VLCC to launch 60 exclusive retail stores shortly

"We will launch exclusive outlets called Beauty Zones that will offer only our products and some dry services like reflexology (foot massaging). We took eight months to pilot the concept and will start rolling out the stores from next month. These outlets will come up in high footfall areas at malls. We will invest Rs 35-40 crore for this," VLCC Healthcare managing director Sandeep Ahuja told PTI here.

Ahuja further said the company will launch its nutraceutical range from April or May. "Nutraceuticals will be multivitamins, something for gastro and ortho ailments, as well as for liver care. These are not medicinal but additives," he said.

The Delhi-based firm recently launched its anti-pollution range (a part of skincare) and is bullish on the brand. "The response to the anti-pollution range has been positive and it may go on to become a multi-crore brand in itself. I cannot give you more details now. Our next launch in the personal care side will be an extension of this range. We will be adding three more products in this area," he said.

VLCC, which has 163 slimming and beauty centres in 102 cities, plans to open 15 new company-owned outlets this fiscal, Ahuja said.

The company also expects to double its franchisee outlets from the current 35 to 70 within a year and aims to be a Rs 1,400-crore company in the next two years with an investment of Rs 200 for the next two years.