US Polo Assn. Sees India as Future Top Market
The United States Polo Association, known for its iconic American apparel brand US Polo Assn. (USPA), has set its sights on India as a key market for future growth. Partnering with Arvind Fashions, its Indian licensing partner, the brand aims to elevate its revenues to ₹3,000 crore in the near future, with a strong focus on achieving double-digit growth.
J. Michael Prince, the President and CEO of the United States Polo Association, expressed his confidence in India’s potential as a top market for the brand. Reflecting on the brand’s global success and exponential growth since 2018, Prince highlighted India as the fastest-growing market. With a vision for India to become their largest market in the long run, Prince emphasized the critical role of strategic partnerships in driving growth, even in challenging times.
Currently positioned as the brand’s third-largest market, US Polo Assn. made its entry into India in 2009, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion. With a robust presence across 450 exclusive brand outlets and a significant online sales contribution exceeding 20 percent, the brand has firmly established itself in the Indian market.
Market Leader in Casualwear
Shailesh Chaturvedi, the MD & CEO of Arvind Fashions Ltd, underscored US Polo Assn.’s dominant position as a market leader in the casualwear segment, surpassing the ₹2,000 crore revenue mark in India. Setting ambitious targets to propel the brand’s revenues to ₹3,000 crore, Chaturvedi outlined a growth trajectory of 12-15 percent CAGR, underscoring India’s immense growth potential.
Investing significantly in advertising, expanding retail footprint, and fortifying the brand’s backend operations, Arvind Fashions is committed to driving growth through strategic initiatives. Beyond menswear, the brand has diversified into kidswear, womenwear, innerwear, and footwear, broadening its product range to cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Chaturvedi emphasized efforts to enhance the brand’s premium appeal, aligning with post-pandemic consumer trends that favor premium products. With a renewed focus on store renovations and strengthening brand affinity, the brand aims to deepen its connection with Indian consumers, driving sustained growth.
Footwear Business Expansion
Anticipating significant growth in US Polo’s footwear segment, Arvind Fashions projects the business to scale up to ₹500 crore in the coming months. Prince highlighted the brand’s global sourcing strategy, with approximately 10 percent of production sourced from India. Recognizing India’s potential as a key sourcing hub, Prince emphasized the long-term opportunities for expanding production in India.
Currently, 80-85 percent of US Polo’s products sold in India are manufactured locally, reflecting the brand’s commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing. With a keen focus on enhancing sourcing capabilities and fostering local partnerships, the brand aims to leverage India’s strengths as a manufacturing powerhouse for sustained growth.
As US Polo Assn. charts a course for expansion and innovation in India, the brand’s strategic vision and collaborative partnerships underscore its commitment to unlocking the market’s full potential. With a blend of iconic American heritage and contemporary style, US Polo Assn. is poised for a dynamic journey of growth and success in the vibrant Indian market.