Manu Abhay Singhal’s Post

🌟 High Cultured is Expanding! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that High Cultured is embarking on an ambitious expansion journey soon by partnering with some of the biggest and most respected retailers in India! 🇮🇳 Our strategy focuses on creating valuable partnerships that will allow us to bring our unique, high-quality fashion products to a broader audience. Here’s a glimpse of our comprehensive plan: Identifying Target Retailers: We are looking to collaborate with leading big box retailers such as Reliance Retail, Future Group and Tata Group. Tailored Product Offerings: Introducing fresh and exclusive collections tailored specifically for each retail partner to ensure we meet the preferences of their customers. Joint Marketing Strategies: Launching co-branded campaigns and in-store promotions to drive customer engagement and enhance visibility. Efficient Logistics: Ensuring a robust supply chain and inventory management system to meet demand seamlessly. Staff Training & Support: Providing comprehensive training for retail staff to deliver exceptional customer service and support. Expanding Online Presence: Leveraging our retail partners’ strong e-commerce platforms to integrate an omnichannel strategy for a seamless shopping experience. We believe these partnerships will bring immense value to both High Cultured and our retail partners, creating a win-win scenario for all. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of this expansion. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and bring the best of High Cultured to new markets! #HighCultured #Expansion #RetailPartnerships #Fashion #GrowthStrategy #IndiaRetail #Ecommerce #SupplyChain #CustomerEngagement

Ambani this & Ambani that?😮💨 But 💰THE MAIN NEWS💰 Isha Ambani might soon acquire the international brand. But which one?? Reliance retail is currently engaged into discussions with Italian beauty brand Kiko Milano regarding the potential acquisition of its operations in India. “This strategy is aimed at bolstering Reliance’s foothold in the beauty market & intensifying competition with key rivals like Nykaa & Shoopers Stop” said the The Times Of India article. Want to know more about this? Here’s the article: What do you think? Write your thoughts down in the comment section.😀

From a market potential perspective, there’s no country like India today, with vast opportunities across sectors to improve lives. When Walmart was founded in 1962, there were already players like Target and Five-and-Dime stores, yet Sam Walton saw immense potential in the American market. Through a mix of hard work and a bit of luck, Walmart became the giant it is today. In India, concepts like Big Bazaar hold similar potential to revolutionize retail, from small towns to big cities. Yet, these ventures remain concentrated in urban centers, and their transformative impact across the country hasn’t materialized as expected. As someone from Jammu & Kashmir, I see glimpses of these models, but not at the scale they could reach. This raises a question: What holds back such concepts in India? Is it the lack of vision or purpose from entrepreneurs, or do the market dynamics in India pose unique challenges? Are there gaps in infrastructure, supply chains, or perhaps customer behavior that prevent their success? It’s worth reflecting on why concepts with immense potential in India don't culminate in the same way as in the U.S. Perhaps it’s a combination of these factors—or something more nuanced about the Indian business landscape. #RetailInIndia #MarketPotential #BusinessStrategy #EmergingMarkets #BigBazaar #Walmart #IndiaBusinessChallenges #VisionAndPurpose

I was not surprised to learn that Reliance Jiomart has closed its doors in our vicinity. It lasted longer than I anticipated. Was it due to competition from D'Mart or local sellers or Mart business-to-business vertical, along with METRO Cash & Carry India operations that it recently acquired.? Surprising observations, the untrained sales associates. Here are a few key observations: Lack of Customer Service: Instead of assisting customers, staff were asking them to fill their own bags. This fundamental service expectation was neglected, highlighting the need for training on basic service skills, such as assisting customers with packing. Poor Employee Attitude: The overall demeanor of the staff felt dim, as if they didn’t want to be there. When employees are disengaged, it negatively impacts the customer experience. Insufficient Product Knowledge: Staff were not knowledgeable about the products or their locations in the store, which frustrated customers looking for assistance. Proper training could have addressed this gap. Missed Competitive Opportunities: Reliance Mart failed to implement competitive strategies, such as offering home delivery within a certain radius or providing discounts on bulk purchases—initiatives that could have attracted more customers. It’s disheartening because building a business takes many sleepless nights of hard work, but it can all come crashing down due to a few wrong hires or poor management decisions. This serves as a reminder that training staff on basic customer service skills and product knowledge is vital. Neglecting these fundamentals can have dire consequences for any business. #CustomerExperience #EmployeeEngagement #RetailIndustry #BusinessLessons #Leadership #Training

