Scaling new heights

Akhil Jain, the fourth generation of the Jains at the helm of Jain Amar, a family-owned clothing and accessories business founded in Ludhiana in the pre-Independence era, takes MARWAR through its history and his efforts to scale up the business as its executive director.

- Neha Rege

THE FASHION INDUSTRY IN INDIA HAS SEEN A massive transformation over the years, thanks to the influx of global brands, robust expansion undertaken by domestic players, emergence of online retail, introduction of positive policy reforms and entry of start-ups. Jain Amar has been a name that has stood strong and successful through it all, carving a niche through its portfolio of brands that have built a loyal clientele with their trendy designs and trustworthy quality.

Of Jain Amar’s several brands, the one that contributes 85 per cent of its turnover is Madame, which specialises in fast fashion and in-trend merchandise, along with casual and party wear for women. Executive director Akhil Jain, now 38 and part of the new generation at the helm of Jain Amar, says, “Today, Madame caters to 22 categories in the women’s western wear segment—from t-shirts, tops, dresses, jumpsuits, formal wear and denims in summer, to jackets, coats and sweaters in winter. The brand also offers accessories like handbags and footwear.”

Presently, Madame has over 150 standalone stores across India—a big jump since its inception 18 years ago, when its flagship store was launched. Jain says, “These stores cover a total space of 1,50,000 sq ft in high streets and shopping malls. Every year, we attend close to 5,00,000 unique customers at these stores and service another 50,000 online.”

An early start