அகர முதல சம்ஸ்கிருதம்! ஆதி பகவன் சம்ஸ்கிருதம்!
7 years ago
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
SATIN SATEEN WEAVE & FABRIC
Satin weave is one of the three important textile weaves. (The other two are plain and twill weave.) The satin weave is distinguished by its lustrous, or 'silky', appearance. Satin describes the way the threads are combined, and the yarn used may be silk or polyester, among others, giving different fabrics.
Satin Weave
Satin Weave Satin weave is a more flexible type of weave than the plain weave but it is more complicated. In this weave construction, the interlacing of the threads are arranged in such a way that the face of the cloth is covered with the warp yarn or filling yarn and no twill line is distinguishable. It is made by "floating" warp or weft yarns across many yarns to bring them to the surface. The interlacing float over 4 or more than 4 yarns before a single interlacing like 4/1, 7/1 or 11/1.
If filament fibers are used such as silk or nylon, the resulting fabric is termed as "satin." If the short-staple yarns are used like cotton, the corresponding fabric is said to be a "sateen." In satin, the float is in warp direction where as in sateen, it is in the filling direction.
Characteristics of Satin Weave
* It is flat and lustrous with a smooth surface.
* The surface slides easily for linings.
* The long floats like 7/1 or 11/1 and filament fabrics are subject to snagging and is poor resistant to abrasion.
* The shorter floats like 4/1 or ¼ and spun fabrics may be tough, compact and durable with low luster.
What is THREAD COUNT and why does it matter?
Or, Hints for buying sheets
You are most likely to see references to thread count on packaging and advertising for sheets. Thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven in one square inch of fabric. Thread count can range from 80 to 1000 (and maybe more by now). In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric feels and the more pill-resistant it is. But, when buying sheets, there are things to consider besides the number of threads.
High quality sheets have at least 180 threads per square inch. The Linenplace web site http://www.linenplace.com/ describes 200-220 as a good thread count, 230-280 as better, and 300-400 as best. Higher thread count sheets are usually significantly more expensive and not everyone agrees that the higher count means a better sheet.
Three additional components are important when considering thread count: yarn size and ply.
Yarn size refers to the thickness of the yarns that are used to make the fabric. A higher yarn size means a finer yarn. Generally sheets are made from a yarn size range of 40 to 100. Obviously, the finer the yarn, the more of them will fit in a square inch.
Ply refers to the number of individual yarns used as a strand. Single ply fabric is woven from one, individual yarn; 2-ply fabric is made from yarns that are twisted together and then woven. If 2-ply yarn is used, the finished construction will have twice the thread count of the same construction made from single ply yarn. 2-ply yarn must be made from a very high yarn size (like 100) or they will feel thick and heavy.
Another important consideration is fiber. Sheets may be made from various cottons, various cotton blends, polyester, or other man-made fibers. Cotton/polyester blends outsell cotton sheets largely because they wrinkle less and cost less. Be sure the read the label to determine the amount of cotton in the sheets. It may say Egyptian or Pima cotton (high quality, soft, strong types of cotton), but contain only a small percentage of it.
You are most likely to see references to thread count on packaging and advertising for sheets. Thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads woven in one square inch of fabric. Thread count can range from 80 to 1000 (and maybe more by now). In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric feels and the more pill-resistant it is. But, when buying sheets, there are things to consider besides the number of threads.
High quality sheets have at least 180 threads per square inch. The Linenplace web site http://www.linenplace.com/ describes 200-220 as a good thread count, 230-280 as better, and 300-400 as best. Higher thread count sheets are usually significantly more expensive and not everyone agrees that the higher count means a better sheet.
Three additional components are important when considering thread count: yarn size and ply.
Yarn size refers to the thickness of the yarns that are used to make the fabric. A higher yarn size means a finer yarn. Generally sheets are made from a yarn size range of 40 to 100. Obviously, the finer the yarn, the more of them will fit in a square inch.
Ply refers to the number of individual yarns used as a strand. Single ply fabric is woven from one, individual yarn; 2-ply fabric is made from yarns that are twisted together and then woven. If 2-ply yarn is used, the finished construction will have twice the thread count of the same construction made from single ply yarn. 2-ply yarn must be made from a very high yarn size (like 100) or they will feel thick and heavy.
