The grooming and personal care industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by technological innovations and a growing emphasis on consumer needs and satisfaction. In the midst of this evolving landscape, Winston has emerged as a shining star. From its inception to its recent appearance on Shark Tank India Season 2, Winston's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
"Winston has achieved significant milestones. Our profit since inception stands as a remarkable accomplishment. Customer feedback, reflecting love for our products, is our proudest achievement. Recently, we featured on Shark Tank India Season 2, earning the trust of sharks Anupam Mittal and Vineeta Singh," says Himanshu Adlakha, Co-founder of Winston.
Adlakha reflects on the challenges the brand faced, stating that inspired by lessons from his and Nikita's past experience, Winston as a brand navigated the obstacle of justifying its prices in a competitive grooming market. The 3S (Smart, Sturdy, and Super Easy) strategy resonated, highlighted by innovative features like 360° rolling head and 3D cutting technology; premium aesthetics set it apart, garnering customer acclaim and reviews.
Innovating for Consumer Satisfaction
The research and development process at Winston is a testament to its commitment to excellence. Adlakha shares, "From battery input, platings, cutting and smoothing technologies to outer body material, color, finishing, and logo; everything is decided by the Winston team even though these products are made in PRC." This meticulous approach ensures that every Winston product is designed to meet and exceed consumer expectations.
Furthermore, the brand is not content with its current offerings. Adlakha reveals, "We are planning to bring up new categories, not so many but a few. For instance, we have already introduced an oral care range, and we are coming with a men's category soon too."
Moreover, All of Winston's products come with a 1-year doorstep replacement warranty, providing consumers with peace of mind.
Leveraging Technology for Success
Technology and innovation are at the heart of Winston's success. Adlakha proudly states, "Winston, a technology-driven personal care brand, brings you advancements like LED Mask & LED Comb, and will keep doing so in the realm of beauty for rapid fixes and cutting-edge remedies.”
The brand has so far introduced high-tech hair and skin care solutions, addressing personal-care issues with such cutting-edge solutions, and planning to introduce more of these distinctive versions to the Indian market that are either not yet available here or are present at the moment in a disorganized manner.
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
In a highly competitive market, Winston has managed to stand out. Adlakha attributes this to the brand's customer-centric approach. "Winston is a brand which is based on customer feedback only. Consequently, it comes with top-notch technology and a sturdy design with user-friendly features. Even in a very short span of launching the brand, customers also realized the same and started sharing good reviews and explaining how they like our products over others."
The brand has made a strategic decision to venture into offline retail by opening shop-in-shops. Adlakha elaborates on the reasoning behind this move, stating they have plans to open offline stores, but not anytime soon. First, the founders want to establish Winston in the online sector, and then jump into the offline sector.
Adlakha emphasizes the brand's goal to become an omni-channel brand, stating, "We basically want to make Winston an omni-channel brand while covering every aspect of business. Once the online brand has gained substantial recognition and trust, extending that reputation to physical locations can attract customers who prefer in-person shopping.”
Strategies for Impressive Performance
Winston's year-on-year growth has been nothing short of spectacular. Adlakha reflects, "Winston has reached the sky-rocketing phase with bootstrapping, and nothing can be more achievable than being a founder of a successfully growing brand with our own investment. Other than this, most people now know us as a Shark Tank brand, so this investment got a section added through this recognition with the trust of two great Sharks Anupam Mittal & Vineeta Singh (raised Rs 1 crore of investment for 10 percent equity)."
The impressive financial performance of Winston in FY 21-22, FY 22-23, and the first half of FY 23-24 can be attributed to several factors. Winston is a brand that focuses on customer feedback precisely, and accordingly, it is working on its launches, product technologies, and presenting what is actually needed by the customers, which is automatically playing a crucial role in Winston's substantial growth. Apart from this, Winston is focused on multiple online marketing activities, including but not limited to Performance Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, etc.
The D2C Way Out
The decision to operate through a D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) channel has been a pivotal one for Winston. Himanshu adds, "Nikita was already into a D2C brand named Milagro Beauty while also owning a reselling page by the name of Royalicious, and I come from a family that values achievement and has a history of taking on diverse businesses like LG and Luminous.”
It was his desire to own a D2C brand where he could directly relate with the customers, which led to the inception of Winston. As Winston looks ahead to the year 2022-23, its primary focus remains on its core products. Adlakha states, "Our primary focus will be on these goods while keeping in mind our other ones since we have recently entered the oral care sector and will shortly introduce a men's range as well."
A Bold Vision for the Future
With a target of reaching Rs 100 crore in the next three years, Winston has ambitious growth plans. Adlakha shares, "We are aware that the figures given in the previous response are not trivial to anticipate or commit to, but as Nikita said in our Shark Tank episode, 'Darna kaisa, brand banaa rahe hein,' we are confident that, with teamwork, we will be able to reach this height while conquering all obstacles.”
Thus, Winston is not just a brand; it's a commitment to providing consumers with high-quality grooming products that cater to their specific needs. As it continues to innovate, expand, and adapt to the dynamic market landscape, consumers can expect more ground-breaking products, cutting-edge technology, and a brand that truly cares about their well-being.
Winston's Co-founder Himanshu Adlakha sums it up perfectly, "Winston promotes a smarter way to care, so here, we take pride in creating high-quality grooming products. We will also be releasing a men's line very soon that will mix innovation and functionality to bring out the finest once more."
