The Thai home-furnishing retail chain, Index Living Mall Co is reviving its plan to open franchise stores in India. Jarinthorn Patamasatayasonthi, the company’s managing director, said the business plan was reviewed after it was contacted by a new Indian investor, who had visited Index Living Mall in Dubai recently. Currently, few Asian furniture brands are available in India, leaving Thai brands with much room and potential to expand their businesses. As well as in India, the company is conducting a feasibility study to open new outlets through the franchise system in the Middle East, said Ms Jarinthorn. At home, the company plans to spend 1 billion baht to open two more outlets in Bangkok next year in addition to the Bang Na branch, which is to be opened early next year under an earlier plan. Moreover, the company plans to renovate its existing stores and to adjust product displays. More designers will be hired to design home decorative items and furniture while the number of exclusive items available at its stores will be increased to 50 percent from 30 percent at present. These plans should help Index Living Mall differentiate itself from its rivals.