Description
The furniture industry is one of the fast growing markets in the world. Steady growth of the Indian economy, a boom in the hospitality sector, an increase in spending power coupled with lifestyle changes, have fueled the growth of the furniture market in the country. The market is characterised with a large number of small players, accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the domestic production. However, with the onset and growing popularity of online furniture market, the industry is likely to witness consolidation. E-tailing of furniture has not only provided greater choice for consumers, but also opened up plethora of opportunities for the small players to sell their products.
Research conducted by Madras Consultancy Group, based in Chennai, reveals that the furniture market in 2014-15 in India was estimated at ` 720 billion, and is forecast to reach ` 1,510 billion by 2019-20. Taking a cue, we speak to a few top furniture distributors and manufacturers in the beauty and wellness space on the challenges and opportunities in the business.
In the hair section, we meet International Guest Artist of L’Oréal Professionnel and Director, Co-Owner of the multi-accoladed Sloans Salon brand, Scott Sloan who is redefining hair education globally. AHFAs Creative Colourist of the Year 2015 Finalist and FAME Team Australia 2015 Winner, Sloan’s experience, knowledge and passion make him one of the most respected names on the international stage. On the homefront, we interview Santino Tamang, Owner of Hairport Salon in Pune, a style prodigy who left behind initial criticism to carve a niche in the industry.
In the beauty section, we interview Preetisheel Singh, a celebrity make-up artist par excellence who won the prestigious National Award and IIFA for her exemplary work for the film Nanak Shah Fakir and Haider . She has given extreme makeovers to celebrities like Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, among others. Singh believes India has a long way to go in prosthetics; right exposure and word of mouth will lead the way. Founder of Alanna, a brand offering natural skin and hair care products at affordable prices, Rashi Bahel shares the brand’s USP, product portfolio and marketing strategies.
In the spa section, the Falaknuma Spa in Srinagar, nestled in the valley best described as ‘heaven on earth’, is located on the top floor of one wing of the hotel overlooking the entire city. The theme of the spa depicts the elegance of Kashmir’s fabled chinar tree, where it appears as a leitmotif, especially in the woodwork and furniture. The spa offers a plethora of services taken from European, Eastern and Ayurvedic traditions. Ramesh Chauhan, Spa Head, The Golden Flower Spa, The Golden Tusk Resort, shares his views on the growing wellness industry, USP of the spa, and more.
