The company announced the launch of Raymond Finely Crafted Garments which offers the customers same Raymond brand promise of ‘Trust, Excellence, Quality and Leadership’ in an exclusive formal range of ‘classic’ apparels and accessories.

Raymond Finely Crafted Garments (Raymond FCG) is the new sensational experience from the House of Raymond. Every suit, shirt and trouser is a paradigm in comfort and style with its meticulous crafting and rich fabric.

The careful construction and attention to detail is evident in every inch of Raymond FCG. Each garment has been crafted using top of the line fabrics like fine Merino Wool and its blends, 100% Egyptian cotton etc.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, Raymond Ltd said, “The name Raymond evokes imagery of four values tightly woven into a cohesive whole: Trust, Excellence, Quality and Leadership.

For over 80 years, Raymond has been providing its customers with the best in fashion and style. Raymond is the first choice of millions and is the leading menswear brand in the country.

With the launch of Raymond Finely Crafted Garments, we are extending the same brand experience to our discerning customers.

Targeted towards those who seek the trusted ‘Raymond’ quality, the Raymond Finely Crafted Garments would offer classic wardrobe solutions for the complete man.”

Added Mr. Shreyas Joshi, President, Raymond Apparel, “With the evolving work environment and global media onslaught, the wardrobe of widely traveled Indian consumer has grown exponentially.

The emphasis is on comfort, convenience and style. He further said, “The premium and the super premium Men’s wear market in India is estimated at a whopping. Raymond Finely Crafted Garments will vie for this market, which is growing at 25% year-on-year.”

The first ever Raymond Finely Crafted Garments collection will feature the Autumn Winter 2007 range of the finest shirts, trousers and suits – all styled to perfection with the characteristic ‘classic’ feel.

In Phase I, the collection will be retailed through over 125 customer touch points including select ‘The Raymond Shops’, Exclusive Brand Outlets, Multi-brand outlets and large format stores.

Chinese apparel group Baoxiniao has announced plans to open about 100 new specialty stores in 2009.

The company announced the plan during its 2008 annual general meeting and it was revealed that Baoxiniao will invest CNY107.94 million to build its chain marketing network in 2009. Under the company’s principle of prudence in opening new stores, it will limit the growth rate of its business suit specialty stores to about 7%. For fashion brand specialty stores, after the closure of poorly-performing stores, the total number of new stores will be around 100.

Zhou Xinzhong, the chairman of Baoxiniao Group, told local media that in 2009, its headquarters will start to build a modern distribution center and the company will select sites nationwide to open its specialty stores. It will develop at least as many sites in 2009 as it did in 2008.

Founded in 1996, Baoxiniao Group is a group that combines industrial management and capital management, and is involved in designing, producing and selling up market garments and acting as agent for international brands. The company currently operates apparel brands such as Saint Angelo, S. Angelo, and Bono.