Imran Virji
Owner and Managing Director
Starting his training as a stock boy in the store room, moving on to salesman, then to a manager, Imran Virji is a maestro of the footwear industry and is leading his family business towards success.
Imran Virji engages in an exclusive interaction with the CEO Insights Magazine, here are the highlights.
How would you define Regal Shoes as an organization and its current position in the fashion industry?
Regal Shoes is a premium footwear destination we create and curate the best footwear brands and bring them together under one roof for our valued customers. Our inhouse women's premium brand, Rocia Shoes, and men's premium brand,
Imperio Shoes, are loved by millions of loyal customers. In addition to Rocia and Imperio, our stores and website also carry highquality national and international brands that Indians love, including Clarks UK, Skechers, TOMS, Crocs, Florsheim, and Lee Cooper, among others. We have expanded the business to over 35 stores in 17 cities across India and have a strong presence in online marketplaces as well as on the brand's own website.
Give a brief account of the fashion solutions that you offer.
Regal has never shied away from curating and presenting to the Indian people a brand that values style, quality craftsmanship, and comfort. Most people believe trendy shoes must be uncomfortable, which is nothing but a myth. Well-made shoes are comfortable whether they are formal work shoes or heels, especially stilettos and bridal shoes. Every pair of formal men's shoes that make it to our brand has a specially designed insole cushion. Our strengths lie in the collections we create for weddings for brides and grooms and their guests, corporate wear for men and women taking professional strides, ethnic wear to style with traditional Indian wear like pathani shoes for men, and intricate hand embroidered sandals for women. We have over 60 years of experience in the business, and it shows in our collections' design, comfort, and quality.
What are the latest challenges hindering people from making the right fashion choices? Also, what are the solutions for helping people
My advice to entrepreneurs is to take the time to perfect their product by focusing on quality, not just design when you can create a great product, your designs will automatically find your market
Give a brief account of the fashion solutions that you offer.
Regal has never shied away from curating and presenting to the Indian people a brand that values style, quality craftsmanship, and comfort. Most people believe trendy shoes must be uncomfortable, which is nothing but a myth. Well-made shoes are comfortable whether they are formal work shoes or heels, especially stilettos and bridal shoes. Every pair of formal men's shoes that make it to our brand has a specially designed insole cushion. Our strengths lie in the collections we create for weddings for brides and grooms and their guests, corporate wear for men and women taking professional strides, ethnic wear to style with traditional Indian wear like pathani shoes for men, and intricate hand embroidered sandals for women. We have over 60 years of experience in the business, and it shows in our collections' design, comfort, and quality.
What are the latest challenges hindering people from making the right fashion choices? Also, what are the solutions for helping people
make the right choices?
People have the right to make whatever fashion choices they like, as there is no right or wrong in Fashion it depends on each person's tastes and preferences. Our job is to ensure people have access and options to choose the styles that represent them. Crafting quality footwear requires know-how, experience, and practical knowledge - something that Regal has honed over decades. Much expertise goes into designing and creating each new pair. So when it comes to footwear one must prioritize quality. After all, every pair of shoes you wear carries you through life.
Please reflect on some of the toughest challenges you have encountered in your journey so far. How did you overcome them, and what did you learn from them?
In my journey to build and grow a family business, the most demanding challenge I faced was translating what I learned from my international business education into the reality of the Indian business scenario. When I took over this business over 20 years ago, having just returned from completing my MBA in the US, all my theoretical knowledge could not have prepared me for how businesses run on the ground. Slowly but surely, I began to put the systems in place that have resulted in the business I run today, a legacy I am proud to build on.
Imran Virji, Owner and Managing Director, Regal Shoes
In his preparation to take on the leadership of the family business, Imran studied Footwear Design & Technology in the UK and did his MBA from the Weather head School of Management in the US. He has expanded the business to over 35 stores in 17 cities across India and has a strong presence in online marketplaces and the brand’s website. He likes to play tennis in his free time.
Quick Facts:
Favorite Cuisine: Home cooked biryani
Favorite Book:Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Favorite Travel Destination:Goa
People have the right to make whatever fashion choices they like, as there is no right or wrong in Fashion it depends on each person's tastes and preferences. Our job is to ensure people have access and options to choose the styles that represent them. Crafting quality footwear requires know-how, experience, and practical knowledge - something that Regal has honed over decades. Much expertise goes into designing and creating each new pair. So when it comes to footwear one must prioritize quality. After all, every pair of shoes you wear carries you through life.
Please reflect on some of the toughest challenges you have encountered in your journey so far. How did you overcome them, and what did you learn from them?
In my journey to build and grow a family business, the most demanding challenge I faced was translating what I learned from my international business education into the reality of the Indian business scenario. When I took over this business over 20 years ago, having just returned from completing my MBA in the US, all my theoretical knowledge could not have prepared me for how businesses run on the ground. Slowly but surely, I began to put the systems in place that have resulted in the business I run today, a legacy I am proud to build on.
Imran Virji, Owner and Managing Director, Regal Shoes
In his preparation to take on the leadership of the family business, Imran studied Footwear Design & Technology in the UK and did his MBA from the Weather head School of Management in the US. He has expanded the business to over 35 stores in 17 cities across India and has a strong presence in online marketplaces and the brand’s website. He likes to play tennis in his free time.
Quick Facts:
Favorite Cuisine: Home cooked biryani
Favorite Book:Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
Favorite Travel Destination:Goa