IndiaRetailing brings you a series in which we highlight the brand icons in India’s thriving fashion and lifestyle industry. This week, the spotlight is on Hitesh Ruparelia
Bengaluru: No business can survive for long without a vision; even if it does, it would be susceptible to every disruption and upheaval that generally comes in its business cycle. It needs a leader who has the capacity to translate, create that vision, or make it clearer and turn it into reality. The very essence of leadership is having a vision in the first place. Moreover, as you can’t blow an uncertain trumpet, it should be clearly articulated so that they can manage and lead people. A team led by a visionary leader with a clear direction knows what it can achieve and how far it can go.
In this special feature, IndiaRetailing highlights the brand icons in India’s thriving fashion and lifestyle industry. This week, the spotlight is on…
Hitesh Ruparelia
Co-founder, Sweet Dreams – SD Retail Pvt Ltd
Education
Computer Engineer
Role and responsibilities
Strategy, sales and marketing
Strengths & weaknesses
Strengths:
• Commitment
• Positive attitude
• Risk-taking
Weaknesses:
• Not reading enough
• Lack of leisure travel
• Less physical exercise
Aspirations you want to fulfill
To be India’s top retail sleepwear brand.
Game-changing retail technologies according to you
• Real-time data dashboards
• Omnichannel retailing
• Digital screen at point of sale
Skills that helped you succeed in this industry
• Never give up attitude
• Customer-first approach
• Respect for associates and colleagues
Lessons learned over the years
• Customer is smarter than you.
• Team building and their learning enhancement is critical for business success.
• Early technology adoption is essential for survival and growth.
Your take on the future of industry
• Omnichannel
• Convenience of customer buying
• Size matters
Any role model in the industry
All the 20s founders.
If you had to pen down your top 3 learnings from your career
• Survival of the fittest.
• Business and challenges go hand in hand.
• Finally, team strength and attitude count.
Life mantra
Think like a 20-year-old.
This article first appeared in IMAGES Group’s Business of Fashion Magazine March issue 2023.