OUT OF THE BOX
One of the regions best-known multi-brand store, Kapsons, has some of the finest brands from across the globe and plans to open more outlets
From Sweden’s Happy Socks to Japan’s Pigeon. From Italy’s Trussardi to Austria’s Jacques Lemans, Kapsons, Punjab’s leading multi-brand retail store is surely changing the way people in the region shop. With more than a 100 global brands that it sells, and a new tagline that spells 'Bringing Global Brands Together', this chain of stores aims to make the best from across the world available to people in the region at its 30 stores across the region and beyond.
Based in Chandigarh, the brand, synonymous with quality and excellent service, plans to keep at least 80 per cent of global brands in its stores. “The new-age Indian buyer is welleducated, travelled widely and has enough exposure to the best in the world. That is where we come in,” says Akshay Kapoor, director, Kapsons.
The 30-year-old, who joined business in the year 2010, says that for the past seven years, his effort has been to give a major thrust to the online business. “We have a solid retail base, and adequate experience. It made all the sense to get into the online market too,” he says. From increasing the size of the stores to proving excellent service, Kapoor says he is in the process of evolving his plans of action. “Rather than organising mega-fashion shows and elaborate press briefings, we generally give inaugural discounts to customers whenever a new store is opened. This benefits us more,” says Kapoor.
Kapsons, which has a presence even in smaller cities of Punjab including Bathinda, is receiving excellent response when it comes to international brands. “We are providing them what they would get anywhere else in the world. Except the taxation, everything is the same. They just needed a good place to shop from, and we have ensured that,” he says.
Kapsons, which has been instrumental in giving the region a taste of global brands through its flagship store in Chandigarh, is working on a rapid growth model. “We also have a store each in Udaipur, Surat and Baroda. The key is to have a large presence without compromising on quality and service.” The brand has always stayed away from in-house production. Ask Kapoor about this, and he says, “That has been intentional. We are known to be a retail brand and would like to concentrate on our specialisation. There might be more margins in manufacturing, but just that does not interest us.,” he says. Despite a hectic schedule, this young entrepreneur makes it a point to take out time for himself. “I work five days a week and ensure that there are several travel plans in a year. It helps me not just to relax but also to come back to work with renewed vigour,” he says.
We already have 30 stores across the country. The plan is to open a new store every three months in the next three years