Arvind to launch two global footwear brands

Arvind Sport Lifestyle Limited, a subsidiary of lifestyle brands and apparel major Arvind Limited, has announced its strategic tie-up and launch plans with two globally well recognised footwear brands – Cole Haan and Heatwave.

Cole Haan an iconic American designer and retailer of premium footwear and accessories and Heatwave - a Singapore based premium women’s footwear brand will be launched in India by May 2016, Arvind Sport Lifestyle said in a press release.

As a part of its business strategy, the brands will have stores across major Indian metros. The first Cole Haan store will be launched in Delhi by mid-May followed by stores in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune, while Heatwave will open its first few stores in Bengaluru, NCR and Mumbai. The brands will be present only offline currently and will soon reveal its plan for e-commerce.

Footwear is increasingly becoming a part of one’s lifestyle and emerging as an important fashion accessory. This lifestyle segment is expected to appeal people who are ingenious, resourceful and want to make a difference.

“With increasing disposable income, the love to splurge on premium lifestyle products has turned into a compulsive cosmopolitan culture. Cole Haan and Heatwave are at the forefront of the footwear industry globally and this tie up will help us establish the lifestyle positioning. We’re excited to help drive the expansion of these brands into India thus resulting in the growth of our footwear business.” said Rajiv Mehta, CEO, Arvind Sport Lifestyle.

The Cole Haan collection will range between Rs 7,000 and Rs 24,000 while Heatwave footwear will be priced at an affordable range between Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,500, the release said.