Indian Retail Awards and e-Retail Awards Congress 2015

"The consumer mind share and time share is moving forward, the speed of change and the acceptance of consumer empowerment is faster"

The debate has changed completely and it has taken probably less than two years. No more is it about Retail or eRetail; it is a given that one needs to be omni-channel to meet today's consumer demands. What has really emerged is an era of the empowered consumer. Facing an uncertain future where the consumer is in control will require unprecedented understanding of the insights, needs, and objectives of companies across the media spectrum.

Stepping into the lives of next-generation consumers and collaboratively exploring possible future scenarios can enhance a Retailer and brand's ability to successfully navigate the many uncertainties presented by the era of the empowered consumer.

With consumers undoubtedly in control, companies need to step away from traditional business models and collaborate in new ways both with each other and directly with their customers. In a world of tightening margins, a widening array of platforms and content, and an increasingly global reach, success requires facing an uncertain future, building a collaborative roadmap, continually responding to evolving consumer wants and needs, and embracing and monetising the buzz word of the moment-"change." Consumers would like to see that things are not pushed to them but customised for them. Fuelling the sense of urgency is the pace of consumer-led change and the reality that current business models have yet to catch up.

I Look forward to welcoming you at the show

Gaurav Marya
Chairman, Franchise India