Headquartered in Lucknow, Shakambhari Enterprises is a leading retail powerhouse known for its expansive network of brand-exclusive stores across Uttar Pradesh. With a sharp focus on premium products and customer-centric service, the company has become a trusted name among discerning shoppers in Tier II and III cities. At the heart of Shakambhari’s operations lies a strong commitment to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction.
Every brand in its portfolio reflects these values, ensuring that shoppers not only have access to top-tier merchandise but also enjoy an exceptional in-store experience. The company proudly franchises several iconic brands including Levi’s, Flying Machine, U.S. Polo Assn., Arrow, Blackberrys, Puma, Killer, Bombay Shirt Company, and most recently, Lakshita, marking its foray into the women’s ethnic wear segment.
With approximately 55 stores—a blend of fresh doors and factory outlets—Shakambhari has established a significant presence in cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Gonda, Deoria, and Bareilly, among others.
Key Drivers Behind Franchise Success
Franchising decisions are primarily guided by market dynamics and consumer demand. “We evaluate whether there’s a genuine product-market fit or an opportunity to bring a new, relevant brand identity to our region. Product quality is a decisive factor. Take Levi’s, for example—we were assured of the brand’s legacy, refined design language, consistent quality, and dependable post-sale service. These are the core criteria we consider before entering into any franchise partnership,” explained Ashish Kumar Rathi, Proprietor, Shakambhari Enterprises.
Onboarding & Setup Process: The onboarding and setup process involves mutual due diligence—where brands assess the franchisee’s profile, and the franchisee evaluates the profitability and viability of the partnership. “While the process is thorough and necessary for long-term success, it can take time. Delays sometimes occur due to store fit-outs, visual merchandising, or raw material availability. Typically, we receive brand guidelines, and engage closely on training and store team alignment to ensure a smooth launch,” said Rathi.
Backing from the Brand: “Most of the multinational brands we partner with provide robust operational and marketing support,” said Rathi. “They have dedicated teams and equip us with effective tools such as Google mapping, Instagram and Facebook campaigns, SMS outreach, and localised promotions to boost visibility. One standout example was Levi’s campaign featuring Diljit Dosanjh, which significantly increased awareness around loose fits. These brands also keep a close watch on media engagement, ensuring that the results are not only impactful but also measurable.”
Training, Investment & Trust
One of the ongoing challenges lies in ensuring consistent training standards across all locations. “While brands share clear protocols, delivering impactful execution on the ground and managing teams effectively demands continuous oversight. Aligning investments can also be complex, particularly when store performance is affected by rising rentals, fluctuating operational costs, and market saturation. Building long-term trust with brand partners requires time, transparency, and open communication. Moreover, regulatory hurdles and real estate constraints in Tier II and III cities— such as delays in obtaining permissions and inconsistent infrastructure—often create roadblocks that slow down expansion,” noted Rathi.
Revenue Insights
Profitability is largely influenced by a brand’s equity and market placement. “We generally give each store about 1–2 years to stabilise and evaluate its performance. If results fall short, we realign through mutual discussions—either by closing the store or reassigning the space. That said, growing competition, escalating rental rates, and rising wages have put pressure on margins industry-wide. Keeping overheads—especially staffing expenses—under control is essential to sustaining profitable operations,” said Rathi.
Staying Ahead in a Crowded Market
Competition energises the market and validates customer demand. “When a new store opens in a high-performing area, it signals untapped consumer potential. Rather than getting distracted, we concentrate on sharpening our core strengths. Our focus remains on rigorous staff training and nurturing strong customer relationships. These are the cornerstones of loyalty that ensure repeat business and sustained growth,” explained Rathi.
Understanding Customers, Strengthening Partnerships
Shakambhari Enterprises observes a diverse customer profile ranging from value-seeking shoppers to increasingly aware premium buyers. “While price sensitivity remains prominent in Tier II and III cities, there’s a rising demand for premium brands like Levi’s, Puma, and Bombay Shirt Company—driven by legacy, design, and trust. The evolving preferences are clear: Customers, specially younger ones are leaning toward relaxed fits, co-ord sets, and styles that blend comfort with trend,” notes Rathi.
To keep pace with such trends and ensure consistent performance, the team maintains close, ongoing communication with brand partners. “We’re in constant touch with the corporate teams. Regular interactions help us stay aligned on goals, refine execution, and respond quickly to customer needs. This collaborative approach, combining trend insight with strong brand support, ensures that each store delivers a relevant, responsive, and premium shopping experience,” he adds further.
Expansion & Alignment
Shakambhari Enterprises is actively pursuing expansion opportunities in both fast fashion and high-value segments, with a clear focus on quality and long-term partnerships. “We’ve recently ventured into digital-first collaborations—our tie-up with Bombay Shirt Company is a great example of how we’re bridging offline retail with online-first brands,” says Rathi.
The company is equally enthusiastic about exploring newer formats and brands that align with evolving consumer preferences. At the heart of successful expansion, however, lies a strong brand-franchisee relationship. While most brands offer support, Rathi believes this partnership can be further strengthened through better communication and trust.
“Transparent communication and shared accountability are critical,” he notes. He adds that quicker feedback loops, flexibility in local marketing, and involving franchisees more in store-level decision-making would signiȃ cantly improve alignment— especially for premium brands operating in diverse regional markets. Empowering franchisees to tailor strategies within brand guidelines, he suggests, could unlock stronger performance and sustained brand equity.
Shakambhari Enterprises
| Franchise Alliances with
|
Puma, USPA, Levis, Bombay Shirt Company, Killer, Flying Machine, Blackberrys, Numero Uno, Arrow, Lakshita |
| Present in | Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Gonda, Deoria, Bareily, Azamgarh |
| Total Store Size (sq. ft.) | 60,000 |
| Number of stores operating with the franchising model | 55 |
| Number of Employees | 263 |