Another important consideration is fiber. Sheets may be made from various cottons, various cotton blends, polyester, or other man-made fibers. Cotton/polyester blends outsell cotton sheets largely because they wrinkle less and cost less. Be sure the read the label to determine the amount of cotton in the sheets. It may say Egyptian or Pima cotton (high quality, soft, strong types of cotton), but contain only a small percentage of it.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thumb Rule for Laundry Expenses.
Typical Inhouse Laundry expenses % is given below.
Variable cost.
Water 8%
Chemical 13%
Electricity 10%
Steam (fuel) 25%
Manpower 35%
Packing 3%
Repair & Mtn 6%
However the above cost may vary depend upon the unit cost.
Variable cost.
Water 8%
Chemical 13%
Electricity 10%
Steam (fuel) 25%
Manpower 35%
Packing 3%
Repair & Mtn 6%
However the above cost may vary depend upon the unit cost.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Whiter, Softer, Sanitized, Fresher-Smelling and Longer-Lasting Linen = Huge Savings!
What is Ozone?
Ozone is oxygen (O2) with an extra atom of oxygen attached, thus forming 03
Ozone is formed naturally during a lightning storm. The creation of Ozone is nature's way of purifying the atmosphere, and is what gives clothesline-dried linen that "fresh air" smell
Ozone is an extremely effective sanitizing and disinfecting agent. In fact, Ozone kills bacteria faster than chlorine. Most new water treatment plants are treated with Ozone instead of chlorine.
Ever notice that bottled water tastes and smells much better than tap water?
That is because bottled water is purified with Ozone instead of chlorine. The bad taste and smell in your tap water is nothing more than residual chlorine.
How does Ozone work in a laundry?
Ozone carries an electrical/chemical charge in the washing solution, which actually starts to dissolve soil on contact. This process activates the chemicals in cold water instead of using hot water at 140-160 degrees.
Sanitizing of your linen is equal to standard laundry procedures.
Ozone Laundry gives you several advantages over standard laundry practices.
Longer Linen Life
Did you know that whenever chlorine bleach and extremely hot water are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs which actually damages the linen fibers? With Ozone, this chemical reaction is eliminated. Our customers have reported that their linen life has increased by 30% or more.
Major Reduction in Natural Gas Cost
Approximately half of the natural gas used in the laundry is for heating water. The other half is used in drying linen. ArtiClean can eliminate 90% or more of your hot water usage.
Some facilities have turned their water heaters off!
An average 100-bed nursing home could save a minimum of $1200 per month on utility bills.
Faster Fill Rates
ArtiClean Ozone Laundry Systems utilize an extra large Ozone-resistant water valve to fill your washers. These valves work separately from your existing fill valves, and in most cases will fill your washers in half the normal time. This saves you time, which in turn saves you money!
Shorter Wash Cycles
Under normal conditions, the "cleaning window" of a wash cycle is limited to the detergent and bleach steps. This window is usually 1/3 of the total cycle time. With ArtiClean, the entire wash cycle is the cleaning window…When your washer fills with water, in most cases, it is cold-Ozonated water. This means that every time your washer fills (most wash cycles fill at least five times), it is getting a fresh dose of Ozonated water. This, in effect, makes the cleaning window the entire cycle. By lengthening the cleaning window, we are able to shorten the entire cycle by as much as 20%. What does this do for me?
20% faster wash cycles mean the possibility of running your laundry 20% fewer hours per day…week…year!
Shorter Drying Times
Ozone actually penetrates the fibers of your linen. This is evident in the thicker, fluffier towels that are dried after being ozonated. The ozone helps to release moisture in a dryer or on a flatwork ironer, thus creating much faster drying times as well. In most cases drying time has decreased by 20%. This decrease also also reduces gas consumption by up to 20%.
Thankx : Commercial Laundry equipment company
Ozone is oxygen (O2) with an extra atom of oxygen attached, thus forming 03
Ozone is formed naturally during a lightning storm. The creation of Ozone is nature's way of purifying the atmosphere, and is what gives clothesline-dried linen that "fresh air" smell
Ozone is an extremely effective sanitizing and disinfecting agent. In fact, Ozone kills bacteria faster than chlorine. Most new water treatment plants are treated with Ozone instead of chlorine.
Ever notice that bottled water tastes and smells much better than tap water?
That is because bottled water is purified with Ozone instead of chlorine. The bad taste and smell in your tap water is nothing more than residual chlorine.
How does Ozone work in a laundry?
Ozone carries an electrical/chemical charge in the washing solution, which actually starts to dissolve soil on contact. This process activates the chemicals in cold water instead of using hot water at 140-160 degrees.
