As part of our consistent store expansion strategy, we’re planning to add 60 to 65 new stores in FY2025-26. At V-Mart, we remain focused on growth, and we’re targeting another year of double-digit same-store sales growth. Our commitment to bringing value fashion to more cities continues to drive our momentum …
We are seeing a continuing slowdown in the post-COVID environment, and growth still hasn’t returned to pre-COVID levels, Consumers have become more price-sensitive, which is driving higher demand for lower-priced products, while spending on premium items has clearly declined. Even value retailers like us are feeling the impact, as overall …
We have expressed the company’s goal to achieve an 18-19% growth in the current fiscal year. He emphasized that V-Mart is focusing on offering high-quality fashion products at competitive prices, catering to Gen Z consumers, and reducing average selling prices to drive growth. We also noted an increase in footfalls …
At V-Mart, we’re seeing positive signs of consumer demand bouncing back, especially in eastern India. Our expansion efforts are not just about increasing presence, but connecting deeply with local markets, allowing us to drive growth even in challenging times. This approach showcases the company’s resilience and strategic regional focus.
We are planning to open over 65 stores this year, building on the 59 stores we opened last year. With over 400 stores across 235 towns in 26 states, we are committed to expanding pan-India. India’s long-term growth potential is what we are banking on, and we’re not compromising on …
We are seeing significant growth in business in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, especially in the southern regions. Our focus is on expanding in Tier-3 cities in South India, where the consumer market is growing rapidly. These cities offer a huge opportunity for expansion, and we are excited to tap into …
We are witnessing a significant shift in consumer behavior, with young buyers increasingly gravitating towards affordable fashion. This is reshaping the entire retail landscape. However, the aggressive entry of national retailers into this space is undoubtedly creating more competition. While this heightened rivalry may disrupt the current dynamics, it also …
The value-fashion market in India is evolving rapidly, and we’re seeing more retailers focus on this segment to tap into the younger, price-conscious consumer base. The success of brands like Zudio has given a strong fillip to the apparel market, triggering aggressive entry by several national players. While this signals …
CEO of V-Mart Retail, said, “While demand has been slow and flat in the first half (H1) of the year, I expect a strong recovery in the second half (H2). Despite the current challenges, I remain optimistic about the long-term potential of the fashion market. Also provided insight into the …
We are seeing a slowdown in the post-COVID-19 environment, and we’re not witnessing growth compared to pre-COVID levels. There’s a clear shift towards lower-priced products, as consumers are not willing to spend on higher-priced items anymore. Even value retailers like us are feeling the heat of this change in consumer …
In India, there’s a significant difference in consumption patterns between urban and rural areas. We see a clear variation in consumer behavior, spending habits, and demand volumes across these regions. In urban markets, consumers are quicker to adopt new trends, and there’s a higher level of discretionary spending. On the …
The fashion and lifestyle online platform LimeRoad is set to be acquired in a deal valued at ₹67 crore. In this context, I, along with other key industry figures, will be discussing the potential benefits and impacts of this acquisition. It’s an exciting development for the retail sector, and we …
The Bada Business Event I’ve always both enjoyed, and felt honored to be part of various industry meets. The Bada Business meets have always been one of my favorite events to attend; and this June program was no different. At the Talkatora Stadium, it was heartening to see hundreds of …
Over the past one and a half years, we’ve taken a price hike of around 15–17% to offset the rising input costs. Inflation continues to be a concern, and we believe it could impact consumer demand, which, unfortunately, hasn’t yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. That said, we are optimistic and …
As we move into the second half of the fiscal year, I remain cautiously optimistic about the outlook,We’ve started to notice early signs of recovery in demand, especially following the festive season, which gives us some encouragement about consumer sentiment.At V-Mart, we are actively adapting our strategies to align with …
With around 90% of tier 2/3/4 consumers still showing preference for at-store shopping, V-Mart looks forward to continue its yearly store expansion plans as usual. While the retailer continues to hone and gradually upscale its digital offerings, it aims to leverage the brand following by its vast consumer base by …
