Funskool aims to increase retail network by 10 pct

Toy maker Funskool India is looking to increase its retail distribution network by 10 per cent this fiscal.

Toy maker Funskool India is looking to increase its retail distribution network by 10 per cent this fiscal year as part of the company’s strategy to increase its share in the estimated Rs 1,250-crore domestic toy market.

“We are currently present through 4,000 retailers including large format chains like Shopper’s Stop. This year we are looking at increasing our retail network by at least 10 per cent and our focus is more on Tier II and III cities,” Funskool India Ltd General Manager (Sales and Marketing) R Jeswant said.

He said the company is in talks with some major retail chains to merchandise its toys,but refused to reveal their identity.

“The Indian organised toy market is growing at around 15 per cent annually and Tier II and III cities are fast emerging as major markets. Our aim is to tap these centres and for that we are keen on expanding our retail network to at least 4,500 retail selling points by the end of this fiscal,” Jeswant said.

Funskool India,the joint venture between tyre major MRF and Germany-based Hasbro Inc,is aiming for a 15 per cent growth in turnover this fiscal at Rs 65 crore.

“We are aiming for an annual turnover of Rs 65 crore in 2009-10,up from the figure of Rs 50 crore reported last fiscal,” Jeswant added.