Indian Retailer

The world's largest eye-wear retail chain Sunglass Hut said on Thursday that it is looking to take the number of its exclusive outlets in the country to 30 by 2012 as part of its expansion plan.

Besides, it also plans to venture into Tier II cities. "Sunglass Hut has got great response in India so far. We plan to create a chain of 30 outlets in the next three years across key cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, besides foraying into Tier II cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar," said Sunglass Hut Brand Manager Pradeep Bhanot.

He, however, did not disclose the company's investment plans.

Sunglass Hut, owned by Italian firm Luxottica, had ventured into India in 2008 under a franchise agreement with realty major DLF’s retail management arm DLF Brands.

The chain today opened its fourth Indian outlet at Hyderabad.

"The Indian eye-wear market is worth hundreds of crores of rupees, of which only a small segment is organised. It gives us immense scope to increase our business," Bhanot said. The chain offers over two dozen premium international brands including Versace, Bulgari, Burberry, Prada, Tiffany, Persol, Revo and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Sunglass Hut has over 2,000 outlets across markets including the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Middle East and South Africa.