Raymond Lifestyle to Hire 9,000 Workers for 900 New Stores in Expansion Push

Raymond Lifestyle, a leading Indian apparel brand, is set to hire approximately 9,000 workers to support the aggressive expansion of its retail footprint over the next three years. The company plans to add hundreds of new stores during this period, as confirmed by Group Chairman Gautam Singhania in an interview with Reuters.

Founded in 1925, Raymond has a long-standing presence in India's textile and fashion industry. Earlier this year, the company spun off its lifestyle division as part of a broader strategy aimed at simplifying its business structure. This move was intended to attract more investors and help the standalone entity gain access to additional capital for expansion.

Raymond’s upcoming hiring spree aligns with its plan to open about 900 new outlets across India. "On average, the company plans to hire 10 employees per store," said Singhania. While the Chairman did not reveal the current workforce size at Raymond's nearly 1,500 existing stores, this expansion is expected to significantly boost employment in the retail sector.

In addition to retail hiring, Raymond Lifestyle will also expand its workforce in its factories to increase production capacity, addressing the growing demand for its garments. This comes at a time when Bangladesh, a key apparel manufacturing hub, is facing challenges due to political unrest and floods. While Singhania did not provide specific details about the manufacturing expansion, it is clear that Raymond aims to strengthen its production capabilities to maintain its competitive edge.

Rising Global Demand for Raymond’s Apparel

Raymond Lifestyle's customer base includes well-known international retailers such as JC Penney and Macy's. According to Singhania, the company is seeing a surge in inquiries from global clients, many of whom are shifting their sourcing to India due to disruptions in other manufacturing hubs. As a result, "brands have decided to move to India to meet their requirements," Raymond Group Chairman Gautam Singhania said, emphasizing India's growing role in global apparel production.

Raymond’s garments business, which exports to key markets such as the United States, Europe, and Japan, generated sales of Rs 1,139 crore (approximately $135.5 million) last year. This division now accounts for more than 10% of Raymond Group's total revenue, showcasing its significance to the company's overall business.

Entry into India’s Fast Fashion Market

In addition to its expansion plans, Raymond Lifestyle is also eyeing the fast-growing fast fashion segment in India. The fast fashion market has been booming, driven by consumer demand for affordable, trendy clothing. Singhania noted that the Tata Group-owned Zudio brand has made significant strides in this space. "Zudio has done very well," Singhania remarked, acknowledging the potential in this segment.

Trent Ltd, which owns Zudio, has been outperforming competitors, especially as budget-conscious consumers flock to its stores. Offering items like dresses and perfumes priced under Rs 999 (around $12), Zudio has captured a loyal customer base. Raymond Lifestyle is closely watching these trends and is exploring its own entry into this growing market.

With these aggressive expansion plans and entry into new segments, Raymond Lifestyle is positioning itself to strengthen its presence in both domestic and international markets, further enhancing its brand legacy.

Conclusion:

Raymond Lifestyle's aggressive expansion plans mark a pivotal moment for the iconic Indian apparel brand. With its ambitious goal to open 900 new stores and hire 9,000 workers over the next three years, the company is poised for significant growth in both domestic and global markets. As international clients increasingly shift their sourcing to India, Raymond is strategically expanding its manufacturing capacity to meet the rising demand.

Additionally, its exploration of the fast fashion segment underscores the company’s commitment to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. With a legacy dating back to 1925, Raymond Lifestyle is not only strengthening its retail presence but also positioning itself as a key player in the global apparel landscape.