New Delhi, May 28: US clothing retailer Gap is set to debut in India on May 30. Gap's Indian partner Arvind Lifestyle Brands is targeting a revenue of Rs 1,000 crore from the brand over the next 5-6 years.

Gap will open its first store in Delhi on Saturday.

"We are looking at opening 10 stores at an investment of Rs 100 crore by the middle of next year. Store openings will depend on space availability but we plan to focus on Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore for Gap's first 10 stores," J. Suresh, managing director and CEO of Arvind Lifestyle Brands, said.

"Through this partnership, we plan to open 40 stores across the country," he added.

The Indian apparel market is expected to be worth $60 billion by 2020. With more consumers opting for western clothing, India has become an important market for American casual clothing brands such as Gap, said analysts.

While Swedish behemoth H&M and Japan's Uniqlo are in queue to enter the country, smaller stores with high fashion influence such as Massimo Dutti, Abercrombie & Fitch and Topshop are also keen.

Gap is expected to face competition from fashion brands such as Zara, Mango and Vero Moda which already have a presence here.

While Gap is looking at opening 40 franchise stores in the first few years, Uniqlo is looking to open 100 outlets. H&M wants to invest $130 million and open 50 stores here.

"Our brand awareness is very high and its apparent that there is a deep affinity for Gap in India," said Ismail Seyis, vice-president of Gap Franchise.