V-Mart is confident of turning around the ‘Unlimited’ business in southern India. With its ability to tap into local consumer sentiment coupled with its ever-evolving range of value fashion offerings, Mr. Agarwal expresses positivity in seeing retail normalcy in coming months. V-Mart would gradually be merging the ‘Unlimited’ brand under …
While the company would continue to boost its digital platform, the move to acquire 74 ‘Unlimited’ stores is a strategic direction to set footprint in southern India. With the major chunk of value fashion shoppers continuing to favor at-store purchases, V-Mart is confident for making a resounding impact in its …
Omni is the way forward for all retailers. V-Mart saw a few surprisingly favorable results especially in those markets where the retailer has nil to nascent presence, by way of leveraging its digital platform. Terming the turbulent Covid-induced phase as one of ‘great learning’, Mr. Agarwal says the company is …
As we navigate through these challenging times, especially during the second wave of COVID-19, we’ve seen a significant short-term impact on our business. Store closures and reduced footfall have affected revenues, no doubt. But I’m optimistic. Our focus remains firmly on recovery and growth. We’re continuing to expand strategically and …
The brief few minutes I interacted with Bada Business’s Dr. Vivek Bindra, and Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi, over their Covid-19 related inspirational virtual event felt so rejuvenating! Indeed, apart from helping out our community with any kind of support during these hard times, even a brief telephone call enquiring about …
It is heart-wrenching to see the humongous pain, misery and suffering of millions of Indians as we struggle against the second wave of Covid-19.I have always believed that times like these call for a rekindling of compassion, and the spirit of unity in the name of humanity. Serving and helping …
The apparel retail sector has been one of the hardest hit in the last year,we are seeing demand gradually recover, but we are still not at pre-COVID sales levels. While there are positive signs, it’s a cautious recovery.In terms of demand, we are seeing strong traction in value-driven categories, essentials, …
Ahh, last year’s lockdowns! Didn’t they teach us all to remain productive no matter what? While WFH became the norm for many, including me; I always considered work from anywhere (WFA) a more apt theme to maximize my own productivity. With the gradual unlock phases, I took the opportunity to …
Learn firsthand from this video on how to grow small business. Get tips on how to work around operational challenges, financing, recruiting an optimal workforce etc.
At times, a shakedown is required to untangle oneself from the shackles of business rut and conventional norms. The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 is that ‘shakedown’ for almost all businesses. As an organization, we need to safeguard our prime areas of business. Drawing from one of our core values, ‘continuous …
Happy to share my entrepreneurial journey with you all. It felt good to recount my personal ups & downs ever since launching V-Mart back in year 2003.The type of strategical, technical and managerial challenges and workarounds it took to make us the brand which we are today is bound to …
As an entrepreneur, I have well seen and felt the impact of ‘diversity’ at workplace. However, this is a vast sphere, encompassing elements comprising gender, race, ethnicity, religions, political mindsets, socioeconomic & educational backgrounds, cultures, and even sexual preferences and disabilities. Realize the Worth of the Corporate Women It is …
“Jo dikhta hai wohi bikta hai,” is a saying in Hindi often used with a penchant in business circles. However, enter the Coronavirus, and things take a turn sharply. With the entire nation locked down, hardly any business is getting a chance to showcase their products in the markets. This …
There are two ways to respond to an attack: Flight, or Fight. As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 outbreak, there are many companies which have resorted to huge lay-offs and other drastic cost-cutting measures in the hopes of surviving. On the other hand, there are few which …
Help support India’s Retail Employees on Retail Panchayat, India’s first intelligence-with-charity Platform
At times, a shakedown is required to untangle oneself from the shackles of business rut and conventional norms. The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 is that ‘shakedown’ for almost all businesses. As an organization, we need to safeguard our prime areas of business. Drawing from one of our core values, ‘continuous …
It’s time India implements measures to become self-reliant in all spheres of the economy. Businesses and the government have to work as partners to make this a reality and be ready in future to face any sort of crises akin to the Covid-19.
View the Coronavirus crises as a time to take innovative, value-adding business initiatives to keep viable.
