LifeStyle International (P) Limited was incorporated in India in 1988 by the Landmark Group, Dubai. The Landmark Group started about 25 years ago with a single LifeStyle store and over the years has expanded to 170 stores. They have a strong presence in the Gulf, Middle East and Cyprus, and have already made a mark for themselves in India. The first of their stores in India opened in Chennai in 1998, followed by one in Hyderabad next year and finally now in Bangalore. LifeStyle India has already invested Rs 40 crore in India and plans an additional investment of Rs 100 crore in the next two years by setting up two more stores.

Now to concentrate on their Bangalore store, when asked how the store intends to compete with the popularity of already established chain stores like Shoppers' Stop and Bombay Store, Managing Director, LifeStyle India, H. Ramanathan, said that the store is already recognised as a more fashionable and trendy store across India with a merchandise that is vibrant. Everything about the store screams global presence and international standards.

There could be questions on the prudence of opening a store when the economy seems to be in a slush and customer spending is low. However, Ramanathan says that they are optimistic about this yet another economic cycle. Sales and buying will catch up in the next month and by then they should be settled and all set to go. They are expecting a turnover of Rs 12-13 lakh a day, which adds up to a cool Rs 43 to 45 crores a year. Ambitious! They expect 50-60% of their shoppers to fall in the category of the people with high, disposable incomes with an attitude to shop at a drop of their hat.

The LifeStyle Store in Bangalore as elsewhere in India, brings together five Concept Stores under one roof, thereby offering a convenient one-stop shop for customers. The five Concept Stores are Baby Shop - an extensive collection of children's wear, toys, infant basics and nursery furniture; Splash - formal, casual, western and Indian fashion garments for men and women; Shoe Mart - bringing together the largest collection in the city of shoes and related accessories for men, women and children; Home Centre - with a collection of household products and accessories like linen and furnishing, glassware, crockery, cutlery and furniture; and Lifestyle - with beauty and health products like perfumes and cosmetics, fashion accessories and gifts. Besides stocking well established Indian and international brands, the LifeStyle Store will also stock its own in-house labels in each Concept Store. The Managing Director especially emphasised the uniqueness of their Shoe Mart where a shopper can take shoes off the counter without having to wait to be serviced. Besides LifeStyle has a tie up with Music World to manage and operate a Music Department within the store.

For shoppers looking for a quick break during shopping, LifeStyle offers a range of exotic coffees and snacks through Qwicky's Coffee Island. The Qwicky's Coffee Island is part of the Chimiyo Chains and the chain's first outlet in the city of Bangalore.

"We are able to leverage our experience in the industry and our extensive network to source some exclusive imported merchandise and offer it to our consumers at prices that are competitive," said V Muralidharan, Vice President, Operations, LifeStyle India. Glassware from Spain, crockery from UK and Sri Lanka, Teen Fashions from China, Bath salts, foams, crystals and bath-gift packages from China and Thailand are some of the international products that are available at the LifeStyle store in Bangalore.

Adding to the entire retail experience is the ambient lighting and modular fittings sourced from all over the world and designed by the Landmark Group's in-house architects based in Dubai.

The Store already has most things going for it. Both Chennai and Hyderabad have received the store very well. It is already popular among the travelling professionals both in India and abroad. So eventually…It's the choice of a LifeStyle now for the city's shoppers!

Address: LifeStyle Store,
"Adarsh Opus"
Richmond-Victoria Road Junction
Bangalore
Phone: 5564555

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