Getting personalised

Starting their journey with rubber stamp business 14 years back, Presto Personalised Wonders now is one of the leading companies offering personalised gifts and corporate buying products, and has clients from various sectors. Anurag Poddar, Director, Presto shares his success and future business plans.

Subhro Prakash Ghosh (SPG): Tell us something about Presto.

Anurag Poddar (AP): We started our business with the launch of Presto Pre Inked Stamp in Kolkata in 1995. With the passage of time, we gradually started diversifying our product lines.and opened our first personalised gift store in Kolkata in the year 2004. We  also have tied-up with the UK-based Chemence Ltd, Taiwan-based Sun Same Enterprise Co Ltd.,Laser Tools and Technics Corporation.

SPG: What is the merchandise-mix in Presto store?

AP: We showcase a diverse category of merchandise. We offer personalised gifts so that a person can get closer to his/her loved ones. The products such as wooden clock with a message engraved, photo frame, desktop accessories like wooden pen box, wooden diary, T-shirts, mugs to carry your message, key rings, name plates, softies, etc. We also offer corporate buying products like personalised mementos, awards and appreciation products. The notable thing is that we always have repeated customers, who come back again and again. This proves that we are successful in our business. The products that we offer are not confined to any age or profession.

We have clients from diverse sectors like institutions, banks, IT companies, Government bodies, SMEs, large business firms, NGOs, Universities, retailers, etc. Some of our clients are LG, Larsen & Toubro, Dabur, Tata, Castrol, HP, UNICEF, etc.

SPG: How many stores of Presto are presently operational?

AP: As of now, we have 24 exclusive retail stores and out of which 14 stores are franchised.

SPG: Kindly reveal the area and investment requirement for a Presto franchised store.

AP: To open a Presto kiosk, a franchisee needs to have an area of 100 sq. ft with an investment of Rs 6 lakh. On the other hand, to open an exclusive store, a franchisee requires around 300 sq. ft area with the financial investment of Rs 8 lakh.

SPG: What are your expansion plans?

AP: We would like to open 45-50 stores by 2010. We intend to launch two stores per month. We usually prefer to have our presence in the malls to gain maximum visibility of the visitors. Since, our company is based in Kolkata, we think we have already made adequate expansion here. Now we are aiming to head towards south and north simultaneously. Outside Kolkata, all our stores will be opened through the franchise route.