Page 95 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition March-April 2024

2013. This joint venture, backed by Marchon's
cutting-edge technology and our decades of
market insights, epitomises the fusion of global
excellence with local expertise.
Together, through our joint venture with
Marchon, we are committed to delivering
unparalleled value and satisfaction to Indian
consumers. By harnessing Marchon's innovative
design and technology alongside Sterling's
deep-rooted market understanding, we are
setting new benchmarks in the Indian eyewear
industry, reshaping the standards of quality,
innovation, and customer service.
KETAN PARIKH WITH NAVIN SANGHRAJKA
TIO: At present, which international eyewear AND JITENDRA PARIKH
brands is your company distributing in India?
What specialisation do you bring to these
brands in India?
KP: Currently, our company distributes
several renowned international eyewear brands
in India, including Tommy Hilfiger, French
Connection, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans,
Ferragamo, Lacoste, Nike, Bebe, Nautica, Paul
Smith, Longchamp, Converse, Lanvin, Zeiss,
Cutler & Gross, Victoria Beckham, DKNY, and
Karl Lagerfeld.
Our specialisation lies in our extensive market
knowledge and adept brand synergy. Sterling KETAN PARIKH, YUKTA MUKHI, JITENDRA PARIKH,
was among the pioneers in the licensing AMIT PARIKH & RAJESH PARIKH
business, a testament to our expertise in this
domain. The success of our licensed brands TIO: Offline vs Online – your take on these
such as Tommy Hilfiger, French Connection, aspects in respect to the Indian optical industry?
and others can be attributed to our deep
understanding of the market dynamics and KP: In the realm of the Indian optical industry,
effective brand alignment. the dichotomy between offline and online
operations presents a nuanced landscape for
Since the launch of Tommy Hilfiger Eyewear opticians to navigate. My perspective leans
in 2005 and French Connection in 2008, we have toward the establishment of an online presence,
been dedicated to preserving the essence of only for marketing purposes.
each brand while tailoring products to resonate
with Indian preferences. This meticulous The prevailing trajectory suggests that
approach has enabled us to maintain the integrating internet sales into retail strategies is
integrity of the brand DNA while adapting to the not a matter of if, but when. While the timeline
unique demands of the Indian market. may span over 5 to 10 years, it's evident that
online retailing for eyewear is evolving into a
As of 2024, we take pride in the fact that complementary avenue alongside traditional
Tommy Hilfiger stands as the second-largest brick-and-mortar establishments. This evolution
premium eyewear brand in India, a testament to is particularly noteworthy considering the tactile
our efforts in catering to the discerning Indian nature of eyewear products, which inherently
consumer base. demand a "touch and feel" experience.

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