I used to see this book at diiferent outlets of Big Bazaar in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai.However, as mentioned by the earlier reviewer of the book, here on Mouthshut, I too was reluctant to buy the books; after all what a person has to say when he is selling his book in his own shop.
However, after reading a fabulous, fast paced and very stimulating autobiography of Richard Branson, I couldn’t resist picking this book from "Croosword" at Nirmal Life Style, Mulund, Mumbai.
And I am happy to tell you beforehand that the book has a remarkable story to tell of a boy who wanted to do something different or something in a different way.
This is a story of the Indian Retail Boom by Kishore Biyani: India’s Retail Guru
Although an average student, Kishore Biyani(KB), has had his winning instincts right from his childhood. Winning in cricket matches made him happy. He correctly guessed needs of neighbourhood and delivered to them, let it be dandia or garba albeit in a commercial way.Probably that experience might have imbibed on his mind his famous Win-Win-Win criteria for customer / supplier / retailer, while creating his empire of malls. We see that in today’s world of cut-throat competition KB has embarked on Win-Win situation for all(at least per se) unlike most of the businesses who wants to create environment of’win’ only. He(KB) sees life as co-operation(and collaboration) and not competition. For this he believes in building Trust and Relationships and therefore recognises that some sacrifices will have to be made.
His ability in people watching and then providing them with an experience matching their aspiration has altered the way India shops.He had a foresight to correctly spot an opportunity to tap "India-2"(people from lower income group who were afraid of entering into shops displaying fine goods and thus stayed off from going in to such shops) market.; and see what has happened here.on weekends kids ask their parents to take to BB and parents willingly oblige as there is no such places in the cities and towns, "picnic" places, where they can take kids.Having gone to BB, KB has ensured that they have everything there that satisfies them: air-conditioned atmoshere, eateries. Moms/womenfolk also must be happy as they don’t have to cook on that day.
BB has provided employment to nearby youth which is also a remarkable thing.In fact one cannot but appreciate KB’s futuristic thinking in painting houses of their employees as a diwali gift to them(as that was going to bring mouth to mouth publicity and goodwill for BB). KB is outragoius too! He wants more share from customer’s wallet and therefore has started building Central Malls which are truly one stop experience places. The aspiration to higher living style can not remain to cities/towns and hence KB is coming out different format of Bazaars in rural India and I am sure his imagination can win rural Indians too. With KB and BB, malls have become cult places.What KB and BB has given average people of India is a hope to believe in Indianism and also to recognise our own potential.
The book also sheds light on style and philosophy of KB; in fact the book reveals journey toward formation of his empire: Future Group. One thing that comes to our mind is that he prefers traditional storytelling(long forgotten but getting grounds now) and scenario planning(but less of mathematical and more of empathetical) techniques over(so called) modern technique of power-point presentation for interaction with his team/associates, which is remarkable.
Towards this the book has included many comments from his associates, friends who were involved at many stages of buildig his group. I blieve management students and particularly those in Retail Industry Mgt. may find the book very interesting.
Let’s recognise this fact that KB has done the beginng with formation of BB and now we find many interesting retail stores which are becoming even more popular than BB.
Flow of the book is fairly good, thanks to it’s co- author Dipayan Baishya, who is a business writer. Many comments are in the nature of self-praise.;one of the best point that emerges from the book is a reiteration of having superior human relationships as one needs to deal with people in the end(customers).
The book is must read.
Cheers!
Prashant