Ideas of India 2025: Offline Stores Help Get Loyal Consumers, Says Sreeleathers Director

Sreeleathers director, Rochita Dey said that online shopping is great for FMCG products, however, for shopping goods, tangibility played an important role.

With regards to capital requirements of establishing online or offline stores, the executive said that while buying online is easy, the quality of deliverables might differ.

Source : ABP News

Rochita Dey, Director, Sreeleathers, on Saturday said that brand positioning for a diverse group of consumers is very important in India. The businesswoman noted that thresholds might be different for individuals, but positioning can play an important role in helping reach a variety of consumers.

“If we can create a brand which has a premium aesthetic and branding, but without the luxury price tag, we can reach more diverse consumers than being a mass and luxury brand,” she said while speaking at the ABP Network Ideas of India Summit 2025.

Online Vs Offline: The Experience 

Speaking about consumer behaviour in the session, titled 'Understanding the Indian Consumer: Diversity and Aspiration', Dey said that online shopping is great for FMCG products, however, for shopping goods, tangibility played an important role. She added that while online shopping offered a lot of convenience for consumers, the experience and entertainment provided via offline shopping remained unique.

#ABPIdeasOfIndia | Rochita Dey shares her perspective on whether online shopping is more convenient or if physical stores offer a better experience for consumers.

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With regards to capital requirements of establishing online or offline stores, the executive said that while buying online is easy, the quality of deliverables might differ. She noted that brick and mortar stores might be expensive to set up in the beginning, however, the service that a brand can provide to customers via stores is much better. 

Further, Dey noted that another benefit of maintaining an offline presence is that ‘it is a lot easier to build loyal consumer base with a physical store’.

The businesswoman pointed out that we should support Indian brands in anyway possible. "We are the world's largest democracy, we can be the industrial superpower in the next ten years if we support our local manufacturers and workers," Dey said.

Gender Stereotypes In Corporate World

Dey said that these stereotypes are taught from a very young age. “While we can’t change the society, we can change the narrative at home and instill more confidence in our daughters,” she noted.

The executive acknowledged that being born in a business family, she didn’t face as many hurdles and gender discrimination in the workplace, however, she remained an anomaly in the overall context.

“Once you reach a certain level, it gets easier but starting is difficult for women entrepreneurs. I wish all the women who are starting today all the best,” she said.