Sanitizing of your linen is equal to standard laundry procedures.
Ozone Laundry gives you several advantages over standard laundry practices.
Longer Linen Life
Did you know that whenever chlorine bleach and extremely hot water are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs which actually damages the linen fibers? With Ozone, this chemical reaction is eliminated. Our customers have reported that their linen life has increased by 30% or more.
Major Reduction in Natural Gas Cost
Approximately half of the natural gas used in the laundry is for heating water. The other half is used in drying linen. ArtiClean can eliminate 90% or more of your hot water usage.
Some facilities have turned their water heaters off!
An average 100-bed nursing home could save a minimum of $1200 per month on utility bills.
Faster Fill Rates
ArtiClean Ozone Laundry Systems utilize an extra large Ozone-resistant water valve to fill your washers. These valves work separately from your existing fill valves, and in most cases will fill your washers in half the normal time. This saves you time, which in turn saves you money!
Shorter Wash Cycles
Under normal conditions, the "cleaning window" of a wash cycle is limited to the detergent and bleach steps. This window is usually 1/3 of the total cycle time. With ArtiClean, the entire wash cycle is the cleaning window…When your washer fills with water, in most cases, it is cold-Ozonated water. This means that every time your washer fills (most wash cycles fill at least five times), it is getting a fresh dose of Ozonated water. This, in effect, makes the cleaning window the entire cycle. By lengthening the cleaning window, we are able to shorten the entire cycle by as much as 20%. What does this do for me?
20% faster wash cycles mean the possibility of running your laundry 20% fewer hours per day…week…year!
Shorter Drying Times
Ozone actually penetrates the fibers of your linen. This is evident in the thicker, fluffier towels that are dried after being ozonated. The ozone helps to release moisture in a dryer or on a flatwork ironer, thus creating much faster drying times as well. In most cases drying time has decreased by 20%. This decrease also also reduces gas consumption by up to 20%.
Thankx : Commercial Laundry equipment company
Laundry-Room, a quick guide to choosing the best room for your laundry.
Things to check before building a laundry room. Insider tips.
When you decide to build your Laundry-Room, it is most important to start with at least one outside wall for the fresh air ventilation.
An outside wall will also have a drain or waste pipe within close proximity of the wall to allow the waste from the the washing machines to be disposed of without any hassle.
You may think this is so basic it's not worth mentioning but I can assure you I have been asked to place a range of laundry machines inside a building where there was no fresh air which had to be delivered to the room by a range of ducts at vast expense, because the architect was unaware of the need.
Check for water supply both hot and cold, is the header tank high enough above the room to provide enough head to fill the machines?
Is a decent power supply distribution box anywhere near? Power is the easiest to to remedy, but still expensive if it has to come a long way.
Is the fuse box capable of taking the heaters from the washers and dryers should they all come on at once? A Laundry-Room can use a considerable amount of power in short bursts, Typical heaters for a washer are 6kW at least. Then multiply by the number required and you have some idea of the power needed.
A good Laundry-Room will have heated cold fill washers which will provide a better wash than ones with a warm fill from the mains supply boiler. See How to do Laundry for the reasons.
Access. Can the washing machines get into and out of the Laundry Room?
Unless you would like to pay for cranes and removing the roof for service and repalcement of machines check the doors are wide enough for the machine to enter. They cannot be dismantled and reassembled inside.
Cellars are a nightmare for a Laundry-Room, avoid at all costs.
I try to walk away from people who insist that the laundry must be placed in the cellar and their office has to stay in the one large airy room that would fit the bill.
The problems with ventilation, drainage alone are enough to say no. Then there is the problem of gas dryers, steer clear of all cellars for a laundry. OK for a Nightclub but not a Laundry-Room. Access down the stairs for heavy machinery is also a big problem.
________________________________________
A quick summary of Laundry-Room needs and solutions.
Always check what power is available on site, is there enough, is it three phase and neutral?
The correct machines for the job cannot be ordered before the power and water supplies have been confirmed.
If gas is to be used which type of gas is it? LPG, or natural gas from the oil fields. Or gas produced from coal.
Water supplies may need to be supplied via a break tank which isolates the mains water from the laundry room.
Most washing machine require a minimum of 1bar pressure or 37psi so if you have several machines in a row large pipes and adequate flow will be required to ensure a fast fill and a clearance of the soap from the hopper.
Are the machines pump drain or gravity drain, most commercial machines are gravity drain. In which case a fall from the rear of the machines to the sewage system is needed.
