Woodland to launch exclusive stores abroad

Footwear and apparel player Woodland announced that it will open exclusive stores in select foreign markets later this year, marking its foray into single-brand retailing overseas.

The home-grown firm is in advanced stages of negotiations in some markets like the Middle East, South-East Asia and Sri Lanka for selecting local franchise partners and said it will have three to four exclusive outlets abroad by the year-end.

"We are on the verge of concluding negotiations and opening our first exclusive outlets in overseas markets. By end of 2010, we will have at least a total of 3-4 outlets overseas," said Harkirat Singh, Managing Director, Woodland.

He said the company will be using the franchise route for its international expansion.

Woodland has 350 exclusive stores across India, besides presence in over 3,000 multi-branded outlets.