Sampath Kothari: A Legendary Retail Industry Leader
Sampath Kothari
Managing Director
Having grown organically over the years, Shubham introduced its franchise concept in 2018 and has been one of the fastest-growing electronic retail chains in the country ever since then, with more than 180 signature franchise stores across India. After almost 27 years of success and hard work, the Group today is home to Shubham The Electronic Shopee, Shubham Samrudhi Infra , Shubham Electronic Care, and IVEE, the home appliances brand. CEO Insights engages in an exclusive interview with Sampath, who walks us through the fantastic journey of Shubham and the company’s latest endeavors.
Tell us more about the inception story of Shubham.
Post my graduation, I was helping my father in his business. I was still figuring out my own professional path, and soon I realized that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. My savings being the capital investment, I started my own business in the name of SK Times. Gradually, we entered into the distribution of BPL products, and later on, took up the distribution of other MNC brands like LG, Whirlpool, and Godrej in the Mysore region. The distribution network & experience was an eye opener that helped me bring all the brands under one roof. I introduced the retail chain concept first ever by a Private Limited firm named ‘Shubham' The electronic Shopee opening three
showrooms simultaneously in Mysore. We have never looked back.
What is the unique proposition that your retail outlets provide to clients?
Shubham The electronic Shopee has become number one in Mysore in a short span of time, providing unparalleled offers & services to an extensive customer base. The retail chain experience has overwhelmed the customers with its all brands sales & services, helping the brand become a popular household name. We are also well praised for our display methods, sales offer, store size & after sales customer satisfaction.
Why did you choose Mysore to be the breeding ground for your company? How has the state been favoring you so far in your operations?
Mysore being a heritage city, I foresaw the potential to expand in the market swiftly. With the retail chain concept running successfully for years, I wanted Shubham to expand all over Karnataka in a short span of time. I introduced the franchisee model, where in local partnerships became critical in operations. Shubham has received acceptance from all over Karnataka. At this point, we are operating in 10 states of India Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Odisha.
In your professional journey so far, which are the moments that bestowed you with utmost satisfaction both as an individual and an entrepreneur?
I have had very memorable moments throughout my journey, and I have always loved tackling challenges and taking risks within business operations. The best achie
The retail chain experience has overwhelmed the customers with its all brands sales & services, helping the brand become a popular household name
What is the unique proposition that your retail outlets provide to clients?
Shubham The electronic Shopee has become number one in Mysore in a short span of time, providing unparalleled offers & services to an extensive customer base. The retail chain experience has overwhelmed the customers with its all brands sales & services, helping the brand become a popular household name. We are also well praised for our display methods, sales offer, store size & after sales customer satisfaction.
Why did you choose Mysore to be the breeding ground for your company? How has the state been favoring you so far in your operations?
Mysore being a heritage city, I foresaw the potential to expand in the market swiftly. With the retail chain concept running successfully for years, I wanted Shubham to expand all over Karnataka in a short span of time. I introduced the franchisee model, where in local partnerships became critical in operations. Shubham has received acceptance from all over Karnataka. At this point, we are operating in 10 states of India Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Odisha.
In your professional journey so far, which are the moments that bestowed you with utmost satisfaction both as an individual and an entrepreneur?
I have had very memorable moments throughout my journey, and I have always loved tackling challenges and taking risks within business operations. The best achie
vement in life is Mysoreans’ love and affection, and acceptance of the brand Shubham. Another important and lovable achievement individually and as an entrepreneur is that my family initially migrated from Rajasthan to Mysore to start a business. Now I take pride in taking Shubham’s operations to my birthplace/ state after 27 years. ‘Karm Bhoomi se leke Janm Bhoomi Tak’.
In the future, what are the changes in market behavior that you anticipate, and what opportunities do you foresee?
Retail is a challenging business, but at the same time, you get to enjoy every moment of it. We have witnessed market fluctuations due to the pandemic, which was unpredictable. But electronics products have now become an essential product in every household. I foresee that in the next three years, the business will be enhanced, and our franchise model will help us to cater to all market sizes – from Micro markets to Metro markets. We have a vision of 5000 stores across India, and our ultimate goal is to make Shubham Consumer Durables a public limited company by 2024.
In the light of your substantial experience in the retail industry, what advice would you give to the budding entrepreneurs?
My only advice to young entrepreneurs is that your system should drive the organization and be ready to face every challenge that comes with the business.
Sampath Kothari, Managing Director, Shubham Consumer Durables
Born in Rajasthan, Sampath kick started the ‘Shubham’ journey in 1995 from Mysore. With more than 180 signature franchise stores across India, Shubham today is one of the fastest growing retail stores in the country. His wife Chandrakala Kothari, and two sons, Nikhil and Ayush Kothari are part of the company as directors.
Hobbies:Travelling and Playing Tennis
Favorite Cuisine:DalBati and South Indian Meals
Favorite Book:'Wings of Fire' by APJ Abdul Kalam Sir
Favorite Travel Destination:Europe
Awards & Recognition:
•Mysore Chamber of Commerce Association Award
•Mysore Real Estate Award
•Indian Housing Development Award
In the future, what are the changes in market behavior that you anticipate, and what opportunities do you foresee?
Retail is a challenging business, but at the same time, you get to enjoy every moment of it. We have witnessed market fluctuations due to the pandemic, which was unpredictable. But electronics products have now become an essential product in every household. I foresee that in the next three years, the business will be enhanced, and our franchise model will help us to cater to all market sizes – from Micro markets to Metro markets. We have a vision of 5000 stores across India, and our ultimate goal is to make Shubham Consumer Durables a public limited company by 2024.
In the light of your substantial experience in the retail industry, what advice would you give to the budding entrepreneurs?
My only advice to young entrepreneurs is that your system should drive the organization and be ready to face every challenge that comes with the business.
Sampath Kothari, Managing Director, Shubham Consumer Durables
Born in Rajasthan, Sampath kick started the ‘Shubham’ journey in 1995 from Mysore. With more than 180 signature franchise stores across India, Shubham today is one of the fastest growing retail stores in the country. His wife Chandrakala Kothari, and two sons, Nikhil and Ayush Kothari are part of the company as directors.
Hobbies:Travelling and Playing Tennis
Favorite Cuisine:DalBati and South Indian Meals
Favorite Book:'Wings of Fire' by APJ Abdul Kalam Sir
Favorite Travel Destination:Europe
Awards & Recognition:
•Mysore Chamber of Commerce Association Award
•Mysore Real Estate Award
•Indian Housing Development Award