Dubai retailer hopes to become a landmark in India

India is a growing target for Dubai's Landmark Group, whose brands include Splash and Home Centre, as the company continues expansion on the sub-continent.

Landmark Group, the company behind Home Centre, is expanding its presence in India. Andrew Parsons / The National

Landmark Group, whose brands include Splash and Home Centre, is making a big push into India with its hospitality brands, nearly doubling the number of its entertainment centres and coffee shops in the country.

Ira Malik, the chief operating officer for hospitality with the Dubai-based retail group, said India represents a huge opportunity for Landmark.

"This is going to be a big thrust," she said. "The aspiration is to significantly scale this business."

Landmark Group plans to expand its franchise network of Gloria Jean's coffee shops in India to 40 from 18 during the next financial year, which begins on March 31. It also plans to expand the number of Fun City entertainment centres in from 14 to 26 within the same time frame, she said.

India has been a hotspot for international retailers, as the booming economy and growing middle class, with increased disposable income, have prompted big brands such as Carrefour and Wal-mart to attempt to set up shop. Retail sales in India reached an estimated US$277.8 billion last year, up 13 per cent from the year before.

Landmark has had a presence in India with its lifestyle brands, such as Home Centre, for at least four years. Now that the group has better on-the ground knowledge of the Indian market, it is the right time to push ahead with its other brands," said Ms Malik.

"Operating in India is a very challenging task...it's very important that when you go you understand the dynamics."

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