American watchmaker Timex Group India is deepening its retail footprint in India to drive growth in what is now one of its fastest-growing markets.
Speaking to businessline, Managing Director Deepak Chhabra said the company is significantly scaling its exclusive retail presence, even as it continues to rely on a broad distributor-led network. “Currently, we have about 45 stores, about 25 Timex World and 20 Just Watches. This will expand to around 300 doors,” he said, outlining plans to deepen visibility through franchise-led expansion.
Timex’s retail push comes despite a historically asset-light approach in India, where it has largely depended on distributors and multi-brand outlets. “We have about 80 distributors who, on average, serve about 50 retailers,” Chhabra noted, adding that this network already gives the brand access to nearly 2,000 points of sale.
However, the company now sees value in strengthening its own branded presence to complement this reach. “This 45 going to 300 is to gain more visibility… while we continue with third-party retailers,” he said, underscoring the shift towards a more balanced omnichannel strategy.
India’s unique retail landscape is also shaping Timex’s approach. “India is a country of shopkeepers… You have millions of stores,” Chhabra said, indicating that physical retail will continue to play a critical role even as e-commerce grows.
At the same time, the company is positioning India as a key growth engine globally. “India is the second biggest market for the group after the US… and also the fastest-growing,” he said, pointing to increasing focus from the global parent.
While premium licensed brands such as Versace and Guess are leading value growth and aiding margin expansion, the core Timex brand continues to anchor. volumes and distribution. At the same time, e-commerce is emerging as the fastest-growing channel for the company, expanding over 50 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y), even as offline trade remains the mainstay.