Lakme acquired Littlewoods International's India operations in March 1998. Tata was here on Friday for the re-christening of the Bangalore store which will be called `Westside.' The company is also planning two new stores, one each in Chennai and Hyderabad. The stores will be opened around Christmas this year.

The relaunched store will house western clothing for men, women and children, a household items section, cosmetics, perfumes, jewellery sections, a gift shop and a coffee shop. The articles will be sourced from various independent suppliers and sold under established sub-brands like Stone River Classic and Chinos.

The company is aiming at a total of 10 stores throughout the country by the end of the current fiscal, he said. Several places including Mumbai, Pune, Mangalore and Kochihave been identified for the purpose. The company plans to invest around Rs 100 crore on the new chain of Westside stores.

Lakme Exports is also eying the possibility of retailing in other sectors including hardware and engineering products. Plans are underway to source various businesses with retailing potential.

The new chain will break even within one year, Tata said. The pricing strategy has deliberately been designed is such a way that it provides fashionable products at affordable prices, he added.