Arvind Ltd., one of the largest integrated textile and branded apparel players, has announced that its subsidiary, Arvind Lifestyle Brands Ltd., has entered into a license agreement with the New York-based Aeropostale, Inc., the specialty retailer of casual and active apparel for young men and women. The youth retailer boasts of over 1,000 locations across the US and Canada and, through licensing partnerships, in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Mexico and South America. The license agreement covers brick & mortar retail locations as well as e-commerce.
Arvind Lifestyle Brands is expected to open 30 standalone stores and 25 shop-in-shop locations over the next three years, beginning March 2016. It will also launch e-commerce selling of Aeropostale products in India.
Julian R. Geiger, Chief Executive Officer of Aéropostale, Inc., said: “We are thrilled to bring the Aéropostale brand into India as we continue to expand our international presence aggressively. India is a truly exciting retail market, driven by its growing economy and vibrant youth culture. We are extremely pleased to partner with Arvind Lifestyle Brands, a partner who brings great knowledge and expertise to building brands and operating licensed stores in India. We look forward to working with such an established partner as we expand the Aeropostale brand into this key market.”
Commenting on the new partnership, Mr. J. Suresh, Managing Director & CEO of Arvind Lifestyle Brands Ltd., said: “We are extremely pleased to bring Aeropostale to India. Aeropostale will be the first of its kind youth-focused retail format in India. With 40% of India’s population below 20, we expect Aeropostale to be hugely popular and successful”.
