Reliance Brands inks deal with UK’s Reiss

MUMBAI: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s high street fashion business Reliance Brands has struck a deal with Reiss, a UK fashion brand sported by the likes of Kate Middelton, for opening its stores in India.


Reliance Brands, a part of Reliance Industries, plans to open five-seven stores in three years, positioning the London-based brand in the affordable luxury category. This long-term franchise agreement expands the list of international brands in Reliance Brands’ portfolio, which includes Diesel, Kenneth Cole and Zegna, among others.

It also holds the India rights for a collection of global brands such as Ed Hardy, Mossimo, Material Girl through a stake purchase in the local unit of Nasdaq-listed brand management company Iconix group.

Reliance Brands currently operates 68 single-brand stores across the country and has aggressively added new international brands over the last few years through joint ventures and licensing deals.

Talking exclusively to TOI, Darshan Mehta, president & CEO, Reliance Brands, said, “This is a brand which fits in well at the mass premium level, so it is affordable for a growing number of Indian consumers who want to graduate a notch higher from mass brands but cannot afford luxury. Reiss is truly a dual-gender brand offering both clothing and accessories.”

Reiss began operations in the UK in 1971 and later expanded to markets like China, Dubai and Russia along with making a successful entry into the US, unlike most British retailers. The brand founded by David Reiss is privately held and has 100 stores worldwide. It is expected to be priced from around Rs 8,000 going up to Rs 45,000 here in India. Besides, mens and women swear, the brand sells a range of accessories and footwear.

“India is an exciting new market for the brand and one that we feel will understand the benefits of the luxury bridge experience. We are strategically growing our international presence focusing on working with like-minded partners who can implement a global brand strategy but with key local knowledge,” Reiss said.

At present, Reliance Brands operates single-brand stores for 15 international brands with the average selling price of apparel and accessories in these stores being in the range of Rs 4,500 to Rs 30,000.