Pakistan fashion fraternity eyes franchises, collaborations in India

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) Pakistan's fashion fraternity has welcomed India and Pakistan's decision to open more trade routes and hope to expand their reach by collaborating with Indian wholesalers, brands and opening retail outlets here.

"We are the largest retail brand in Pakistan with almost 60 outlets all across the country. Our plan was not just to stand here and sell our stuff as a brand, rather we are looking at a larger picture here," Muhammad Iqbal, head of franchise and branding, Karachi-based Bonanza Garment Industries Pvt Ltd, told IANS at the four-day Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition that ended in the capital Sunday.

"We would like to open a retail outlet here. I have heard that trade agreement is about to get signed and if that happens it will be great for both the countries. For Indian people to get Pakistani stuff on regular basis is tough right now. We are talking with a couple of companies and local wholesalers here who are eager to buy stuff from us and sell. I think it has great future," he added.

Danish A. Adamjee, CEO, Karachi-based clothing brand "Khadi", adds that the move to open more trade routes will reap benefits for both the countries.

"It's a great move. Just like India has great demand for Pakistani stuff, in Pakistan also there is a high demand of Indian products. Companies can come from Pakistan and have their retail stores in India and Indian entrepreneurs can also go there to display and sell their products also," said Adamjee, who plans to open an outlet in Delhi's Emporio Mall.

"The day the trade opens up we will have two retails outlets in two major cities in India. We are told that by December the trade will be opened and by January-February we should have a store here," he added.

Pakistan's premier fashion designer Deepak Perwani says he has received lot of enquiries from Indian multi-design stores, who wish to stock up his collection.

"We have had lot of enquiries, many multi-design stores have approached us and asked us to put our stock in their stores. But I am a designer who wants to work through proper channels. Now that the channels are opening up, you will definitely have Deepak Perwani stores in Delhi and Mumbai in the next one year," Perwani told IANS.

Designer Honey Waqar has got offers from Ensemble, Carma and Kimaya, however, she still hasn't planned how to work it out.

"I think FDI is great. This is going to bring lot of prosperity and friendship. I hope to see lot of things sorted out. If it works out well we will definitely open a store here," she added.

Shehnaz Basit Ikram, director marketing, of another well-known fashion label Gul Ahmed, is looking forward to partnerships with Indian fashion brands rather than a franchise store.

"As a largest textile organization in Pakistan, we feel that collaborations and partnerships will be much better, because there is globalization in partnership. We have got lot of offers for franchisee. We are yet to discuss about it. We also plan to seek help from consultancy firms to see the feasibility that will help work in a better direction. I think that's a more professional approach," said Ikram.

"The idea of collaboration goes with the Indian companies also. We want Indian people to come and showcase their products in our shops. It is going to work both ways," she added.

(Priyanka Sharma can be contacted at priyanka.s@ians.in)