Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 28: Tata Group-owned Trent Limited is reportedly downing shutters on its affordable ‘Utsa’ brand stores gradually as it is being reportedly reasoned out that the ethnicwear format has failed to generate sufficient sales and profitability, but media reports have simultaneously not vouched for the veracity.
As per media reports, “While over 20 stores have been opened across India, the first standalone store was opened in Pune in 2019, and four other major standalone stores were opened in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram among others.”
Media reports added, “The ‘Utsa’ brand was initially a sub-brand within the Westside’s ethnicwear portfolio offering affordable kurtas, kurta sets, salwar suits and dresses in the price range of Rs 1,000-Rs3,000.”
Media reports have also elaborated that, “Trent Limited was originally incorporated as Lakme Limited (Lakme) on December 5, 1952, that was in the business of manufacturing, sale, and export of cosmetics, toiletries and perfumery products. In 1998, Lakme decided to divest from its cosmetics business to pursue apparel retailing by opening a chain of departmental stores across the country. In March 1998, Lakme acquired Littlewoods International (India) Private Limited (LIIPL) from Littlewoods International Limited (LIL), United Kingdom (UK). With effect from January 1, 1998, Lakme Exports Limited, a subsidiary of Lakme, was amalgated with LIIPL and the merged entity was named as Trent Limited. Subsequently, Trent Limited was amalgated with Lakme with effect from July 1, 1998, and the name of Lakme Limited was changed to ‘Trent Limited’. As a part of Tata Group, Trent’s flagship concept ‘Westside’ offers branded fashion apparel, footwear and accessories for women, men and children, along with a range of home furnishings and decors.”
Media reports have also added that, “Trent’s value fashion concept ‘Zudio’ offers fashion at irresistible prices for men, women and children, while ‘Utsa’ is a modern Indian woman’s lifestyle and ethnic wear brand under ‘Westside’ offering curated apparel, footwear, innerwear, beauty and accessories that blend traditional and contemporary styles.”
