On an illuminating path

It’s not often that a brand resonates with its customers for quality and durability, especially when the market is crowded with unorganised players and it’s easy to be one among the many. However, Gopi Chand And Son, a pioneer in the lighting industry has, since its launch in 1952 at Bhagirath Palace in Delhi, managed to stand out heads taller than the rest. After serving over 65 years in the industry, Anmol Ratan Jindal, Chairman, Gopi Chand And Son, proudly beams, “We don’t just light up your homes or workplaces but also add beauty, glory, value and decor to them.” A veteran of the industry, he has been a witness to the many changes that have impacted the sector.

And as he notes, over the past six decades the industry has grown by leaps and bounds, and has evolved with customers who want decor-based lighting as apart from the earlier usage-based lighting. “Decor-based lighting is an integral part of the interiors whether it’s at homes or elsewhere,” AR says.

He adds, “The industry is growing at more than 19.1% annually and we expect that increasing urbanisation will keep this trend upwards for a long period in India. Also, the boom in the real estate industry has immensely contributed to the growth of the lightning industry.”

At a time when the demands of the customers have evolved and there is never-seen-before need for innovation in the lighting industry, AR explains how the brand has stayed relevant to its customer base. “We emphasize on quality, innovation and most importantly, customer satisfaction. Our dedicated product design team is at the helm of innovative designs and each piece of light is handmade in our workshop. This is also one of the main reasons for the long durability of our products. Apart from our local patrons, we enjoy good reputation in the international market due to our premium quality products and timely deliveries,” AR adds.

FRANCHISE SUPPORT

As the company grew and loyal customers became a part of the company’s growth success, Gopi Chand And Son ventured into franchising 10 years ago and in the last decade have opened more than 30 outlets across the country. The brand is now looking into aggressively entering new markets as well as expanding its global presence. Explaining how Gopi Chand And Son will enable its franchisee partners to grow, AR, says, “We will continuously assist in monitoring and managing the business to make sure that the best business practices get implemented at the franchisee end to run it on profit as well as to have satisfied customers.”

According to AR, some of the other benefits the franchisees can expect include fit-outs of the retail outlet and showroom as per the franchisor’s specifications. The company also provides marketing assistance by providing printed material like brochures, flex boards and pamphlets on a cost basis and organising local promotional activities and events. It also provides all forms, formats, cash sheets, sales sheets, monthly report and other administration assistance. “With six decades of operational expertise, ever-growing product portfolio and presence in even international markets, we are one of the best brands to partner with. Not only do the franchisees get intensive brand support and hand-holding, but even high margins on the products,” AR states.

FUTURE VISION

Now, with a vision to launch 200 franchise stores and serve 20 lakh patrons, Gopi Chand And Son plans to become a public limited company by 2021. “Our wide range of products and fancy lights reflect the variety that the Indian handicrafts and arts have to offer. We are committed to providing quality designs and products that not only result in high customer satisfaction, but ensure that the customers come back to our brand,” he says.

FRANCHISE FACTS

Year of launch: 1952

Year of initiating franchising: 2006

Investment required: Rs 29.5 lakhs, including furniture

Number of stores: 30+ across India

Area required: 1,000 sq. Feet

Expansion plans: Pan-India.

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