Fresh opportunity with age old salon brand

Eyeing to spread its presence in the smaller towns of the nation, Anoo’s one of the oldest names in clinical and salon services is smartly taking its franchise calls. In an interview, Anuradha CH, Director, Anoo’s shares the expansion strategy of the company.

Ramanjit Kaur (RK): Kindly shed some light on the origin, growth and success of Anoo’s?

Anuradha CH (AC): Over the last 28 years that Anoo’s has been in existence, our services and offerings have been well received. We started this company in 1982 in Hyderabad and it is one of the country’s oldest names in clinical and salon services. Initially, we developed it as a family venture, but today the company has grown into a full-fledged professional set up with presence in seven cities and 11 facilities in India and one facility in USA. Anoo’s has a current work force of more than 200 professionally trained estheticians and technicians.

We offer clinical services for both men and women that comprise of weight management programmes with focus on slimming, spot reduction, and body shaping. The hair removal treatment which offers a combination of electrolysis and laser for unwanted hair reduction is a service provided only at Anoo’s.

RK: What inspired Anoo’s to take the franchise route to expand the business in India?

AC: As our business is capital intensive where expansion is a must on a regular basis, it is imperative to expand to other areas aggressively. Because of this reason, we adopted the franchise route, which is the most viable option available to expand our presence across the nation.

RK: What kind of background is necessary to secure the franchise of Anoo’s? How much investment and area is required to launch the franchise outlet?

AC: The basic requirement from franchisee includes a minimum of 2, 500 sq.ft of commercial area in prime location which would enhance the visibility of Anoo’s and help in reaching out to target audience/customer. Apart from the space, it would require a monetary investment of Rs 40- 60 lakh mainly for the infrastructure, training and providing facilities for the customers.

RK: What is the total number of franchise outlets through which the company is operating at present?

AC: Anoo's which was initially started as a family venture way back in 1982 has today matured into a full-fledged professional set up with presence in 10 Indian cities. Currently, it has 15 facilities spread across Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Vijaywada, Warangal, Rajahmundry, Vizag, Nellore, Kakinada, Bengaluru and Chennai, out of which five are franchise outlets. Additionally, we have a centre in Florida, USA as well.

RK: What kind of training and support do you provide to your franchisees?

AC: We have a dedicated franchise support network for our franchisees. They receive promotional and marketing support to hire the staff. We help all our franchisees in setting-up and starting-up processes.

RK: What are the future plans of the company in terms of expansion through franchising?

AC: 10 franchise centres have been planned in Karnataka the target districts for the same are; Bellary, Gulbarga, Hasan, Hubli and Shimoga. In addition to the existing Bangalore outlets in Koramangala and newly launched facility in J P Nagar, Anoo’s is planning for more franchise outlets in Basavanagudi, Malleshwaram, Rajaji Nagar, Vijay Nagar Colony and Whitefields as well.

In TamilNadu eight more Anoo’s franchise facilities are being planned, the target locations for same are Adyar, Alwarpet, Annanagar, Mylapore and Kilpauk in Chennai.  Additionally cities like Salem and Trichy in the state are also in our wish list besides the union territory of Pudducherry.