Moderator: Suhail Sattar, MD, Hasbro Clothing Pvt. Ltd. & Chairman - Chennai Chapter, Retailers Association of India Panelists: • Kavin Venkatesh, Executive Director, Maybell • Mohit Issrani, Director, KOBLERR FOOT WEAR & ACCESSORIES PRIVATE LIMITED • Pratik Sanklecha, Digital Operations Head, Nuts 'n' Spices - India • Sharon Kiron , Executive Director, Hi-style India Private Limited • Siddhanth A.V.R, Director, AVR Swarnamahal Jewelry Limited Description: This insightful panel discussion, moderated by Suhail Sattar, explores the delicate balancing act of preserving tradition while driving innovation in family-run retail businesses. The panel features next-generation leaders from various retail sectors who share their experiences of inheriting strong legacies and introducing modern practices to their businesses. From overcoming the challenges of modernizing traditional practices to successfully implementing impactful technology, these young leaders discuss how they navigate the complex dynamics of family expectations and business growth. Key Insights: • The importance of earning leadership through demonstrated success and gaining the trust of both the previous generation and employees. • Challenges in modernizing traditional practices, like transitioning from manual processes to digital solutions, and how these changes impact business efficiency. • The role of technology in enhancing customer experience, streamlining operations, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. • Strategies for balancing traditional marketing channels with modern digital approaches to effectively reach diverse customer segments. • Personal reflections on leadership transitions within family businesses and the importance of collaboration across generations. Watch now to gain valuable insights and practical tips from these new-age retail leaders on creating brands that not only disrupt but also dominate the market! 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring discussions and insights from the world of retail! Click on the link below to watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/gj-33RpX #RetailLeadership #FamilyBusiness #TraditionAndInnovation #RetailTechnology #NextGenLeaders #ChennaiRetailSummit #RetailIndia

Early Mover SUCCESS vs FAILURE   Early Mover advantage (competitive winning strategy) Conventional wisdom ratifies this thought However this was applicable in stable environment ! In the VUCA world, Early Mover is a BAD CHOICE.   Early movers in Q-Com Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy, bigbasket.com Levers of Q-Com - Dark Stores, Assortment, Capital, Technology Early Movers on avg have 500 dark stores, 2500 sq ft space/store Avg Capital raised is 500 Million US, Technology is consistent   Why is Reliance/Jio reluctant to enter Quick Commerce Is it reluctance or is it Market Entry Timing STRATEGY !! Reliance Retail funded 200 Mil US to Dunzo, then held back In Military terms, it could be termed “Gauging” & “Foxing”   Entered the Market, to signal the category attractiveness Typical Haryana Roadways, handkerchief seat booking Early Movers came into FULL Blown Now it’s a fight of CASH BURN, who can withstand HOW MUCH Then after the fight is over and most have fallen, only 2 will remain   Reliance/Jio will storm the Q-Com market and settle the case They have 2000+ BRIGHT Stores, equal to all DARK Stores Assortment is bigger than all Early Movers put together Capital and Technology does not even need a mention !!   Reliance Industries Limited master of Market Entry Timing Strategy Know when to STRIKE. Most Opportune moment. Evidence is RETAIL and TELECOM business. It was SILENCE before the STORM !! Not the EARLY MOVERS in both cases But MARKET LEADERS now !!   Hats off to the Leadership Team !! The old tag line is working “Kar lo Duniya Mutthi Mein”       #retail #sales #distribution #talesofsales  #fmcg #wellness #fashion #d2c #brands #consumer #leadership #organizationalbehaviour #bschools #employment #stress #entrepreneurship #quickcommerce

Brand Death Do brands die ? Yes. Just like humans, everything including brands comes with an expiry date. While many organizations and brands have stood the test of time for 3 decades, mainly because of lack of competition. The definition of perfect competition is many sellers serving many buyers and in perfect competition, there is no pricing advantage, so no one makes money in the long run. Profitability of companies will be under severe stress apart from sectors which are highly capital intensive like large scale industries. One brand which the Mango Man of India loved “Big Bazaar” died a sudden death. The place remained same, only the signage changed to “Smart Bazaar”. It did not matter to the consumer. Today's hero is "Zudio", yesterday was "Max", tomorrow maybe someone else. Founders overplay brands in their head. Consumer does not care. Someone else provides a better option, they will shift. Hard Fact. #retail #sales #distribution #talesofsales  #fmcg #wellness #fashion #d2c #brands #consumer #leadership #organizationalbehaviour #bschools #employment #stress #entrepreneurship

