New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Tamil Nadu’s efforts to expand the national footprint of its handloom sector received a major push on Monday as State Ministers for Handlooms, Textiles and Khadi, M. Vijay Balaji, and Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, S. Keerthana, visited the newly modernised Cooptex “Pudupavu” showroom at the State Emporia Complex in Connaught Place.

The visit marked the official review of the renovated retail outlet, which has undergone a comprehensive makeover to strengthen Cooptex’s presence in North India and attract a wider, younger customer base. The Ministers inspected the upgraded showroom, reviewed its redesigned interiors, enhanced product displays and improved customer amenities, and assessed the marketing initiatives introduced as part of the modernisation project.

The renovation, carried out for Rs 49 lakh, has transformed the 1,600-square-foot showroom into a contemporary retail space featuring premium lighting, modern display systems and customer-friendly facilities, while retaining the traditional character of Tamil Nadu’s celebrated handloom heritage.

Established in 1935, Cooptex is among India’s largest handloom weavers’ cooperative organisations and serves as the principal marketing agency for products woven by cooperative societies across Tamil Nadu. The organisation currently operates a nationwide network of 146 retail outlets that showcase authentic handloom products under the Cooptex brand.

The New Delhi showroom offers an extensive range of products, including Kanchipuram, Arani, Salem, and Coimbatore silk sarees; cotton sarees; ready-made garments; dhotis; shirts; bed linen; towels; contemporary indigo fusion apparel; and modern printed men’s kurta collections, reflecting the state’s rich weaving traditions and craftsmanship. Customers can also purchase these products through the official Cooptex onl/ine portal.

During the inspection, the Ministers expressed confidence that the upgraded showroom would improve the visibility of Tamil Nadu’s authentic handloom products in the national capital and help boost sales by appealing to a broader segment of consumers. The New Delhi outlet recorded sales of Rs 1.27 crore during the 2025-26 financial year. Cooptex has now set an ambitious target of Rs 2 crore for 2026-27, including a Deepavali sales target of Rs 65 lakh.

To mark the reopening, customers will receive a special promotional discount of an additional 20 per cent plus another 20 per cent for one week. Senior officials from the Tamil Nadu government and Cooptex accompanied the Ministers during the visit.

–IANS

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