Growing fashionably

KKCL is the company behind Killer, Integriti, Lawman and Easies. In an interview Kewalchand Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Kewal Kiran Clothings Ltd (KKCL) shares his company’s success.

Ramanjit Kaur (RK): Tell us something about Kewal Kiran Clothings Ltd.

Kewalchand Jain (KJ): Kewal Kiran Clothings Ltd. is a completely integrated player. We do everything from manufacturing to retail. We own four brands that include Killer, Integriti, Lawman and Easies.  With our retail concept of K-lounge, at present we own five brands.

RK: When and why did you take the franchise route to expand your business?

KJ: We established our first store in 2004. From the beginning we followed the concept of franchising. Till now, we have around 135 stores. Franchising is a better concept as the franchisees are the owners of their outlets and manage them well. There is more of compliance in this method of expansion. They maintain margins and make profits for the company also. This is the major reason for adopting the franchise route.

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

KJ: We are providing support to all our franchisees in terms of how to maintain furnitur, and interiors of the shop. We also help them set up visual displays of the shops, and help them to set up a margin of stocks for two seasons. They can even start another franchise store after one year of experience.

RK: What kind of challenges a franchisee can face while running the franchised outlet?

KJ: The franchisees have to manage the store efficiently and effectively. The company takes care of other things.

RK: What are your future plans?

KJ: We are targeting to open 40-50 stores every year. Out of which, very few will be company owned and the rest will be franchised.

RK: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

KJ: One has to have a long term vision. This is because, business establishes over a period of time. When an aspirant is opening a franchised outlet, s/he has to be committed enough to spend five to nine years of his/her life in the franchised business.

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

KJ: We provide  training to the franchisees on sales and maintenance perspectives.  We also train them regarding presentation of the visuals according to the seasons and festivals.

RK: What investment is required by an aspiring franchisee?

KJ: An investment of around Rs 40 lakh is required to take the franchise of Kewal Kiran Clothings Ltd. Out of which, Rs 20 lakh is required to set up the interiors and Rs 20 lakh for the stock.