Jitendra Madaan, Managing Director, Kathak Fashion Mills

As its name denotes, Kathak Fashion Mills is known for its traditional saris and dress materials. In an interview, Jitendra Madaan, Managing Director, Kathak Fashion Mills briefs us about the company and its future plans.

Abha Garyali (AG): Tell us something about the inception and success of ‘Kathak Fashion Mills’.

Jitendra Madaan (JM): For the last 15 years we are in the textile industry. With wide experience in fabric, dress materials, and saris, its only six months back we took the franchise route for expansion.

AG: What was the motivation behind starting Kathak Fashion Mills?

JM: Our main motto is to provide saris and dress materials at a minimum price as we sell at the original factory price. We want to give cloths at the lowest possible price to our customers.

AG: Have you faced competition from the unorganised apparel sector?

JM: We do not have any competition from the unorganised players. This is because our quality is better and rates are much lower than the unorganised players.

AG: What is the USP of Kathak Fashion Mills?

JM: Our USP is that we offer our customers the facility of online shopping. Customers can also order saris and dress materials online and the products will be delivered at their doorsteps.

AG: What are the qualities and the criteria for the selection of your prospective franchisees? How much investment is required by them?

JM: An entrepreneur keen on becoming our franchisee should be ready to devote a lot of time in the business. He should also be interested in the textile business. We have three stores options:

• Smart stores: These are small outlets which can be started from home as well. The investment required ranges from Rs five- six lakh.
• Non metro stores: These can be opened in Tier II cities and towns. Are required is 400-500 sq.ft and the investment is Rs 10-12 lakh.
• Metro stores: These stores will be opened in all big metro cities with a required area of 800 sq.ft. The investment needed will be approximately Rs 25 lakh.

AG: What are your future plans in terms of expansion through franchising?

JM: At present, we have no franchise outlets but have finalised deals with 10 franchisees. At the moment, we deal in saris and dress materials but in future, we have plans to include accessories to compliment our dresses. Moreover, we are planning to start selling ready-made salwar suits and also include clothes for men and kids. Therefore, our aim is to make Kathak Fashion Mills a complete fashion outlet.

AG: How many franchisees do you have in India and in which cities?

JM: As mentioned above we have finalised franchise agreements with 10 entrepreneurs. Few of these outlets will be launched in three to four months. The remaining will be opened in six months from now.

AG: How will you support and train your franchisees?

JM: We shall provide national advertising support, shop construction assistance and all other help to our franchisees. We believe that his shop is our shop, so we would provide training related to increasing sales and staff etc.