Subway, the global leader in freshly made, customizable sandwiches, has achieved a significant milestone in India by opening 100 new stores in 2024. This expansion underscores the brand’s rapid growth trajectory in one of its fastest-growing international markets. With a renewed focus on modernization, localization, and customer-centric innovations, the brand is strengthening its position in India’s highly competitive Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry.
A Landmark Achievement in India's Growth Journey
India’s dynamic and evolving food industry has presented a lucrative opportunity for Subway to expand its footprint. With the opening of its 100th store in Lokhandwala, Mumbai, Subway now boasts a formidable presence of over 900 stores in more than 160 cities across India.
“Reaching this milestone of 100 new stores in a year is a testament to our customers’ trust in the Subway brand. This marks a significant chapter in Subway India’s growth journey, reflecting our unwavering commitment to delivering fresh, high-quality, and made-to-order sandwiches to our discerning customers,” said Tarun Bhasin, CEO of Culinary Brands, the exclusive master franchisee for Subway in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other countries.
The brand’s aggressive expansion in 2024 is driven by the increasing consumer demand for freshly made, healthy, and convenient food options. As lifestyles change and urbanization accelerates, Subway is strategically positioning itself as a preferred choice among India’s young and working population.
Strategies Driving Rapid Expansion
The remarkable success of Subway’s expansion in India can be attributed to multiple key strategies:
- Leveraging Market Trends: Consumers today are more health-conscious and seek fresh, nutritious, and made-to-order food. Subway’s offering of fresh ingredients and customization aligns perfectly with this trend.
- Penetrating Tier II and III Cities: Recognizing the potential of India’s smaller cities, Subway has expanded beyond metropolitan areas. “Our innovation team closely follows local and international trends to offer an exciting menu to consumers. Our current menu already features multiple localized options, such as Paneer Tikka and Tandoori Chicken, which are very popular as they offer familiar tastes while maintaining Subway’s global sandwich-making approach,” Bhasin stated.
- Modernized Store Design: To enhance customer experience, Subway has introduced a refreshed store design that is more inviting, convenient, and modern. The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive. “The new look aligns with what today’s new-age consumers seek – a smart and inviting ambiance that reinforces the freshness associated with Subway,” added Bhasin.
Subway’s Focus on Tier II and III Markets
While Tier I cities remain key markets, Subway is aggressively expanding into smaller cities to tap into their growing disposable income and rising demand for global QSR brands. Establishing outlets in high-footfall locations such as malls, airports, and highways ensures greater brand visibility and accessibility.
“At Subway, we recognize that every market has unique preferences and challenges. That’s why our menu innovation team continuously researches and adapts offerings to suit regional tastes while maintaining our global standards,” Bhasin explained.
Menu Innovations Catering to Evolving Preferences
The brand has also introduced new product lines to cater to India’s evolving taste preferences. Recent additions include the Hot & Cheesy Signature Subs and Breakfast Specials.
“Consumers love our Hot and Cheesy Signature Subs. They are the perfect indulgence during winters, offering 1.5x filling, extra cheese, and served piping hot. Options include Cheesy Paneer Tikka, Mexican, American Barbecue, Chicken Tikka, and Lamb Pepperoni,” said Bhasin.
Subway’s Breakfast Specials are another hit, offering fresh, made-to-order sandwiches that cater to professionals and early risers. “It’s a perfect fit for morning meals, and customers can walk in or order online in metros and mini-metros to relish these sandwiches, best paired with hot coffee,” he added.
Technology-Driven Growth and Customer Engagement
Subway is harnessing technology to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support its rapid expansion. Key tech initiatives include:
- Customer Engagement: Tools like Net Promoter Score (NPS), Online Reputation Management (ORM), and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) are used to interact with customers and gather insights.
- Retail Expansion Support: Specialized technology tools aid in identifying potential store locations, ensuring efficient supply chain management, and optimizing operations.
- Digital Transformation: Enhanced online ordering, loyalty programs, and AI-driven recommendations are being integrated to provide seamless customer experiences.
“Technology has been an anchor for multiple departments at Subway. Various specialized tech tools are leveraged to support retail expansion and drive decision-making in the supply chain, quality, and operations,” Bhasin noted.
The Road Ahead: Making Subway India’s Largest QSR Chain
Looking forward, Subway has set an ambitious goal of becoming India’s largest QSR chain over the next decade. This vision is built on key pillars:
- Fresh, Customizable Offerings: Subway remains committed to delivering high-quality, made-to-order food that aligns with consumer health trends.
- Localized Menu Innovation: Expanding its menu to include more regional flavors and healthier options will be central to sustaining growth.
- Wider Retail Presence: Strengthening its footprint in metros and Tier II and III cities will ensure greater accessibility.
- Digital and Technological Integration: Embracing digital platforms for seamless ordering, loyalty programs, and data-driven decision-making will be critical to scaling operations.
- Overcoming Challenges: While competition, supply chain complexities, and shifting consumer preferences pose challenges, Subway’s strategic focus and adaptability will be key to its continued success.
“We recognize that achieving our goal requires strategic planning and agility. However, our unwavering commitment to fresh, high-quality food and a robust expansion plan will drive Subway’s growth and success in India,” Bhasin concluded.
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Subway now boasts a formidable presence of over 900 stores in more than 160 cities across India.
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