The Italian luxe label – Prada had been ignoring the emerging economies while other brands in its league moved in much earlier. Prada’s absence in India is rather conspicuous but anyway – better late than never. Sellers of luxury products are seeking to move out of developed markets that have been hit by global economic uncertainty and find new buyers in emerging economies and Prada is amongst them.
But then coming late has its bag of problems. As per sources what is majorly bothering Prada is the availability of retail space. DLF Emporio in Delhi has 100% occupancy and there is absolutely no scope of prime location on the ground floor where Prada would ideally like to be. Even Palladium has no availability of prime store space in the mall.
Though the Government of India has allowed 100% Foreign Direct Investment in single-brand retail, the luxury labels are still preferring to go with an Indian partner. No names are officially disclosed as in who all are in talks with Prada but the signals are very much hinting at Genesis Luxury and Reliance Brands. Both are in talks with Prada.
Prada has a lot of promise in India as it is a label that is well known and they brand offers a whole range of menswear, womenswear, bags and accessories. It also has a sister brand for womenswear – Miu-Miu. But let’s wait and watch if and when Prada make its Indian entry.
Hi Jack.. in Emporio I have heard the Versace store is closing down..which is a prime location on gf makes ideal space for Prada..Also both Genesis & Reliance wont do justice to the brand..they need someone who understands luxury rather than just another brand in portfolio.
Prada should come directly to retain the brand value & culture.The Indian partners no matter how cash rich they may be but they do not do justice to these internatinal luxury brands in nurturing in the indian market.Genesis may have too many luxury brand under their aegis but seems doubtful for the longrun, although they have cash inflow from L Capital.And reliance too would be misfit for a brand like prada.Reliance has Zegna but how much expansion are they doing? Zegna is such a great Luxury brand but nothing is coming out of it except they being in Emporio.Brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dior have succesfully retained their brand image only because the brand principles got control of the brand operations.