Da Milano explores UK, other overseas markets as transit retail boosts revenue

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Sep 12, 2018

The accessory brand Da Milano is currently exploring a number of international markets including Nepal, Thailand, and the UK for possible expansion and its transit retail segment now accounts for 30 percent of overall revenue.

Da Milano will have completed 30 years in Indian retail by next year and is approaching its fourth decade in the industry with a continued push to international expansion.

The brand’s Managing Director, Sahil Malik, told Indiaretailing: “UK, Singapore, Thailand, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Nepal and Kuwait are amongst the new countries we are exploring.”

More store openings could be announced soon.

“Shop-in-shops is still not in the retail strategy of the brand as far as the Indian market goes, but we are open to the idea of a franchising model overseas,” said Mailk.

Along with international store openings, the brand will also continue to expand its retail footprint across India. Da Milano has standalone store openings planned for Aerocity in Delhi, VR Malls across Chennai and Surat, Phoenix Mall in Lucknow, and retail outlets at Hyderabad and Kochi airports.

“Our average store size is about 300 sq. ft. and we have 80 EBOs [exclusive business outlets] including 15 at top Indian airports along with four international outlets,” explained Malik.

The brand retails from a number of airports, which fits with the aspirational nature of the brand.

“Transit retail is our fastest growing segment and contributes to about 30 percent of our overall revenue. Globally, we are exploring distribution with Duty Free setups at Dubai, Bahrain, Thailand and a retail touch point at Changi Airport in Singapore,” said Malik.

The brand retails travel goods such as passport holders and leather suitcases, which do well at transit retail locations.