All Section

French menswear leader Celio is executing a decisive shift in its Indian footprint, transitioning from standard boutiques to expansive large-format stores. Under the leadership of Francois Gomez, Chief Operating Officer, the brand is targeting high-growth urban corridors with retail spaces spanning up to 5,000 sq ft - nearly double its traditional footprint. Recently showcased at the Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai, this maneuver aims to transform physical outlets into experiential ‘wardrobe destinations.’ By providing a comprehensive lifestyle expression, Celio intends to move beyond basic essentials into structured categories like premium suiting and linen, which have witnessed high double-digit demand in the 2025-26 fiscal cycle.

Honest pricing as a competitive moat

Departing from the industry’s reliance on deep discounting, Gomez is championing a ‘smart value’ proposition tailored to a more evolved Indian consumer. While the domestic market is often perceived as price-sensitive, Celio’s internal data reveals a preference for product integrity over temporary markdowns. The brand is reinforcing its ‘DNA of honesty,’ launching global Paris collections in India simultaneously with European markets to ensure stylistic parity. With a targeted CAGR of 25 per cent for the next 24 months, Celio is leveraging its vertically integrated global supply chain to maintain competitive entry points - starting at Rs 1,999 for shirts - while doubling its marketing spend to 8 per cent of revenue.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Saint-Ouen, France, Celio is a leading international menswear brand. In India, it operates over 65 standalone stores and 600+ points of sale. The brand is currently focused on an aggressive ‘Vision 2028’ plan, prioritizing large-format flagship stores in top-tier metros and a 35 per cent growth in digital D2C channels.

LATEST FASHION NEWS