Fossil Group Foray into India's Wearable Market

Fossil Group has forayed into the wearable device market by unveiling a range of connected devices across six of its owned and licensed brands – Fossil Q, Michael Kors Connected, Skagen Connected, Chaps, Emporio Armani and Misfit.

Fossil Group is uniquely positioned to create a broad variety of connected products that appeal to both fashion and the technology minded through its range of smart watches, hybrid watches and fitness trackers.

Inspired by the growing digital influence on the world today, the new wearables infuse technology into traditional timepieces to create devices that brings to life creativity, connectivity and style in a seamless manner.

Customers today are increasingly looking to stay connected to the world around them, with real-time updates about daily activities, curated content and social networks.

Wearable technology is not only aiding but leading this growing trend of being constantly connected; the segment has recorded a 41.9% growth in Q2 2016 as per the International Data Corporation. Fossil Group’s foray into the wearable space will further the convergence of fashion and technology while enhancing the consumer's personal style.

The foray will also strengthen the Group’s foothold in the Indian market: both through its existing watch distribution (600+ points of sale) and new doors in the consumer electronic and technology channels.

Announcing the launch in India, Jack Quinlan, Senior Vice-President, APAC, Fossil Group stated, “It is our constant endeavor to offer products that not only appeal to our consumers’ sense of style but also meet their changing requirements. India is the fastest growing market in the APAC region with a CAGR of more than 40%. Smartwatches are slated to constitute about 40 per cent of wearable devices by the end of 2016 and through the launch of the new range we aim to capture a considerable share of the market. With the growing penetration of digital technology we recognized the need to meet the requirements of the millennial trendsetter”.

Sonny Vu, President & CTO, Connected Devices, Fossil Group, explained “Consumers are looking for their wrist-wear to do more, not just tell the time or be a fashion accessory. Fossil Group has invested huge resources across the globe, in some of the finest engineering talent, to bring cutting edge technology to our brands, while preserving and enhancing aesthetics. No one wants to walk around with a calculator-like machine strapped to their wrist!!” He added, “Indians are very passionate about technology, quick to adopt the latest and we believe India will continue to be a key market for us.”

Talking about the brand’s strategy in India, Vasant Nangia, Managing Director, Fossil Group India added, “India is at the brink of a ‘connected’ revolution as the wearable device market sees an exponential growth. The launch of this new range of wearables from six of our brands, each with a unique character and style, bears testimony to the Fossil Group constantly setting new goals in understanding and meeting the changing consumer mindset. From smartwatches to fitness trackers to hybrid watches which support sleeker designs, touchscreen functionality, activity tracking, smartphone notifications and more, we have it all. With 56% of the Indian population under 30 years of age we are confident that our consumers will enjoy staying digitally and fashionably connected like never before with Fossil!”

With the unveiling of this range of stylish wearables across six of its owned and licensed brands, Fossil Group is prepared to meet the curious needs of this evolving consumer.

Product Range -

· Misfit

A brand synonymous with fitness and wellness, MisFit expands its portfolio with Misfit Shine 2 and Misfit Ray. Targeted at the dynamic and energetic youth of today, the design-forward wearables aim to promote a fit and active lifestyle. Priced at INR 7,495/- onwards , Misfit Shine 2 and Misfit Ray feature a modular design and a minimalist, refined aesthetic that lets users track their fitness goals without sacrificing their style.

· Fossil Q Watches:

Since 1984, the Fossil brand has been rooted in authenticity and a distinctive Modern Vintage design aesthetic. It has grown into to an international lifestyle brand with over 390 stores worldwide. Known for its eclectic assortment of accessory items including watches, handbags, and jewellery, Fossil strives to delight the world with its creative take on iconic vintage style.

After dominating the fashion space for 30 years, Fossil marks its foray into the wearable domain with the newest smartwatches - Q Wander and Q Marshal. With touchscreen displays, refined steel case and classic leather straps, these timepieces pack the power to efficiently accomplish all daily tasks in a smaller, sleeker package. With interchangeable straps available, users can create various styles based on their moods and occasions.

Q Wander features a soft curving, multi-finish case with artfully sculpted wire lugs, making it both beautiful and functional. The interchangeable genuine leather strap provides the style and comfort customers have come to expect from a watch. Q Marshal features a rugged case along with a striking navy blue plated case paired with vintage-inspired leather straps. Both Q Wander and Q Marshal feature Always On Display, allowing users to access important information like time, calls and alerts anytime. Users can also respond to messages from the watch by tapping the screen or by using voice commands. The collection is priced between INR 21,995 – INR 22,595/-

· Michael Kors

A world renowned brand, offering a lifestyle for the consummate jet setter that is as sophisticated as it is indulgent and as glamorous as it is modern. Michael Kors enters the connected world through Michael Kors Access. Featuring designs based on the iconic Bradshaw and Dylan styles, the launch is geared towards the fashion-focused consumer and features a smart timepiece that fuses glamorous style and innovative design from a leader in luxury fashion. With customizable display faces that transform the look of the smartwatch and functionality to keep you equipped with features like super connectivity, activity tracking, voice activation, customizable display faces, wireless charging, Bradshaw Access and Dylan access are available in the price range of INR 25,995/- to INR 29,495/-

· SKAGEN:

A lifestyle brand inspired by the clean lines and sophisticated simplicity of Danish Design, SKAGEN creates functional and modern watches, jewelry and leather goods for men and women. The brand will debut SKAGEN Connected, a wearable technology line. The initial collection will include the Hagen Connected hybrid smartwatches and a Skagen Connected activity tracker. Marrying simple design principles with modern innovation, SKAGEN is reinventing the fashion-technology category by creating a line of wearables that is as attractive and intuitive as it is smart. Beyond aesthetics, the SKAGEN design team has placed an emphasis on function, creating products that will enhance users’ everyday lives without adding unnecessary complexity. The collection is priced between INR 14,295 – INR 15,495/-

· Emporio Armani:

Is a collection for men and women who lead a modern lifestyle and want to dress with a sense of casual sophistication. Emporio Armani Watches reflect this approach with modern shapes and materials balanced with a classic style.

A brand synonymous with unrivalled Italian style and for revolutionalizing fashion forayed into the wearable segment with Emporio Armani Connected. These Hybrid Smartwatches, feature the brand’s most coveted designs with the added benefits of today’s wearable technology. Priced between INR 17,495/- and INR 27,995/-, these timepieces are available in four metal finishes, of rose gold, black, gunmetal and stainless steel, and are complimented by either a three-link bracelet or a leather strap.

· CHAPS:

Drawing on authentic inspirations, from nautical to Americana, Chaps represents fashion that is confident, spirited and fresh. Bringing the best from both worlds, the CHAPS connected hybrid smart watch is perfect for the customer who wants all the functionality of a world class tracker with notifications, hidden in the beauty of a traditional watch. Offering the all-American style of a Chaps timepiece with ahead-of-the-curve technology, the smart watch is available to customers at INR 9,995/- to INR 10,495/-.