In July we had broken the news about Jyothy Laboratories entering the organized laundry services segment with the launch of Fabric Spa laundry. Today, Delhi based Diamond Fabcare has joined hands with Australian laundry major Brown Gouge to launch Wardrobe branded laundry chain in India.
An investment of Rs 150 crore is proposed during the first phase of setting up Wardrobe outlets, mostly in the Northern part of India. Mr. Tim Mottin of Brown Gouge said,
We have been scouting for a partner for the last seven years to enter India. With lifestyle changes sweeping India, it is a good market for us to explore. Currently there are no organized chains in this business. We are also looking forward to improve the standards in the dry cleaning and laundry segment.
The dry cleaning and laundry industry is currently pegged at Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 crore in India and is expected to grow by 20% YoY. Wardrobe plans to open 30 company owned outlets by the end of 2008.
With the rise in working women and rapid awareness towards dressing rights fueled by the growth in hospitality and retail sector is a big booster for the laundry business. Fabric Spa laundry in the South and Wardrobe in the North, the lucrative Western Indian market is still up for grabs 🙂