Swiss Military will invest Rs 200 cr, open 4,000 India outlets

Lifestyle product brand Swiss Military is expanding its presence in the country with an investment of Rs 200 crore and 4,000 new stores in the next two years. 

The $300 million privately held company, which has operations across 26 countries and brand registration across 40 markets, started India operations in 2010 with a 'four-phase' expansion strategy, a top company executive said on Tuesday.

"We will roll out the third phase of Indian expansion in November with a complete retail launch and <g data-gr-id="17">franchisee</g> operations," Anuj Sawhney, managing director of Swiss Military Worldwide said here. "We are investing Rs 200 crore in expansions and will set up 4000 outlets, both exclusive and through franchisees in the next two years," he added.

The company is starting its retail expansion with 11 exclusive stores and 160 <g data-gr-id="15">franchisee</g> operations by November, he added. "If our expansion is on track, the company is considering listing on the 

Indian bourses by 2017, which is the fourth phase of our India strategy," Sawhney indicated.

The company started retailing items including pens, wallets, key chains and others in 2010. In its first phase of expansion, it began as a corporate gifting solution.