Titan Industries, which has been distributing Tommy Hilfiger watches in the country since 2003, will continue to market and sell the watches in India. “Tommy Hilfiger buying out the Murjani group's licence for Tommy Hilfiger trademarks in India will not affect our relationship with Tommy.
Earlier, we were selling Tommy Hilfiger watches in India through the Murjani group. Now, we will directly deal with Tommy Hilfiger,” said Mr Harish Bhat, Chief Operating Officer, Titan Industries.
Tommy Hilfiger watches are a leading brand in the fashion watches category, said Mr Bhat. “We had an excellent relationship with the Murjanis. With Tommy getting direct control in India, they will invest in the watch business too.”
The average price of a Tommy Hilfiger watch is Rs 6,000.
Tommy Hilfiger sells about 1 lakh watches a year in India, said Mr Bhat. The watches are sold in World of Titan and Helios showrooms, owned by Titan Industries. The Tommy Hilfiger brand was launched in India in 2004 by Mr Mohan Murjani, who sub-licensed apparel, footwear and handbags to Arvind Murjani Brands.
The Murjani group sub-licensed categories of Tommy Hilfiger to other Indian companies – Titan Industries for watches, Baccarose for perfume, Eastman Clothing for underwear, Sierra Industries for footwear and Sterling Metaplast for eyewear.