The impetus on social distancing as a necessity arising from the global Covid-19 pandemic has a direct co-relation with the necessity for going digital for almost all businesses. It is a wake-up alarm dong for those whose omni-channel strategies might have been languishing under the wraps for years. Even once …
Instead of feeling negative due to Covid-19, use this time for self-improvement and skill-development, as well as spend quality time with your family members.
Lots many of us used to bemoan not having sufficient ‘me-myself / my family’ time citing ceaseless work pressure and other commitments which kept us out of our homes – prior to the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak. Now that we all are essentially under a sort of house-arrest due …
The manner in which we give or receive information has undergone a vast change over the past fifteen years or so. Office correspondence isn’t an exception. However, notwithstanding the rapid strides made in mobile technology and the penetration of mobile internet even across the vast rural hinterland of India, many …
Too much of workplace collaboration could be affecting your productivity. It is important to justify collaborative activities and participate accordingly for improve efficiency.
It is important to learn to avoid taking work stress to home. This harms your health as well as relationships. So it is best to develop habits which would help you not to keep thinking of work pressure all the time. This would help achieve a work-life balance.
As entrepreneurs, whoever doesn’t want to expand one’s business? Once you are over the initial turbulent phase of launching your business successfully, it is only natural to consider expansion. Expanding is risky. However, if you plan well and it pays off, you will be seeing yourself making great leaps in …
Do you remember the time when there were no mobile phones? Moreover, hard-to-access internet with the slow dial-up connection? Undoubtedly, the gen X (those born in the 70s and early 80s) would recall that time. A time when the landline phone was viewed as something of a status symbol! A …
Recently I was interviewed by one of the leading Hindi magazines, Sarita. Besides re-tracing my entrepreneurial journey as I was asked to do, I also got talking about the tremendous career opportunities women have in India today. Despite many women taking emboldening steps and taking up careers, even entrepreneurial ventures, …
Starting a business with a meager capital is never easy. Many people get great ideas but when it comes to actuating those, few get off the pad! In this post / video, I would like to share my own entrepreneurial journey. It would be tremendously fulfilling for me if my …
It is important to analyse your struggles in any project at workplace.
It’s an honor to be featured in the book titled: Retail Icons of India at the IMAGES Retail Awards 2019: The People, Events and Ideas that Transformed India’s Consumption Story, which was launched at the event held on August 26 in Mumbai. My heartfelt thanks to the IMAGES Group for supporting …
I was recently invited as a guest speaker by the Confederation of Indian Industry at their 2019 conclave held in New Delhi, on June 28. The CII paves the way for industry betterment by working in close alliance with the government on policies, and with inputs from various leaders on …
It was an honor to be invited as a guest speaker for the ‘Everything About Entrepreneurship’ program launched by Dr. Vivek Bindra’s company ‘Bada Business’. The program aims to train entrepreneurs and startups in how to take their businesses to the next level. A wide range of topics were covered …
Our work and life away from work are rapidly intermingling. So much so that to compartmentalise them into two different spheres is fast becoming impractical. Instead of harping about how your ‘work-life balance’ has gone for a toss and bemoaning it, think different! No matter at what level are we …
I recently had the honour of being invited as one of the speakers to ‘Human is NOT a Resource’ HR conclave organized at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore on June 7-9, 2019. Set at the scenic foothills of the Velliangiri mountain range, the sessions were interspersed with yoga and …
We all take pride in chalking out our calendars months in advance, and sticking to the tasks sketched out therein. So much so that it has become second nature to us to plan things in advance. However, have you ever really given deep thought to how much closer are you …
World Retail Congress The World Retail Congress is the pinnacle of retail platforms which sees the top leaders of the worldwide retail industry meet and share valuable insights on the current and future retail trends and scope. From domestic and international bigwigs to path-breaking innovative start-ups, it is a high-level …
V-Mart Skills Academy: Giving Back to the Society As an entrepreneur, I have always believed in ‘giving back’ to the society. And as V-Mart continues to grow and expand, what better way than to be of assistance to the government’s new thrust on Skill Development especially of the rural youth …
