India's first gold souk to bring global brands closer home

Saturday, 02 October 2004, 19:30 IST
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GURGAON: India's first gold souk set to open in this suburban boom town later this month will see the launch of some international brands in the country and bring together an array of talented designers and top jewellers. The top names that have booked space in the air-conditioned, speciality mall here - on the southern edge of New Delhi, already home to many gleaming malls and entertainment haunts - promise to dazzle customers for choice. Chairman and managing director of Aerens Gold Souk International Surendra Gupta told IANS: "The souk will house over 35 major national and international brands while providing the customers with the choice to mix and match with traditional jewellery from some of the top jewellers and designers in the country." "With India having liberalised import of gold and allowed for replenishment against exports, there is a sea change in retailing that will see more international brands coming in," said president of Aerens Gold Souk GS Pillai. In the last stages of completion, the glass-facade Gold Souk designed by Oliver Vidal of US-based Swanke Hayden and Associate will have, when it opens on October 22, have a full floor devoted to branded jewellery ranging from brands like Victoria and Margerita from Italy, Hammer Plus from Germany and Celeste of Britain among others. Two major names in West Asia -- Alukkas and D'Damas from Dubai are also opening outlets at the souk. Many brands well known in India like Asmi of the Diamond Trading Corp would also be available at the souk, along side fares of some of the top jewellers of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major jewellery hubs.
Source: IANS