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TONI
& GUY TO SET UP HAIRDRESSING ACADEMIES IN INDIA
By Shweta Thakur, New Delhi, January 22, 2008 (IANS)
Global
hairdressing brand Toni & Guy is set to give India's hairstyling
institutes a run for their money with its decision to set up four
academies in the country by the end of March 2009 at a cost of no
less than Rs.10 million. The academies will offer five types of
courses - beginners, advance, men's hairstyling, classic and speed.
Their length would vary from three days to six months.
"We
want to convert hairstyling into a career option. Hence, we are
planning to open four Toni & Guy hairdressing academies in the
country," says Rohit Sood, director, sales and marketing, Brushman
India Limited. The Delhi-based company distributes, markets and
promotes the UK based brand Toni & Guy. "The first one
is expected to come up in New Delhi South Extension (NDSE) by the
beginning of April this year, followed by Mumbai in September. Six
months after Mumbai, two academies would be set up in Bangalore
and Kolkata," added Sood.
He
said that each academy would have two batches of 15 students, two
classrooms and two practical areas. The initial investment for each
institute would be no less than Rs.10 million. Commenting on course
fee, Sood said: "It is too premature to talk about the course
fee, as we have not zeroed in on it yet". However, much before
the academy kicks off, the trainers would be selected via a free
nationwide hairdresser hunt the ads for which will roll out in two
weeks.
"The
hunt will start with Mumbai and then move on to Pune, Delhi, Bangalore.
Only those having at least five years of working experience as a
hairstylist with some renowned brand can take the auditions,"
said Bina Punjani, head of the Toni & Guy academies (India).
"To
succeed, contestants will do three haircuts - man, long hair and
short hair. Finally, eight short listed participants will sign a
five-year bond with us and take one-month training under me. After
which they will be sent to London for another six weeks' training.
When they return, they would train students in the academy here,"
explained Punjani. Sood pointed that the company would be flexible
with the remuneration of the trainers.
Speaking
about the target customers and competitors, he said: "We are
targeting the ever increasing middle class of the country. Sustainable
economic growth, larger disposable incomes and increasing fashion
consciousness make India a perfect market for us."
"We
face no competition from any indigenous brand as there is huge difference
of class," said Sood, adding that after getting its hands on
trained staff the brand also plans to come up with its first salon
in the capital soon.
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