Kolkata’s Camaro eyes 30% growth, aims to add 300 dealers in pan-India expansion push

With a wide range of collections for men in denims, casuals, trousers, suits/blazers, formal trousers, Corduroys and T-shirt. Kolkata’s homegrown brand - Camaro is rapidly increasing its footprint across the map of India. Today the brand is present in over 1300 MBOs with key focus within the eastern region. In the near future, the company also has plans to have its own exclusive brand outlets (EBOs). The company has been constantly innovating and creating new fashions. Design and development being the key factor for any garment brand, Camaro's team of designers put in extensive work in research and development across all areas of fashion. Camaro team keeps updated with the latest in the fashion world and is constantly exploring with regards to fabric, wash, color, trend, silhouette, etc.

The designers are constantly trying to innovate with their experience in the area of denims, creating products that match global standards. Camaro's team follows the systematic approach of design by studying the fashion forecast and comparing the past and present trend, analyzing the market in order to create a collection that is more thematic, soulful and most importantly more trendy. Speaking to Bizz Buzz exclusively, RK Patawari, Executive Director, Camaro, narrates the brand’s journey so far and also charts out their growth path

How did the Camaro journey begin and how has been the journey so far?

The company was established in 1991 in Kolkata by Bhawarlal Alok Kumar. Over the years, it has emerged as a front runner in the fashion industry in Kolkata. It was a modest beginning, by all means. However, what began modestly with only jeans, brand Camaro now boasts a wide range of men’s colllections including denims, blazers and T-shirts. The company, at present, operates an exclusive manufacturing facility for knitted fabric in Ludhiana, complementing its denim range. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Camaro continues to redefine contemporary fashion trends while maintaining its position as a leading name in the industry.

Since its inception in 1991 in Kolkata, Camaro has become synonymous with fashion for men, and it has expanded its trendy collection range significantly into varied apparel categories like denims, blazers and T-shirts. With over three-decades of undisputed denim market leadership predominantly in Bengal, Orissa, Assam and Bihar Camaro is on an expansion mode. The 33-year old brand, which, at present, is present mostly in eastern and north-eastern states, has lined up an ambitious plan of tapping new geographies and markets in India and eventually becoming a pan India brand within next two years.

Along with this geographical expansion, the company is extending its product portfolio and getting into new lines, Camaro’s steadfast commitment to quality and design excellence, tailored to the discerning tastes of customers in the eastern region has been instrumental in its ensuring success. The brand’s design ethos seamlessly blends classic styles with contemporary, ultra-modern designs, ensuring that each garment is both timeless and trendsetting.

How big is the overall market that you operate in?

It is very-very large and ever growing. There are many studies in this regard. But to my knowledge and information, the overall market size would be more than Rs 5000 crore, for sure.

At what rate the overall industry is growing? And compared to industry growth rate, at what rate Camaro is growing?

The company has been growing at a CAGR of 20 per cent over the last few years, quite in line with the average industry growth rate, which is also 20 per cent.

Do you think that you can maintain that growth rate in the years to come, as well?

We are not only confident of maintaining that growth rate, but if things move the way it has been envisaged, the company is looking at a 30 per cent CAGR this year itself and then I think that we can maintain a growth rate around that.

Which segment of the market do you operate in - mass market, mid-segment, premier?

Camaro is a significant player in the mid-segment of the Rs 5000 crore branded fashion apparel market.

Do you have any plans to move into the top segment and launch products in that category?

No, we don’t have any such plans at this point in time. The mid-segment is quite large and we want to consolidate and strengthen our position in that segment.

What is your current dealership base and how do you propose to ramp this up?

We currently have a dealership base of over 1000 and to back up our overall expansion plans, the company proposes to add another 200-300 dealers over the next 1-2 years.

What about your new range or new collections?

Camaro's existing collections have created a distinctive position in the market and it is one of the top preferred brands of apparel wear for many customers. With this new collection, we have elevated this benchmark and have introduced a slew of unique, innovative and impressive clothing line-up that is sure to be a hit among consumers in no time. Each of the new collection of denim bottom-wear, T-shirts, trousers and suits, have been crafted meticulously with the finest fabrics and modern designs. The apparels with a unique blend of colours and fresh designs offer comfort and ease for dynamic men of today’s world. Unveiled ahead of the upcoming festive season, the exciting new collection has been curated to offer a vibrant touch to the men’s wardrobe. The new collection will soon be available across outlets. The new line of apparels have been crafted and produced at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities located in Mumbai and Ludhiana.

So you manufacture or source all your products from your own manufacturing facilities?

The company sources 70 per cent of its denim wear from own manufacturing facilities and the remaining 30 per cent from contract manufacturers and OEM suppliers. In case of knitwear, Camaro sources as high as 90 per cent from own manufacturing facilities and 10 per cent from contract manufacturers. The company's own Design Studios at Mumbai and Ludhiana are also gearing up to meet the requirements of its expansion plans.

What was your last year’s turnover and how do you think it will increase?

We notched up a turnover of over Rs 100 crore last year and once our new range hits the market and our new plans are executed, the turnover will grow manifold, for sure.

You have drawn up an ambitious expansion plans for the years to come. Could you throw some light on that?

Yes, Camaro is on an expansion mode. The 33-year old brand, which, at present, is present mostly in eastern and north-eastern states, has lined up an ambitious plan of tapping new geographies and markets in India and eventually becoming a pan India brand within next two years. Along with this geographical expansion, the company is extending its product portfolio and getting into new lines.