Fabindia’s Doha outlet inaugurated

Renowned Indian brand Fabindia’s first exclusive store in Qatar has started functioning at The Center shopping complex in Doha.R K Singh, deputy chief of mission at the Indian embassy, cut the ceremonial ribbon on Thursday to mark the opening of the showroom in the presence of Qatari partner Mohamed al-Khater, managing partner Shoaib Khan and other dignitaries.The Doha outlet is the brand’s fourth in the Gulf region, with the other three located in the UAE.Overall, Fabindia has 242 stores in 93 cities across India, with 10 stores abroad. It is promoted by Fabric India Trading, belonging to Golden Star Business Solution.Fabindia has 245 exclusive franchisees spread over 91 Indian cities and about 20 international outlets in more than 10 countries.At the showroom’s opening, Khan said the Doha outlet will feature men’s and women’s garments, kids’ apparel, ethnic designs, furnishing, bedsheets, and handwoven, handcrafted and printed fabrics, among others.Handmade furniture and handcrafted jewellery imported from India would also be available soon.The 57-year-old company has carved out a niche for itself over the decades. With a pan-India presence, Fabindia is one of the largest private platforms for products that derive from traditional crafts and knowledge.A considerable part of these goods is sourced from rural areas in India where Fabindia is working in tandem with artisan groups.The Fabindia range “combines the elegance and comfort of a variety of natural materials such as cotton and silk, with traditional craft techniques — intricate weaves, patterns and vibrant colours that showcase the heritage of India”, according to a statement. “The company acts as a bridge that links the urban consumer and the rural producer, translating urban demand for rural producers, and giving a traditional product a contemporary context.”