We recently organised our Annual Meet Lakshya 2019, at Gurgaon, the program turned out to be one of our best annual meets so far. The company crossing a milestone of 200 stores in December 2018, as well as being adjudged as ‘The World’s Best Performing Department Store Chain’ by Bloomberg, …
I was recently invited to attend the TRRAIN (Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India) awards held at the Renaissance Powai hotel in Mumbai. The highlight of the event was a fashion show in which several CEOs walked the ramp showcasing Anita Dongre’s designer wear, wherein I was one …
In our constant endeavor to uplift V-Mart’s management to that worthy of a global standard, I recently had the honor to be invited by the world-renowned Harvard Business School at Boston, MA to attend an alumni event associated with one of our topline management employee. The event, called the PLD …
Leaders are often sought after for imparting guidance and support by their colleagues and juniors. Many of us also jump the gun and are ready to make suggestions without being asked But then, how many of us have ever introspected whether we are good at offering guidance? For it doesn’t …
2018 has been a grand year for me on several fronts. Firstly, V-Mart became the world’s best performing department store chain as per data from Bloomberg. We were also awarded as the Most Admired Retailer of the Year (Marketing & Promotions), as well as being awarded the Retail Excellence and …
Retail Employees Day is tribute to all our workforce which has made India the global retail destination of choice. Thanks, @nageshbsn, for being @ RED and conversing with all V-Martians!@TRRAINindia #Thankyoubolakya#RED2018
Have you ever heard of that adage: ‘The Boss is always right!’ Or, worse still, are you a die-hard follower of the same? Grow up! Such eons-old school thoughts have no place in the modern day and dynamic management environ. And if you happen to be one of those bosses …
Of all my frequent flying, be it within or outside India, the mention of Patna deserves special mention. I love the city, and its heart-warming people and the culture! As one of our key cities in business operations, I have been visiting Patna for several years now. However, being a …
We’ve all heard and know how crucial it is to be in shape mentally and physically to recover and spring back from negative situations – be at work or home. However, in today’s business dynamics, resilience is not merely an add-on but rather an imperative skill-set to possess. This is …
It is not often that I’m impressed…and so it came as a complete surprise when my son, Varin who is just seventeen years old presented me with a book titled, ‘The Indian Dream’ one fine morning. For a few moments I couldn’t surmise that the book was actually written by …
“Tech innovation…the seamless integration of ERP into our retail business right from Day 1, is the single-most criteria which has made it possible for the humongous expansion and performance of V-Mart over the past decade.”
We all have felt let down by our subordinates at one time or the other. It is natural. When your team doesn’t perform up to your expectations, feelings of anger and frustration naturally crops up. It’s time you did something different! Let us examine a few initiatives that you can …
Surprising as it may seem, humans are not naturally programmed to be selfish. Selfishness springs from the extent to which we tend to mull over matters and situations; impulsive behavior is much more selfless. Selfishness on part of employees has proven to be costly to any organization’s success, not to …
We all have heard and know of teamwork. Teams are a part of everyday organized work cultures in any industry. They are formed and oriented towards the achievement of pre-defined tasks and goals in any company. However, changing business dynamics necessitates going beyond traditional focus on just teamwork. When an …
Be they from any field, true leaders share one common trait: a calm and collected persona even in the most stressful and negative of environs. Bear in mind I said ‘leaders’, not bosses. For a screaming, gesticulating person might get things done temporarily as being a boss, he can never …
I’m forever on the lookout for platforms which bring together the best of retail minds. A healthy discussion on the current and evolving retail trends and govt. policies affecting retail in India is as important to me as my morning cup of green tea. And so, it was with much …
The Western culture of start-ups by the youth, which sprung up in the States in the 1980s, is finally making an impact on the millennials closer home in India. However, the ideology behind the drive that success comes to those who simply leap off into the unknown is a mistaken …
It’s time to mull over just how much time we invariably spend each day on uncharted occurrences and seemingly ‘urgent’ tasks and ‘important’ meetings – all at the loss of being productive by doing the work for which we actually are in office! This happens because majority of us tend …
