Titan’s CaratLane to open over 40 new stores as demand rises for low-carat jewellery among young Indians
CaratLane, buoyed by the increasing popularity of lower-carat jewellery among younger Indians, aims to surpass its previous year's revenue growth. The company plans to expand its footprint by opening over 40 new stores, primarily in smaller cities...
Brands selling lower-carat jewellery, including CaratLane and Kalyan Jewellers' Candere, are rapidly expanding as younger Indians increasingly buy such pieces for adornment in a country that traditionally views jewellery as an investment.
Around Valentine's Day this year, CaratLane launched 9-carat jewellery in a country that mainly buys 22-carat gold.
Also Read: L'Oreal to more than double India business: CEO Nicolas Hieronimus
Candere plans to open 80 stores in India in the year that started April 1, matching the number of higher-priced Kalyan locations planned for the same period, while larger-sized CaratLane aims to open more than 40 outlets, mostly in smaller cities.
As of end-March, CaratLane had 322 stores, making it the second-largest jewellery brand by store count within the Tata Group. The brand contributes about 6% to Titan's overall revenue.
In the year ended March 31, CaratLane's topline jumped 24% to 35.83 billion rupees ($418.96 million), with earnings before interest and taxes at 2.96 billion rupees, helping the brand record its best year.
Profit for the nascent financial year "is going to be significantly better", Bhaumik said.
In recent months, while soaring gold prices have led many Indians to opt for lightweight, lower-carat jewellery to stay within budget, Bhaumik said CaratLane's average bill value has still inched up by a tenth, aided by new launches.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.