Royal Classic looking at Middle East and South Asia (MESA) markets

Bangalore: Tirupur-based garment exporter Royal Classic Group is eager to explore other Asian and Middle East markets with its ''Classic Polo'' brand, in addition to the Indian market.

Presently, Classic Polo shirts are retailed in the UAE in chain stores, with plans to open stores in the country. Four exclusive stores are in the offing in Singapore. The company has applied for licences in other Asian markets, according to R Sivaram, executive director, Royal Classic Group.

Classic Polo is seeking to strengthen its operations within India as well, driven by the appreciation of the rupee in recent times. The company plans to have 100 exclusive ''Classic Polo'' outlets by March 2008, adding 56 new ones to its existing count.

The company''s retail stores are based on the franchise model, with five stores being managed by women. Committed to empowering women, an Sivaram says that the company would like to encourage women entrepreneurs, and expects a third of its new stores to be managed by them.

The company''s domestic retail and exports have contributed equally to the group''s Rs300 crore turnover in this year. Last year, exports accounted for 75 per cent of the company''s turnover.

The company has launched ''zero-press'' trousers, which have an adjustable waist band, and are wrinkle-free, with crease retention capabilities. These trousers are manufactured at the company''s trouser plant in Tirupur, and uses sewing technology from Germany, in tandem with finishing technology from China.

The trouser plant has 120 sewing machines, employs about 200 workers, and produces around 800 trousers a day. Plans are afoot to double this capacity in about a month.