Saturday, January 3, 2009

MARKETING IN CHENNAI:

There is a significant shift today. 15-20 years ago, it was a Seller's market. Customers had to buy what was available. There was absolutely no choice. But today, it is entirely different. It is a Buyer's market. There is plenty of choice, both in terms of brands and the items. It has helped in widening the product base of consumer durables. Also, technological changes have helped the boom in the industry.

Chennai is known as the Retail King of India. In 1977, Viveks started a novel scheme in the country. They launched the first New Year sale. By this Viveks wanted to show its gratitude to the customer. This concept was unique. Now this has spread to other parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

The retail market is heavily concentrated in Chennai. As far as the retail market for consumer durables is concerned all changes take off from Chennai. It has emerged as the main hub for entire South India. The Chennai market is not at all conservative as is often perceived. Customers here take informed decisions. They do a lot of survey and analysis before buying a product.

What is the over-riding criteria for selection? Is it time saving, money saving, convenience or power saving?

As far as the customer in Chennai is the concerned, it is only the purchasing price that matters. Awareness exists as far as time saving and energy saving devices are concerned. The money the customer pays is the determining factor in the consumer durable market. Over a period of time the priorities might change.

How good is after sales service and customer service in Chennai?

Yes! This is an area which calls for improvement. The Consumer durable market in Chennai is nowhere near the standards of the one-stop shops for groceries and garments in Chennai. The margins offered in the consumer durable market is less. Customer service exists, but it will be better in the years to come.

How current is the consumer durable market in Chennai?

All the major international brands are launched in Chennai in less than six months.

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