Currently in India, the Raymond distribution network comprises of 20,000 retailers, over 256 exclusive Raymond shops in over 120 cities across the length and breadth of the country. Internationally Raymond has a presence in countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Middle East and in Europe.

In the Middle East itself there are 12 dealers stocking Raymond textiles and garments. Post distribution through multi-brand outlets this number is expected to grow to 50 in one year and 90 in two years.

The Group also has a network of dealers in Spain and Portugal through the recently acquired manufacturing company Regency Texteis Portuguesa Limitada. This provides the company with a manufacturing and distribution base in Europe.

The intention behind the expansion initiative is to offer width and penetration to the existing RAL distribution, hence reaching out to a wider audience. The Park Avenue and Parx range will now be available at more than 12 select Multi Brand Outlets across UAE. This will also enable the brands to expand its customer base in the UAE market, especially Dubai, targeting the huge expatriate, non resident Indian and the huge international population residing here.

Park Avenue is the leading and most respected brand in the Men s wear category in India. This is a leadership position it has held since its launch in 1985. Today the Park Avenue brand has a consolidated position as a complete wardrobe solutions brand for the Indian male and is the largest selling office wear and occasion wear brand in the country.

The Parx range of semi formal and casual cottons, denim wear and specialty fibre/ blends was launched in 1999 to cater to the smart, fashionable and comfortable clothing segment. The brand has met with huge success and has attained a leadership position in the leisurewear segment and continues to perform well in a highly competitive market.

While Parx shirts range between 65 Dhs.- 100 Dhs., Park Avenue shirts will be available between 74 Dhs.- 110 Dhs. The entire range will be available at leading Multi Brand Outlets in the UAE like Lulu s, K M Enterprise and others.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Gautam Singhania, CMD, Raymond Limited, said "The Raymond name symbolizes quality, leadership and excellence and as a company has always stood for setting standards in ethical business performance, innovations and services. With our history of more than 75 years, we rely on our long-standing reputation and loyal customer base. While we have mastered the art of making quality fabrics, our objective is now on attaining a significant global position in the textile and ready-made segment. Our aim is to be amongst the considered brands in the world and to have the mind share of leading garment manufacturers and the best brands globally."

Adding to this, Mr. Nabankur Gupta, Group President, Raymond Limited, said, "We are in the business of building brands and want to consolidate and expand our growth drivers namely, the existing ranges of apparel brands. We also have plans to enhance our product portfolio by whenever strategically necessary introducing new brands. With a capacity of 25 million meters of wool & wool blended fabrics, Raymond ranks among the top three integrated producers in the world and has a 60% market share in India alone. Raymond as a group enjoys a huge advantage over the competition - that of vertical integration - right from manufacturing, to ready-to-wear to distribution."

He further said, "Internationally we are known to be quality suppliers of fabric to many leading global brands, having a consolidated position in the global fabric exports market. We export suiting to more than 50 countries including USA, Canada, Europe, Japan and the Middle East. Exploring potential markets for our expansion is one of our prime focuses."

The Raymond Top Dealers Conference is held every three years to felicitate & honor the top performers of the company. The XIII Top Dealers Conference has been themed as OVATION 2002 and is being held in Dubai, where 880 delegates, agents and wholesalers from India and Middle-East have been brought together to participate in the event. The event comprises of various activities followed by the award ceremony where the award for "Excellence in Sales" for the year 1999, 2000 and 2001 will also be announced.

On this special occasion, Raymond also introduced a new collection of exquisite fabric for the coming season - The Gold Leaf Collection . Apart from this the Renaissance collection, Saffire, Eleganza, Celebrity and Avante Garde was launched earlier for the coming season. This was done keeping its tradition of innovating new designs and is part of the Company s continuing effort to offer new products to its discerning customers.

Raymond has always stood for quality, excellence and leadership and has
several export awards to its credit. Some of these are:

• Trophy for Highest Export Performance in the Woollen/ Worsted Fabrics
  category for the year 1996-97 from WWEPC (Wool & Wollens Export Promotion Council)
  
• Certificate of Merit for Growth in Exports in the Woollen/ Shoddy Blankets category for the year 1996-97 from WWEPC (Wool & Wollens Export Promotion Council)
  
• Trophy for Highest Export Performance in the Woollen/ Worsted Fabrics
  category for the year 1999-00 from WWEPC (Wool & Wollens Export Promotion Council)
  
• Trophy for excellence in Export Performance in the Blended Fabrics of
  Synthetic Fibres and Natural Fibres for the year 1999-00 from SRTPEC (The Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council)
  
• Trophy for excellence in Export Performance in the Blended Fabrics of
  Synthetic Fibres and Natural Fibres for the year 2000-01 from SRTPEC (The Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council)

Raymond Limited, incorporated in 1925, is India s leading producer of worsted suiting fabric with a 60% market share. Besides worsted textiles, the Raymond Group has business interest in denim, readymade garments, engineering tools and files, cosmetics and toiletries, prophylactics and air charter operations. The group has an overseas manufacturing facility in Indonesia (Files and Drills) and textiles sales and distribution offices located in London and Switzerland.

The Raymond Group is a Rs. 1400 crore plus conglomerate. Raymond is focusing on its core businesses like Textiles, Readymade Garments and Engineering Files and Tools and Men s Toiletries.