore in the previous financial year and optimistic of reaching Rs 70 crore in the current fiscal.