SMCP Expands into India with Reliance Partnership, Aiming for Pioneering Luxury Presence

01 Dec, 2023

SMCP Expands into India with Reliance Partnership, Aiming for Pioneering Luxury Presence

Fashion group SMCP, the owner of French fashion brands Sandro and Maje, has inked a deal with Reliance for its entry into the Indian market. The agreement positions SMCP alongside other prestigious European brands in the upscale Jio World Plaza mall in Mumbai.

SMCP CEO Isabelle Guichot emphasized the lack of accessible luxury fashion labels in India, considering the country's increasing wealth and a burgeoning population of younger generations. The move comes after SMCP tested the Indian market through outlets in luxury hotels, aligning with the trend of European labels seeking expanded retail presence in India due to robust economic growth and a rising number of local millionaires.

While the financial terms of the partnership with Reliance Brands were not disclosed, the collaboration designates Reliance Brands as the exclusive distributor of Sandro and Maje in India. Guichot revealed plans to open approximately 10 stores featuring SMCP brands over the next three to five years. The expansion will commence with the Mumbai mall developed by Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani.

Reliance Brands, a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures led by Ambani, has established partnership deals with numerous high-end European and American labels, including Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Valentino, and Tiffany.