Subconsciously, we all tend to shy away and not accept information which we find unpleasant or which doesn’t conform to our way of thinking. We assess and perceive facts on how they make us feel rather than accepting and analyzing them logically. In business, the outcomes of getting into such …
The ironic element pertaining to micromanagement is that while most everyone grumbles about being micromanaged, you won’t likely unearth an individual who professes to be a micromanager. Take a gander in the mirror and it might shock you to discover you’re one of this breed! Yes, chances are you might …
The traditional brick-and-mortar stores are re-emerging in significance – as the retail industry ploughs ahead to tackle the omni-channel business model and associated consumer expectations in an optimal manner. More and more retailers are now utilizing their physical stores as distribution hubs to meet online demand. But this requires improvising …
I recently completed a journey… of 25 years. Yes, it is a milestone in any person’s life to celebrate his silver marriage anniversary, and what glorious, blessed years they have been for me! I’ve always been a family man, and during the years since I’ve nurtured and brought up V-Mart …
I am not a Human Resources guy…and yet, as an entrepreneur since over 20 years, I cannot help but observe the functioning of any company’s ‘support’ functions such as HR / IT / Admin. Since these form the backbone of any successful business it’s significant to keep these functions evolving …
As we all are scampering to pamper consumers with ‘digital’ sales, be it for fashion apparels or non-apparels, let us pause for a moment to introspect. The change from traditional to digital has to be imbibed within a retailer’s workforce rather than be thrust upon them. This would involve not …
I recently was in Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. Besides the beauty of this small northeastern state, what struck a chord ithin was the experience of visiting the Khwairamband Bazar, better known as the Ima Keithal market. For instance, it happens to be the world’s only all-women run marketplace. …
Identifying, harnessing and developing the right mix of employees as future leaders in your company is as much an art as science. However, there are several factors which often negatively impact this exercise. Intuition Bias This is perhaps the most disruptive of all politics. More often than not the top …
As a sort of trend we have seen major companies and corporate houses drawing a bee line for hiring the ‘toppers’ from various B-Schools and other institutions in India. While not begrudging this, getting into such a practice, influenced only by the marks obtained by these people, could be making …
Every company sets up targets. But whether it achieves it or not often remains just a paper exercise. Allow me to share my views on how to set targets firstplace. That, to a large extent, would determine if it’s up to your company to realize them or not. Spare falling …
As a businessman since more than 20 years I have seen many hot strategies biting the dust at the time of their execution. If I were to sum it up as to why this happens I would say it’s not what you think that matters but how you think that …
Collaboration: The New Business Imperative for Retailers & Vendors -RISE 2017 held at EROS Hotel, Nehru Place, New Delhi on 31st August. The consumers of today have evolved to a level where retailers constantly have to keep on their toes to assess and meet not only the demand for quality merchandise …
2-day deliberations on Education & SkillDevelopment during ChampionsofChange..amazing format by NITIAayog..proud to contribute
Salute Hon’ble Narendra Modi’s reformist agenda, listening ability, inclusive & humble behavior, partnering with young entrepreneurs
It was a privilege to be a participant at the interactive session organized by the federal policy think-tank Niti Aayog with our PM Narendra Modi on August 16-17 at Bhartiya Pravashi Kendra, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The event turned out to be a great culmination of ideas and suggestions by the …
It’s now over a month of the Doklam impasse between India and China. The tri-junction of Bhutan continues to remain tense, with China continuing to harbor an extremist stance. It has gone even so far as to say that there cannot be any chances of negotiations unless Indian troops withdraw …
We all love modern technology, and how. But does technology love us? Not necessarily. Read on! Obesity is hitting our guts hard: Universal presence of smartphones, tabs, gaming consoles etc. are helping us staying attuned to sedentary way of life. Not surprisingly, we’re piling on the pounds at an alarming …
Stories, Opinions, Learnings, Outcomes; or, in short, SOLOx: That’s the event I was recently invited to speak at at the India Fashion Forum held in Mumbai on April 13. It turned out to be a very compelling forum, much beyond sharing the latest fashion and supply trends in the …
