Garmin, the Swiss brand renowned for its smart wearable devices, is setting its sights on achieving double-digit growth in India, a key market where it is making significant investments. According to an official from AMIT International Group (AIG), which holds distribution rights for Garmin in the country, India’s expanding middle class and rising health consciousness make it a promising region for business expansion.
Despite a report from analyst firms like IDC, which noted a 10 percent year-on-year decline in the Indian smart wearable market for Q2, Garmin remains optimistic. Deepak Raina, General Manager of AMIT GPS & Navigation in India, expressed confidence in the brand’s growth trajectory, attributing it to its strong product lineup and enduring brand reputation. “India is a market we want to invest in because of its massive and growing middle class,” Raina told PTI. He added that post-pandemic, there has been an increased focus on health and fitness, a trend that has positively impacted Garmin’s sales.
To support its growth strategy, AIG is collaborating with financing companies to offer attractive installment plans to customers, making Garmin products more accessible. On Wednesday, Garmin launched its premium Fenix 8 series of smartwatches in India, starting at Rs 86,990, further solidifying its presence in the market.
Raina also noted that the recent decline in the domestic wearable market is largely due to subpar products offered by certain brands. He stated, “We see an opportunity in the growing sentiment against so-called smartwatches that fall short of customer expectations.” As India remains the second-largest wearable market globally, after China, Garmin aims to leverage this by focusing on quality and innovation.
In addition to its four exclusive Garmin stores across India, AIG has plans to expand its retail footprint, although exact figures weren’t shared. These new stores are expected to enhance the customer experience and complement the company’s network of 200 dealers. Furthermore, Garmin products will soon be available on major e-commerce platforms, addressing increasing customer demand for online purchasing options.
Garmin continues to cater to a niche segment of adventurers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts with its high-quality smartwatches and fitness bands. With its technology aimed at delivering accurate health data, the brand is also promoting healthy living through its Garmin Health division. Known for its premium products across various segments like fitness, outdoor, marine, and aviation, Garmin is positioning itself as a leader in India’s evolving wearable market.