🌟 Just finished reading "Supermarketwala" by Damodar Mall, and it's a game-changer for anyone in the retail industry! 💼 Summing up the book in one word, I'd say "fascinating." Right from the start, I was glued to the stories about self-service stores in Raigad's outskirts, reminding me of my childhood visits to a similar self-service store. The book is packed with insights into how people buy things and why. Damodar ends each story with a question that makes you think! He talks about the three main parts of retail: CUSTOMERS, SELLERS, and EMPLOYEES, and challenges businesses to keep things simple. The part about how Ching's changed from being an expert in Chinese food to offering a whole cooking solution was eye-opening. Insights around why people still prefer ready-to-cook meals over ready-to-eat ones, and why we love fresh veggies and groceries more than frozen foods, unlike in the West. This book shows how India is becoming more modern but still keeping its unique way, just like Damodar Sir describes. 🔍 Key Takeaways: Innovation in Retail: Mall shares insights on transforming traditional supermarkets into modern retail spaces, emphasizing the importance of innovation. Customer-Centric Approach: The book underscores the significance of understanding and meeting customer needs to stay ahead in the competitive market. Digital Transformation: Mall explores the role of technology in reshaping the retail landscape, offering practical strategies for leveraging digital tools. Case Studies: Engaging case studies illustrate successful implementations of the principles discussed, making it a practical guide for business leaders. 🚀 Why You Should Read It: It isn't just a book; it's thought-provoking around the dynamic world of retail. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding entrepreneur, Mall's insights will inspire you to innovate and thrive in the ever-evolving market. #Supermarketwala #RetailWisdom

🌍 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐑𝐞-𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚: 𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐖𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 🌍 The Indian market is once again catching the attention of major global players. Companies like Carrefour, Ford, Harley-Davidson, and Shein are making a comeback after having previously shut down operations. As Nivedita Mookerji reports for Business Standard, this renewed interest stems from India’s growing market, robust economic reforms, and rapid GDP growth. But what’s driving this resurgence? According to Chandrajit Banerjee of the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII), it's a combination of India’s vast consumer base and progressive reforms aimed at improving the business landscape. Yet, as history shows, success here isn’t guaranteed — policy challenges and local nuances remain. From a branding perspective, relaunching in a competitive and evolving market like India demands: 🎯 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭: These brands left India due to varied challenges, 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴. Clear messaging that acknowledges their re-entry and the value they bring this time around will be key to overcoming any skepticism. 🚀 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: India’s market is diverse and fast-changing. Successful global brands, like Harley-Davidson partnering with Hero MotoCorp, are localizing their strategies to meet specific consumer preferences while keeping their core brand essence intact. 🔄 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Companies like Carrefour and Ford will need to adapt to India's current retail and automotive landscape, respectively, which has changed dramatically since their exits. Tailoring offerings to suit new customer demands, such as affordability or tech-driven experiences, will be critical for long-term growth. This re-entry into India is more than just a second chance—it's an opportunity for brands to evolve, engage, and create lasting bonds with a dynamic consumer base. What strategies do you think these global brands should focus on as they relaunch in India? Share your thoughts! #GlobalBrands #IndiaMarket #BrandRelaunch #Localization #ConsumerTrust #BusinessStrategy #Ford #Carrefour #HarleyDavidson #Shein #Innovation

India jumped from the 13th spot in 2000, To become the 5th largest economy by 2022! #D_Funda If the Indian economy's macros remain resilient, It'll outrank Japan & Germany by 2050. Our economy could thereafter outrank USA by 2075 and compete for the top-spot with China, soon after. China's current (veiled) slowdown aside, its economy even today, exports deflation to the world. However as the economy matures (by GDP & in per-capita), the world would eventually have to come knocking on India's doors -- for consumption as much as production! So as I see it: For any global business & its Board Room, India becomes a priority market - increasingly so! It's thus no surprise that on one hand, FDIs can't keep their money or speculation away from our economy. And on the other, the likes of Ford, Harley Davidson or Carrefour seem to be making a beeline to rejoin India's growth story. Now! Whether it's about entry, re-entry or doubling down, simply put... India isn't a question of 'if' but 'when'. _ #india #economy #worDplay #preDiction #gdp #bharat