Clothing firm Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) is planning to open more than 500 outlets by 2021, nearly three times its average annual expansion. The firm that runs brands such as Louis Philippe and Pantaloons is betting on consumers shifting from the unorganised market to branded apparel. Last year, ABFRL had acquired artisanal online retailer Jaypore-.com and 51 percent stake in Finesse International Design, which runs bespoke apparel retail brand Shantanu & Nikhil, to enter the premium ethnic wear segment. Signage companies must roll up their sleeves as ABFRL brings fresh business opportunity in in-store branding, graphic and design projects.
