Raymond Lifestyle, the newly spun-off entity from the Raymond Group, is gearing up for its much-anticipated stock market listing. The company, which houses the group’s apparel business, is poised to become a standalone entity, offering investors a unique opportunity to participate in its growth.
Gautam Singhania, chairman and managing director of the Raymond Group, expressed his optimism about the company’s future in an interview. As Raymond Lifestyle approaches its centennial in 2025, Singhania shares his vision for the company and highlights the strategic steps taken to position it for success.
One of the key factors driving the demerger is to unlock value for shareholders. By separating the apparel business from the rest of the group, Raymond Lifestyle will have a clearer focus and can be more easily compared to similar companies in the market. Singhania emphasised that the company’s wedding collection, apparel business, and export business can be benchmarked against industry leaders like Manyavar, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, and Gokaldas, respectively.
To fuel its growth, Raymond Lifestyle plans to expand its retail footprint significantly. The company intends to open 300 new stores in the coming year, both exclusive brand outlets and The Raymond Shop, primarily through a franchise model. This expansion strategy aims to increase brand visibility and reach a wider customer base.
Singhania also highlighted the company’s strengthened governance structure. The board of directors now includes several prominent industry leaders, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. This enhanced governance is expected to provide valuable guidance as Raymond Lifestyle navigates its growth journey.
While the company’s past may have presented challenges, Singhania remains focused on the present and future. He emphasised the company’s strong performance in recent years and expressed confidence in its ability to achieve its growth targets. Raymond Lifestyle has set ambitious goals for revenue and profit growth, aiming to increase top-line revenue by 15% and boost bottom line and operating profit by 20%.
As Raymond Lifestyle prepares for its stock market debut, investors will be closely watching to see how the company fares. With its strong brand, growth potential, and experienced leadership, Raymond Lifestyle is poised to make a significant impact in the apparel industry.
