Indian footwear, apparel and accessories brand Woodland is set to build a niche in India’s booming retail market with 60 new stores planned for this year.

A subsidiary of Aero Group, Woodland, which has been constantly expanding with an average of 20 stores annual opening in the past years, will be ramping up its rollout this year.

MD Harkirat Singh says the increasing number of brands entering smaller cities and the growing market for apparel industry is demonstrating to retailers like Woodland that further expansion is a healthy move.

The new store openings are aimed to generate 25 per cent business growth this year.

Meanwhile, Woodland will be setting up freestanding stores in China and other Southeast Asian countries, with talks already underway with potential Chinese partners for its shoes arm. 

“We have finalised two of the leading players and we will soon close a partnership with one of them. The nature of the partnership is being worked out,” said Singh.

“We might look at offloading a stake as well.”

Its China foray will comprise a distribution network via existing retailers and freestanding stores. The first freestanding store is expected to open by October this year.

While some analyst are skeptical about Woodland’s international foray, others are optimistic that it will create a buzz in overseas markets.

“The look and the feel; the name of the product is not really Indian, (so it) might just appeal internationally. Also, given that the range is specialised, Woodland might create a market,” said Pinaki Ranjan Mishra, Ernst and Young partner and national leader, retail and consumer products practice.

Domestically, Woodland now has 350 stores across India, predicted to grow to 500 by the end of 2013.

GB