How Raghavendra Rathore, Anita Dongre deal with unsold inventory
British Brand Burberry destroyed 'unsaleable' items, for which they faced flak.
By ET Bureau |
Agencies
By Shannon Tellis
Following a strong wave of environmental criticism, Burberry announced recently that they will no longer destroy items deemed ‘unsaleable’. The British brand faced flak for destroying £28.6 million ($ 37.1 million) of ‘unsaleable’ goods over the past year to prevent it from being sold at knockdown prices. Burberry defended its practice, saying that energy was harnessed through the destruction. ETPanache spoke to a few Indian designers for solutions to the problems of unsold inventory.
Talent, Glamour, Opportunity: Delhi Times Fashion Week Was An Extravagant Affair
1/16
The Delhi Times Fashion Week, an initiative by The Times Group, culminated on a glamorous note at Roseate House, Aerocity. The three-day long event witnessed the presence of the crème de la crème of the lifestyle and fashion world. The extravaganza saw the country’s biggest fashion designers putting their best collections forward.
In pic: Leena Singh with Anukreety Vyas fbb Femina Miss India World 2018
The Delhi Times Fashion Week, an initiative by The Times Group, culminated on a glamorous note at Roseate House, Aerocity. The three-day long event witnessed the presence of the crème de la crème of ..
Read More
Ankur Bhatia, executive director, 'The Bird Group, says, “This is our third season with DTFW and the show is improving by leaps and bounds every year. We are proud of our association with Delhi Times and are looking forward to the coming years as well.”
In pic: Ankur Bhatia, executive director, 'The Bird Group' with wife Smriti Bhatia
Ankur Bhatia, executive director, 'The Bird Group, says, “This is our third season with DTFW and the show is improving by leaps and bounds every year. We are proud of our association with Delhi Times..
Read More
Bharat & Reshma’s collection ‘Sartorial Splendour’ is a paradoxical statement. It features straight, long-shaped, clean silhouettes. With different textured fabrics, there is a modern approach to the embroidery techniques and patterns. The accessories used in the collection include printed chanderi hand tied turbans and handcrafted shoes.
In pic: From left: Reshma, Randeep Hooda, Bharat
Bharat & Reshma’s collection ‘Sartorial Splendour’ is a paradoxical statement. It features straight, long-shaped, clean silhouettes. With different textured fabrics, there is a modern approach to the..
Read More
“We are proud to be associated with DTFW. With our premium Aero series range of fans, we are changing the perception about fans, therefore we see fashion as another exciting medium to get our message across.” Atul Jain, SR VP & Business Head, Fk, Orient Electric Limited
“We are proud to be associated with DTFW. With our premium Aero series range of fans, we are changing the perception about fans, therefore we see fashion as another exciting medium to get our message..
Read More
“We are thrilled to partner with an event as massive as DTFW. Momspresso has always been committed to supporting Indian mothers in their journey as parents as well as women. However, mothers often lack the time they need to spend on their beauty and fashion regimens. This is a great platform for women to reclaim their style.” – Vishal Gupta Founder & CEO, Momspresso
“We are thrilled to partner with an event as massive as DTFW. Momspresso has always been committed to supporting Indian mothers in their journey as parents as well as women. However, mothers often la..
Read More
“With over 400 salons across 125 cities, Lakmé Salon is the hub of beauty expertise across India. Our team of backstage heroes constantly work towards delivering the trendiest runway ready looks to delight our consumers. We are proud to magnify our promise of ‘Runway Excellence Everyday’ at the Delhi Times Fashion Week.” Pushkaraj Shenai, CEO, Lakmé Lever.
“With over 400 salons across 125 cities, Lakmé Salon is the hub of beauty expertise across India. Our team of backstage heroes constantly work towards delivering the trendiest runway ready looks to d..
Read More
“We feel proud to be part of this amazing event as cafe partners for three times in a row. Our brand resonates with the fashion industry.” Rahul Sawhney, owner, Mealodrama
In pic: Malvika (L), Rahul Sawney
“We feel proud to be part of this amazing event as cafe partners for three times in a row. Our brand resonates with the fashion industry.” Rahul Sawhney, owner, MealodramaIn pic: Malvika (L), Rahul S..
Read More
“Indicolour is one stop for all bespoke invitation and customised printing needs. We feel proud to be part of this Delhi Times Fashion Week as their luxury invitation partner.” Abhishek Sansi, MD, Indicolour.
“Indicolour is one stop for all bespoke invitation and customised printing needs. We feel proud to be part of this Delhi Times Fashion Week as their luxury invitation partner.” Abhishek Sansi, MD, In..
Read More
“DTFW is a perfect mix of talent, glamour and opportunity. Working with them has been an enriching experience.” Sarvesh Tiwari, MD, PR Professionals.
“DTFW is a perfect mix of talent, glamour and opportunity. Working with them has been an enriching experience.” Sarvesh Tiwari, MD, PR Professionals.
From western to traditional, models were seen slaying the ramp in designer outfits from Malini Ramani and Ritu Beri.
In pic: A model in a Malini Ramani outfit (L) A model in a Ritu Beri outfit
From western to traditional, models were seen slaying the ramp in designer outfits from Malini Ramani and Ritu Beri. In pic: A model in a Malini Ramani outfit (L) A model in a Ritu Beri outfit
“Regardless of surplus, investment must be done to make sure that the longing for the product is not created by a hype of scarcity. Instead it should be managed through a well-organised supply and demand algorithm. With regards to Burberry, I think that a huge shift in brand identity might have been the real reason to disconnect from the old design and stock.” He feels it should the unsold inventory should be managed through a well-organised supply and demand algorithm Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla “We live in a world where resources are precious and to simply destroy is an affront to our personal ethics. Our diffusion label goes on sale once a year, our couture label every five years. So it’s rare for us to have excessive unsold stock. But if stock must be ‘disposed’ off after a few seasons, we prefer to gift to employees or donate to absolute strangers.” They prefer to gift to employees or donate to absolute strangers Tarun Tahiliani
ADVERTISEMENT
“A brand that destroys so much merchandise is actually doing itself a disfavour. Rather than destroy unsold goods, we have a genuine sale followed by a friends-and-family sale. After that, the unsold fabrics or pieces are given out to NGOs who can convert them into little gifts to sell. It is our endeavour to ensure that nothing goes to waste.”
Rather than destroy unsold goods, the designers prefers to have a genuine sale followed by a friends-and-family sale Amrish Kumar “While destroying unsold stock is a reality in the fashion industry, in India, we’re not there yet. None of the brands in India are at a scale where we have to make that decision. When it comes to our unsold stock, we do discount sales and donate some but we haven’t had to destroy anything yet.” While destroying unsold stock is a reality in the fashion industry, in India, Amrish Kumar is not quite there yet Anita Dongre “Now more than ever, it’s imperative for brands to think of smarter and greener ways of inventory management. One solution to avoid discarding products at the end of a season and ensuring exclusivity is to simply consider small-batch production like we do for our bridal, pret and grassroot lines. Donations, upcycling and repurposing unsold inventory could also be used to not only enhance a brand’s social capital but also provide newer revenue streams.”
ADVERTISEMENT
One solution to avoid discarding products at the end of a season, says Anita
