Grabal Alok to expand retail network in UK

MUMBAI: Grabal Alok UK, the overseas retail venture of the approximately Rs 2,250 crore Alok Group, comprising Alok Industries and Grabal Alok Impex, is expanding its UK retail store network from currently 200 stores to 260 stores by March 2009. Alok Industries holds 45% in Grabal Alok UK, while Grabal Alok Impex holds 43%.

This expansion is part of the Alok Group���s strategy to ramp up the turnover of its UK retail operations from approximately ��107 million (approximately Rs 877 crore) in FY08 to ��124 million (approximately Rs 1,020 crore) in FY09, pointed out senior Alok Group officials.

Grabal Alok UK had earlier operated its retail store network through the brand QS, but it has recently rebranded it as Store Twenty One. The UK retail chain offers a range of garments, for men, women and infants.