Despite being controversy’s favorite child, we cannot fail being impressed by the maverick new Chief Minister of the state of UP: Yogi Adityanath. The man means business and he lets this know in no clearer terms to the public as he sets out to achieve his social vision of ‘sabka …
Following its historical electoral win, it is heartening to see the government focusing on social development, particularly health. What’s better is that it’s doing so with a long-term perspective rather than as a short-term initiative post winning the elections. Besides being comprehensive in terms of cost, access and quality, the …
I recently had the honor of being a Judge in the first China (Shenzhen) Innovation & Entrepreneurship International Competition held in Bangalore on March 18 & 19. The event saw the Indian region round held with great gusto, with several budding entrepreneurs from industries such as IT & Mobile, Electronics, …
The supplementary operations developed to foster e-commerce have evolved into full-grown businesses in their own perspective, leveraging the scale they formed to support the e-commerce evolution to offer services to a hoard of new businesses in various industry verticals. A prime example herein is the logistics business, which has evolved …
Digitalization is the new buzzword in the country, especially since the controversial demonetization drive launched by PM Modi on November 8 last year. Vast swathes of people from all walks of life who had never before been introduced to digitalization were prompted to switch to the digital platform for making …
Recently, PM Modi has called for “reflective, balanced and farsighted perspective on movement of skilled professionals” while addressing a 26-member US bipartisan delegation in New Delhi. The statement comes at a crucial time with the Trump government gunning for laws which could severely affect the Indian IT professionals currently working …
The Retail Leadership Summit held on February 15 & 16 in Mumbai witnessed some of the best retail brains globally come together in an absorbing discussion on the global retail industry, propounded to reach a whooping USD54 billion by the year 2019. As a participant in the ‘Connected Retail’ agenda, …
It is somewhat of a relief to know the finance ministry stating Saturday that the govt. respects the independence & autonomy of the Reserve Bank of India. The demonetization drive has thrown up concerns on the RBI’s autonomy being under question. Besides many other factions, two of its former governors, …
From the 690 seats this year to the 964 on the cards next year forming the backdrop of the general election in 2019 – the political canvas is chalked out for finance minister Arun Jaitley as he drafts the country’s economic policy. The political considerations infesting the budget mindspace since …
One of the obvious debates which has risen on the back of demonetization is whether India is indeed ready to go ‘cashless’ or not. While some factions believe it is not so owing to the mindset of the population at large, others believe the country is not ready owing to …
This year’s Union Budget is bound to be more interesting considering the recent backdrop behind its inception. Foremost lies the consideration of a frail world economy underpinned by an unpredictable US, with Donald Trump as the new President. Internally, India is still estimating the consequences of demonetization while the country’s …
Remember the saying that a good salesman can sell a comb even to a bald man? Indeed, true salesmanship is an art. As a kid back in late 70s I remember when I used to visit my father’s store in Kolkata, and witnessed first-hand how salesmen there more often than …
Wish you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year to all…. 🙂
History has always fascinated me. Often, it manifests itself as a struggle between the good and the bad. But it is said that there is some good even in the worst of villains. A few of the most brutish leaders come to mind. Let’s consider Joseph Stalin, the erstwhile Russian …
I want to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to IRF for recognizing us with the Images north India Retailer Award. I am truly humbled and honored to receive it. Customer service is not a department it’s an attitude. Winning with teamwork…
It’s not too surprising that despite so many industrial policy reforms India continues to elude a major influx of wholehearted foreign investment. Blame it on the country having one of the most complex web of retail policies globally. Unlike many other countries which have a streamlined and uniform set of …
Much has already been written about the Model shops and establishment act bill of 2016, which proposes to liberalize shopping in India in a major way. While many quarters are going into overdrive with the hype and hoopla revolving around the potential security and feasibility concerns, I feel it’s a …
Has anyone given a serious thought as to why our Indian fashion retail brands have been just that – Indian? Why have they failed to make any sort of global impact? Consider the international brands which have made a poignant impression on the minds (and shopping habits) of Indians, youth …
