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Junaid Jamshed all set to launch new brand in June

Junaid Jamshed is all set to launch a new brand for high-end market in July to attract Arabs and elite class of Pakistan and India through its flagship outlet in Dubai — a city that acts as a window to the world.

The famous Pakistani fashion brand, which made a successful foray in the UAE three years back, also plans to launch designer abaya in the Gulf for the first time to make deep inroads in the region’s competitive market.

“It will be the first international brand, which is specially designed for the high-end consumers of this region. The details are almost finalised, and the brand is expected to be launched just before Ramadan” Sohail Khan, chief executive of Junaid Jamshed, told Khaleej Times during his recent visit to Dubai.

He said the new brand will have its own identity, presence and appeal with no similarity with the J dot boutiques which were launched by Junaid Jamshed 10 years back in Pakistan. Elaborating further, Khan said “a special fabric from Japan will be sourced to add that ethnic touch to the Western clothing. The brand will offer a fusion of high-quality fabric and designs from around the world to attract customers”.

“Apart from attire the brand’s product range will also include accessories such as clutches and shoes,” he said.

In reply to a question, he said the name for new brand has been finalised, but it will be disclosed in due course of time ahead of formal launch in Pakistan by June.

“The first phase will see launch of three outlets in Pakistan followed by one outlet in Dubai within a span of few weeks. Our partnership with Alif Investments for J dot has been immensely successful and hence we have chosen to go ahead with them once again,” Khan said.

“Our second phase will see the launch of new brand in other Gulf markets by next year. We have chalked out a detailed expansion plan and will introduce this high-end brand in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait in 2013,” he said.

To a question, he said Junaid Jamshed will soon introduce designer abayas in Gulf. “It will be yet another initiative to cater to the demands of Gulf market and I hope the customers will have more options and varieties in this segment.”

Khan further revealed that Junaid Jamshed will also introduce a brand for budgeted customers in October.

“We are keen to take care of all segments of society in Pakistan amid considering diminishing purchasing powers of people in the wake of persistent high inflation rate in the country, as such a new brand, offering value line for daily wear, will be introduced to cater to the budgeted consumers and it is expected to be launched at all the Junaid Jamshed outlets by October.”

Junaid Jamshed has built credibility in the local and international market as a designer wear outlet for men and women with a wide range of products. In the UAE, the brand launched by Alif Investments, received a tremendous feedback from the residents in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. “Currently the three outlets in UAE are catering to the exceptional demand of the consumers here, and looking forward to their response Alif Investments has chalked out extensive growth plan,” he said.

He said the support and market insight of Alif Investments has widened the scope of the brand and has helped us identify new avenues of growth. At the time of launch 80 per cent of Junaid Jamshed range catered to men and 20 per cent to women. Today the ratio has turned with 80 per cent products for women and 20 per cent for men. Keeping this in mind new factory units were established to cater to the growing demand for women’s wear.

“The response, especially from Indian women, is beyond our expectations. The increasing demand has resulted in boosting the production capacity by 25 per cent. All three outlets in the UAE are facing challenges of adequate stocks due to ‘significant rise’ in men and women wear.”

“We successfully concluded three-day lawn exhibition last month and now plan to showcase new range of summer collection in coming weeks to appease the customers,” he said.

In reply to a question, Khan said Junaid Jamshed outlets in Pakistan have also been performing well since the launch of first store in Karachi. “We have 50 outlets in the country and they are doing well with considerable annual sales growth,” he said.

Khan said Junaid Jamshed was exclusively invited by the Indian Commerce Ministry to attend a lifestyle exhibition in New Delhi.

“We participated in the four-day fashion and lifestyle exhibition as it was an right platform for us to make inroads in Indian fashion market.” he said.

The exhibition of Pakistani fashion and lifestyle products concluded last week. It showcased fabrics, designer wear, leather and furniture products, and jewellery by more than 100 exhibitors. Gul Ahmed, Alkaram, Hub Leather, Khaadi, Orient Textiles, Nishat Textiles, among others also participated in the exhibition to explore the Indian lifestyle market.

“This will be an ideal opportunity for local businesses to explore trading opportunities across the border,” Khan concluded.

muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com