ECommerce has increasingly become a vital component of business strategy and a solid catalyst for economic development in the emerging global economy. The continued expansion of eCommerce could lead to downward pressure on inflation through increased competition, cost savings, and changes in sellers’ pricing behaviour.
From start-ups to small and medium-sized businesses right through to huge brands, there are a large number of companies that can benefit from their own online store, where they can sell their own products/services.
At the same time, the speedy influx of new technology in the retail experience has driven consumers of all ages to expect a convenient and connected experience that seamlessly aligns with their everyday lives. You may ask yourself why eCommerce is getting attention around the world?
Keeping the facts in mind, eCommerce allows you to put your products for sale anywhere in the world. They will not have the explicit need to travel to where you are to see what you have to offer.
If you are running a physical store, it will be limited by the geographical area you can service but owning an eCommerce website will allow you to increase your outreach. It will offer your products and services to customers worldwide, regardless of the distance and time zone.
This is where Lal Haveli shines out in the eCommerce space offers a wide variety of products ranging from home furnishings, handicrafts, artifacts, lamps, and small furniture items. Apart from India, the company provides its services to customers globally. Established in Jaipur, Rajasthan by Neha Kasliwal, Co-founder and Owner, the company aims to provide more employment for rural artisans, manufacture eco-friendly products and promote Rajasthani artwork around the globe.
In an interview with Insights Success, Neha Kasliwal sheds light on Lal Haveli’s journey highlighting its USPs in the eCommerce Niche.
Neha, please tell us about your professional journey at Lal Haveli.
My company ‘Lal Haveli’ was launched in 2012. I started the eCommerce business when online shopping was not a household habit. Today almost 90% of my personal shopping is online. We started with Amazon and Alibaba. I remember people used to be quite amazed when I used to tell them that I export to the US and other countries through e-commerce marketplaces.
Tell us more about your company/firm/business, its vision, and the critical aspects of its
Stronghold in the industry it is catering to.
Brand ‘Lal Haveli’ is predominantly an e-commerce-based company. It offers various products ranging from home furnishings, handicrafts, artifacts, lamps to small furniture items. Apart from India, Lal Haveli provides its services to customers globally.
My vision is to provide more employment to rural artisans, manufacture eco-friendly products and promote Rajasthani artwork around the globe. Much of it is already achieved.
This year I aim to expand the business by tapping even more digital marketplaces.
From a business leadership perspective, what is your opinion on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on your industry?Â
COVID-19 definitely had a negative impact on us and also on business. The sales had come down drastically during the lockdown times.
Even when we didn’t have many sales, I still helped my employees with whatever salary I could afford. But yes, it was not as bad as it was for offline shops. We still had a few orders.
During the pandemic, what efforts did you take to sustain operations and ensure safety?
Of your team at the same time?
During the lockdown, we had completely shut operations. I was still helping my employees in the best way possible for me. We had a minimum number of workers on board during a partial lockdown. We followed all the safety COVID protocols.
What is your opinion on the necessity for your company to align its offerings with Technologies like AI and ML?
AI and ML are going to influence all the business ideas of the future. I love interpreting data and also a requirement in my business. It helps me to predict future sales and thus helps in planning for the same.
As an established industry leader, what would be your advice to the budding entrepreneurs and enthusiasts aspiring to venture into the industry you are catering To?
I would say that this industry is forever evolving. Each day there is some new addition. It’s extremely challenging and competitive.
My advice would be to work smart along with work hard. It is essential to keep yourself informed about new govt rules & regulations and to follow the ethical way of working.
How do you envision further strengthening your company/firm/business Stronghold in 2022 and beyond?
I aim at expanding my market reach this year by enrolling on various other digital marketplaces and also by expanding my product line.
From the perspective of a business executive, how important is gender equality?
I firmly believe in Gender Equality. It is a human right. Societies that value women and men equal are much more advanced, safer, and healthier.