The way we perceive shopping, shops and the overall shopping experience itself is bound to undergo a mammoth change – so much so that the Indian retail industry would be witnessing more changes during the next 5 years vis-à-vis all the changes which took place during the previous half-century. Considering …
By coupling the ease of online shopping with the convenience of the next-door traditional store, ‘hyperlocal’ markets are fast becoming the new-age retail formats. As with any online shopping portal, shoppers on a hyperlocal market set-up can surf through products of several vendors with the click of a button, and …
According to a recent report the Indian retail industry happens to be the second-most targeted section after financial services by cyber attackers as data protection is fast turning out to be a tough task to manage. It was revealed at the India Retail Forum last month that more than 90% …
I recently had the honor of being a guest speaker at one of the most prestigious Management institutes of our country – The Faculty of Management Studies (FMS). The institute had organized its Annual Convention, an event aimed towards sharing best business practices to mold …
I have always believed that there could be no true meaning or worth of social responsibility unless it springs from the bottom of one’s heart. This is more so when we speak of Corporate Social responsibility. Many view it as a mere business promotion activity or attach political benefits to …
I recently got the honour of speaking at one of the most premier management institute of India : The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, which has given the world some of the brightest management students. I was there on 23rd Aug 2016 and spoke on ‘Creativity & Innovation As Core Competence’ …
Great time spent yesterday at RAI Summit, Delhi. The discussion were really valuable and Insightful with the people from same industry.
The power of Social Media, Analytics, Mobile and the Cloud has reached such a crescendo that the retail industry cannot remain untouched anymore! Why is this so? Technology propels creativity, and creativity fosters competition. If there were to be no competition there wouldn’t be a thrust for excellence – and …
The Indian adolescents/youth have an ever increasing penchant to emulate their fashion icons and their peers. They tend to subconsciously relate fashion dressing to their social confidence. I am talking of the huge chunk of Indian population in the age range of 15 – 25 years. Out of this, the …
As an avid participant in retail forums I recently was a panelist at the 2nd edition of The Indian Retail Forum organized by The Economic Times. Contrary to what one might expect, it was an engrossing & enlightening discussion amongst the industry stalwarts on the various permutations & combinations of …
So much has been written about the e-tailers gnawing away at the traditional brick & mortar retailers’ market over the past 2-3 years that to a layman it would appear that the traditional retail store business in India is on its death-bed. I find it extremely amusing.
I recently got the honour of speaking at one of the most premier tech institutes of India: The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, which has given the world some of the brightest engineers. I was there on January 10, 2016 and spoke on ‘E-Commerce vs. Traditional Retail in India’. It …
Kolkata will always hold a special place in my heart for many reasons, both personal and professional. Speaking on the professional front, Kolkata happens to be one of the most fertile breeding grounds for the textile/apparel industry in India. I recently got an invite to the 2nd edition of the …
Over the past few years the varying roles of the Human Resources function in any industry has evolved to accentuate the need for HR to be a strategic business partner in business leadership. In this article I would share a few key parameters on how a company’s HR department can …
If someone had suggested to me a few years ago that I could do worse than take up blog-writing in my painfully less spare time I would have laughed at him. I am a man who lives by routine, where every minute of each day, including Sundays, is chalked out …
That the retail scenario in the Indian apparel industry is getting more colourful in the tier 2/3 cities is now common knowledge. Adding to that is the deep mobile penetration in such regions and increasing affordability of smartphones – prompting even semi-literate mobile users to start using the internet for …
An online retailer raising the hackles of the traditional brick and mortar retailers; and few traditional retailers planning online forays is old hat. Ultimately, what matters equally to customers is ease of shopping besides getting the right product at the right prices. And that would prompt the dual existence of …
It is often said that the seeds of the future get engrained in one’s early childhood. For those who don’t know me closely enough, it might come as a surprise that I have had a very humble childhood. Born in 1970 in Kolkata, I still remember my early days as …
