COVID times taught us that an organisation needs to think differently and have multiple channels for product offerings

 

Sunil Pathare is the Chairman and Managing Director at VIP Clothing Ltd Group. He has an experience as a Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. Skilled in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Retail, Strategic Planning, Business Development, and Marketing Strategy with a strong entrepreneurship professional.

Over the past couple of years, the innerwear sector of fashion has witnessed the mushrooming of new brands that are gradually strengthening their position in the market via quirky designs and innovative offerings. Yet, the country at large is still dominated by select brands that have consistently delivered on quality at an affordable price point. Pathare brings to light this unique dynamic of the innerwear sector that offers room for grow to both.

Interview with Sunil Pathare

Accordion SamWhen I stepped into the business, the innerwear industry was a commodity market and now it is moved to branded products from domestic and international marketplace. The market has expanded from just being an innerwear market to athleisure wear, swimwear, sportswear and comfort wear.ple Description
Innerwear has always been seen as a commodity, not a necessity, in the consumer’s eye. Consumers are now more aware, and look for a product that provides comfort and performance when it comes to hygiene. As a business leader, we try to get innovative products with a claim-forward approach. We have introduced claim-forward products, such as the ‘Antibacterial Vest’, in our existing line of products. We have added fragrances like sandalwood and lime to our vests for consumers to experience variations in this category. We are working towards the claim-forward products keeping in mind our end users’ comfort and need. Accordion Sample Description
There are many new players that have entered this category. VIP Clothing Ltd holds 50 years of legacy; we were the first Indian company to introduce the Y-shape underwear in one our brand. We also have a strong hold in the south market. Some of our channel partners have been associated with us for the past 40 years; our product quality and good relations with external stakeholders keep us going and growing each day. If I have to say it in one word, it will be goodwill.
COVID times taught us that an organisation needs to think differently and have multiple channels for product offerings. We, as a company, have developed our digital platform where all brands come under one roof; in another word, a one-stop solution on the consumer’s fingertips. We have a SAP software fully integrated for better efficiency for our sales team and field-assist software to track down the activities in the market. Recently, we have introduced DMS software which is distributor management system for our channel partners’ ease of work.
As of today, latest innovations and trends are in man-made fibre that can roughly be identified and classified as: 1. Sustainability 2. Development of functional textile 3. Development of smart textile 4. Manufacturing innovations 5. Materials engineering 6. Unconventional applications Performance and versatility of intimate wear apparel such as easy-care properties, light weight, durability, ease of movement, having antibacterial or anti-odour properties and good moisture management are further improved by the use of new fibres. We were one of the first brands to offer a product range in the model.
If we talk about men’s innerwear, it will be the trunk category in bottom-wear and in women’s innerwear, it will be hipster panties in bottom-wear category.
The company is looking forward to a 30% rise this year by expanding channels, the e-commerce model and product portfolio. We are planning to expand our presence through the franchise route for the next 20 stores, and our 100 EBOs pan India with presence on multiple e-commerce platforms.

Sunil Pathare

Chairman & Managing Director, VIP Clothing Ltd.
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Present Company VIP Clothing Ltd.
 
Qualification

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.),
  RKT College

New Lourdes School
  
Experience
• Chairman & Managing Director

   VIP CLOTHING LTD
   Oct 2016 - Present
• Maxwell Industries Ltd

   Chairman & Managing Director
   Feb 2016 - Present

   Vice chairman & Managing Director
   Jul 2008 - Feb 2016

   Director
   Sep 1992 - Jul 2008

• Director

   Lovable Lingerie Pvt Ltd
   Dec 1999 - Jun 2008

• Director

   VIP overseas Marketing Pvt Ltd
   1991 - 1997
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