J. K. Fashions Private Limited

Take Time Off For a Shirt  [11-FEB-09]

Press Clipping
Publications: The Hindu
Date : Monday, April 18, 2005
Edition : All Karnataka (Metro plus)
Page : 03

WAITING FOR YOUR FIGHT? CHECK OUT KARSLBURG SHIRTS AT THE AIRPORT

After battling with bumper-to-bumper traffic, you get into the airport just making it on time only to be informed that your flight is delayed. You have a whole extra hour to spend. Nothing like drinking a cup of coffee, reading a novel or just looking at co-passengers — what they chat or look like. After all this or with none of this, you can window shop, even buy things trendy. Karlsburg is a place where you can do that. It gives you shirts that are value for money. Would you believe Bangalore Airport can give you something like this? And after the security check?

The brand name Karlsburg comes from a small town in Germany. The shirts Karlburg offers is men's wear, casual and formal, in sizes up to 46 inches. The shirts come in a wide range of shades that are lively, yet not loud and in fabric that is cool cotton, jute linen, and silk. If you are flashy and like party wear, there is the floral print variety.

The prices are a sell-over given it's an airport. You can pick any shirt priced between Rs. 475 and Rs. 595. If the fabric is silk, you cough up Rs. 775 to Rs. 825.

Says Ranjit Jacob, Managing Director, Karlsburg: "We have deliberately kept the prices low as we would like to cater to a wide market. The idea is not to be exclusive but provide value for money."

Besides, shirts, T-shirts, trousers and a small variety of ties, also on offer are T-shirts coming at Rs. 575 and trousers at Rs. 725 are more than reasonable.

Ranjit says Karlsburg is currently working on producing sizes that will "fit men who have a large abdomen". "For this we plan to shape the shirt accordingly so that it is not tight around the stomach."

Just great looks?

But how are the prices low when the fabric used is not inexpensive? "We have low overheads. Besides, we are catering to men in the age group of 25 and 30 years. Men in this age group are not fussy about brand. They are looking for good fabric, good fit and attractive prices," says Mr. Jacob.

The unusual aspect to the Karlsburg outlet is that it first comes up at the airport and then travels to the city. That's how it's been with the metros. How does the outlet at the Airport here work out? Would it restrict the market only to airport users? "At the airport, a minimum of 2,000 people travel everyday. And a significant number of people visit our outlet as they wait for the boarding announcement. We do have a second outlet within the city, which is accessible to all people."

Rajagopal, a sales person based in Mumbai, who stepped into the outlet to purchase shirts, says the colour range is wide and unique, some of which are not available in other popular brands. "The fabric too is good and you get value for money."

Another customer, Lukose Vallatharai, an IAS officer based in Bangalore says the product is good value for money. "The fabric, colour and fit are good. The shirts are easily comparable in quality to the Rs. 800-shirts from other brands. But given the price range, it would make sense to have the first outlet in the city, outside the airport, so it is accessible to a wider market."

Yet, inside the airport, it seems a good stop over for waiting men. The shop is located at the departure lounge after security check and is open all days between 4.30 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Karlsburg Launched in Kuwait  [28-APR-09]

Indian ambassador Ajai Malhotra inaugurated the newly launched menswear brand Karlsburg at the City Centre last week. A host of members from the Indian community attended the inauguration ceremony to witness the launch of the brand in Kuwait.

Ajay Goel presented the ambassador with the first shirt to officially launch the brand in City Centre across Kuwait.

Complete Man  [28-APR-09]

While there'll always be a debate about the efficacy of sports and Bollywood stars as brand endorsers, South Indian apparel brand Karlsburg has decided to go an alternative route. We noticed this ad, featuring CavinKare MD CK Ranganathan, (aka the shampoo-sachet man) in a recent issue of an inflight magazine. Kudos to Ranganathan for what we assume is an alternative revenue model to low-cost personal care products, and kudos the brand, for some inventive media planning too!

Shop Before You Take Off  [28-APR-09]

Press Clipping
Published : Vijay Times
Date: Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Edition: Bangalore
Page: 04


ALREADY at the airport and you forgot to pack your favourite tie for the business conference you are going to attend? Cool it,  you need not worry about such goof up's anymore.

JK Textiles, a popular apparel brand has set a new milieu in men's fashion wear with its launch at the Bangalore airport. The brand is an offshoot of Kavita Exports that specialises in international clothing.

Though new in the market, the brand is doing  good  business in  other cities like Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Coimbatore. In the next six months, JK Textiles is planning to open three outlets in the City.

"We are planning to expand our business up to the north and west, once we become popular in the south," said Ranjit Jacob, the man behind the brand Karlsburg.

The organisation is planning to open up its next airport outlet in Hyderabad, followed by Mumbai and Delhi.

More than 25 years in the export business and a genuine interest in textiles inspired Ranjit Jacob to invest and think big about his brand.

The brand prefers to concentrate on mens wear for the time being. A variety of garments, both formal and informal wear are available in a varied range of colours.

"Our collection changes every 45 days in terms of style and texture. We have our own Mumbai based dress designer. Besides we also take designs from the international market," says Ranjit.

Apart from an impressive collection of shirts, T shirts. trousers and shorts, men's accessories are  also available here.

The brand has also introduced its summer collection. "The USP of our brand is availability of dresses in all sizes, ranging from 38 to XXXL. The products are priced reasonably too anywhere between Rs 545 to Rs 825," he adds.

The biggest advantage of JK Textiles is that even after checking in, passengers can go ahead and finish last minute shopping in the airport.