Co-optex plans to conduct 50 exhibitions of its 'cool comfort' cotton saris across the country by July this year for which the cooperative body has procured over 47,000 saris from its 12 cotton clusters across the state. Among them, 12,000 saris had been procured from Madurai region comprising Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga and Dindigul. The exhibitions will be held to achieve the set target of Rs. 5 crore.

Managing Director T.N. Venkatesh said that the last year sale was for Rs.3.3 crore through 44 such exhibitions held during from February to July, considered a lean period for sale.

The Co-optex has roped in young designers who had passed out of National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, to produce a series of colours for pan-India appeal. They want to sell their products in any part of the country.

Talking about the drastic changes made in the cotton varieties, he said that besides a wide variety of designs, high standard had been maintained in the quality of yarn. This gives a longer life for their cotton saris. They have also introduced a blend of classic but contemporary designs.

Stating that its clientele still hold Co-optex for its authenticity and originality for handloom saris, The new designs has attracted young college-going and office-going women.

Their cotton saris have become an office wear even for IT professionals. The Cotton saris varieties from Dindigul and the Chettinad variety from Karaikudi were famous among the cotton saris.

Mr. Venkatesh further added that an additional sale for Rs. 35 lakh was possible for the Co-optex through its online portal. People are showing interests to buy silk saris, especially from the US, Dubai and Muscat. The saris were priced between Rs. 750 and Rs. 2,500 out of which 40 to 50 percent went as wages for the weavers.

The co-optex exhibitions that started on February 20 have so far covered Vijayawada and Baroda.