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This tracker has been compiled from external sources and does not necessarily reflect the views of the company. Links provided will take you to the full articles appended at the end of the file.

© 2008 Zenith Optimedia.

 

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57. Reebok to evolve as sports lifestyle brand

10 May, 2008

 

Reebok India has decided to evolve the Reebok brand on the 'sports lifestyle' platform in India. The company wants to do this by rolling out merchandise which will have a lifestyle flavour and expand its present network of lifestyle stores from seven to 50-60 by March 2009. The company feels such a focus is integral to grow its business in India.

 

In line with this, Reebok India has built up a lifestyle product portfolio for apparel, shoes and accessories. This includes designer products such as a collection named on Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson, jeans styled by cricketer MS Dhoni, Bipasha Basu collection, Manish Arora collection and several other inspired by global sports like skating.

 

“The lifestyle area will be a focused business for Reebok. This is due to the fact that lifestyle is now coming into sports in India. We have started rolling out speciality lifestyle retail outlets whose network will increase from present seven stores to 50-60 by year end,” Reebok India MD Subhinder Singh told reporters here on Friday.

 

Reebok currently claims to enjoy 51% market share in the Indian sports (footwear and apparel) market. It has also decided to focus on the ‘sports replica’ business by selling merchandise for some of the top sports and teams in India. For starters, it has rolled out merchandise for four of the IPL teams - Kolkata Knight Riders, Bangalore Royal Challengers, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.

 

“Globally, the replica business is huge. It is still small in India and we have made the beginning with the IPL. This is the first year and once we make our trials and error, we will look into this business for other sports in India as well,” said Mr Singh.

 

Incidentally, Reebok has even transformed one of its flagship store in Kolkata as ‘Reebok Knight Riders’ store. This store will have an entire floor showcasing the merchandise collection of the team. “This year, we will roll out such specialised stores only for the Kolkata team. In fact, we will set up two such stores even in Mumbai and New Delhi,” Mr Singh said.

 

Reebok globally is betting on India and China to grow its business. At present, the Indian operations are much bigger than China. Reebok has grown six times in the last four years in India. It currently has 675 stores across the country, which will be increased to 800 by fiscal end.

 

 

 

58. Shah Rukh Khan launches first Reebok Knight Riders Store in Kolkata

9 May, 2008

 

Reebok India on Friday created history of sorts by bringing sports and stardom together.

 

The official merchandise partner for Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL team owned by Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan, invited Khan to open its first Knight Riders store on Sarat Bose Road in Kolkata. Knight Rider's fanatics were bowled over at this unexpected treat.

 

Up for grabs at the store were specially designed Knight Riders footwear and apparel fan gear. The line is complete with accessories like caps, head bands, wristbands, bag packs etc. The merchandise is also available at Reebok stores across the country at a price band of Rs 149 to Rs 1899.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Subhinder Singh, Managing Director, Reebok India Company said: "It's pure passion and zeal which drives Reebok as a brand and we see a parallel in Shahrukh's Knight Riders with their courage, captivating spirit and endearing attitude coming in to play. As a sports brand we believe in fulfilling potential and we strive hard to provide the best to our athletes and our consumers. With this store which embodies the spirit of Knight Riders we invite everyone to be a part of this astonishing fervor and be the 12th man."

 

Shahrukh Khan's message to his fans was clear "Be a Knight with Reebok." At the store opening Shahrukh said, "In Reebok I see a perfect fit. They embody the spirit of fulfilling potential, they have the passion to nurture talent and the aggression to take sports to the next level. I am excited that Reebok has created a benchmark by opening an exclusive Reebok Kolkata Knight Riders store for the fans. Launching a Knight Riders special fan gear is an initiative to inspire the fans to wear their emotions on their sleeves thereby taking the "Real Knight" into their homes."

 

 

 

59. Kappa Unveils Its Sports Wear Range For Kids; Extends Support To Young Karting Champ Arjun Maini

5 May, 2008

 

Kappa, the Italian fashion sports wear brand introduced in India by LMG Brands, has launched its sports wear range for kids – Kappa Under 14. Comprising a distinct range for boys and girls, the collection has been designed to appeal to kids in the 4-14 age group. The brand has also marked the launch of Kappa Under 14 by extending support to Arjun Maini, the Under-12 National Karting Champion. The launch event saw Maini make his way to the audience through a power-packed karting spectacle.

 

Kappa Under 14 has been positioned as a sportswear brand with an emphasis on ‘active wear’ sporting the tagline ‘Look good on the move’. The range is priced between Rs 300 and Rs 1,000 and will be available through Kappa exclusive stores in Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad and Calicut. The range would be also present at large format stores.

 

Commenting on the launch, Johnny John, President, LMG Brands, said, “Kids in urban India are increasingly stepping out and choosing an active lifestyle for themselves. Sports and sports-related engagements are their preferred activities towards this end. The branded kids wear market in India till now had no dedicated offering in the sports wear segment. With Kappa Under 14, we are plugging this gap in the kids wear market and making available to kids an international range of active sportswear. The launch of Kappa Under 14 will be marked by our support to achievers and role models among kids in the sporting arena. The support to the little champ Arjun Maini under the aegis of Kappa Under 14 is the first step in that direction.”

 

Said Maini, “I love karting and want to continue achieving new heights in this sport. The support and confidence of Kappa Under 14 will go a long way in helping me achieve new milestones.”

 

The Kappa kids range has been put together on the basis of certain themes and activities and is in line with the adults range.

 

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