You may be required to lift the machines up on a plinth.
________________________________________
Try to visualize the laundry-room process from start to finish.
Try to visualise the laundry process from start to finish with a flow of work from the entrance of the laundry with dirty washing to the exit with clean finished linen.
Dryers work best when placed against an outside wall to reduce the length of the ducting to fresh air.
You will require a
Receiving and sorting area as near to the entrance as possible.
A wash area close the receiving area where the washing machine can be loaded quickly and cleanly.
A drying area without cross contamination from the dirty washing in the receiving area.
A finishing, folding, and ironing area with a selection of finishing equipment.
Then a storage area to store clean laundry in airing room or cupboard.
Thankx - laundry & dishwash info.
When you decide to build your Laundry-Room, it is most important to start with at least one outside wall for the fresh air ventilation.
An outside wall will also have a drain or waste pipe within close proximity of the wall to allow the waste from the the washing machines to be disposed of without any hassle.
You may think this is so basic it's not worth mentioning but I can assure you I have been asked to place a range of laundry machines inside a building where there was no fresh air which had to be delivered to the room by a range of ducts at vast expense, because the architect was unaware of the need.
Check for water supply both hot and cold, is the header tank high enough above the room to provide enough head to fill the machines?
Is a decent power supply distribution box anywhere near? Power is the easiest to to remedy, but still expensive if it has to come a long way.
Is the fuse box capable of taking the heaters from the washers and dryers should they all come on at once? A Laundry-Room can use a considerable amount of power in short bursts, Typical heaters for a washer are 6kW at least. Then multiply by the number required and you have some idea of the power needed.
A good Laundry-Room will have heated cold fill washers which will provide a better wash than ones with a warm fill from the mains supply boiler. See How to do Laundry for the reasons.
Access. Can the washing machines get into and out of the Laundry Room?
Unless you would like to pay for cranes and removing the roof for service and repalcement of machines check the doors are wide enough for the machine to enter. They cannot be dismantled and reassembled inside.
Cellars are a nightmare for a Laundry-Room, avoid at all costs.
I try to walk away from people who insist that the laundry must be placed in the cellar and their office has to stay in the one large airy room that would fit the bill.
The problems with ventilation, drainage alone are enough to say no. Then there is the problem of gas dryers, steer clear of all cellars for a laundry. OK for a Nightclub but not a Laundry-Room. Access down the stairs for heavy machinery is also a big problem.
________________________________________
A quick summary of Laundry-Room needs and solutions.
Always check what power is available on site, is there enough, is it three phase and neutral?
The correct machines for the job cannot be ordered before the power and water supplies have been confirmed.
If gas is to be used which type of gas is it? LPG, or natural gas from the oil fields. Or gas produced from coal.
Water supplies may need to be supplied via a break tank which isolates the mains water from the laundry room.
Most washing machine require a minimum of 1bar pressure or 37psi so if you have several machines in a row large pipes and adequate flow will be required to ensure a fast fill and a clearance of the soap from the hopper.
Are the machines pump drain or gravity drain, most commercial machines are gravity drain. In which case a fall from the rear of the machines to the sewage system is needed.
You may be required to lift the machines up on a plinth.
________________________________________
Try to visualize the laundry-room process from start to finish.
Try to visualise the laundry process from start to finish with a flow of work from the entrance of the laundry with dirty washing to the exit with clean finished linen.
Dryers work best when placed against an outside wall to reduce the length of the ducting to fresh air.
You will require a
Receiving and sorting area as near to the entrance as possible.
A wash area close the receiving area where the washing machine can be loaded quickly and cleanly.
A drying area without cross contamination from the dirty washing in the receiving area.
A finishing, folding, and ironing area with a selection of finishing equipment.
Then a storage area to store clean laundry in airing room or cupboard.
Thankx - laundry & dishwash info.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Jyothy Laboratories 'FABRIC SPA' begins servicing Institutional clients
Jyothy Laboratories's new business venture "Fabric Spa", a complete rejuvenating solutions for garments under its subsidiary Jyothy Fabricare Services Ltd (JFSL), has obtained business from various Bengaluru-based Institutional and Corporate clients. Fabric Spa currently washes over 10,000 fabrics daily including all the airlines flying out of the city and some of the hotels.
JFSL aims to provide "World Class Laundry at affordable price at your doorstep". While the Company will provide its premium service through Fabric Spa in June 2009, JFSL has already entered the economy market with acquisition of a Bangalore based laundry brand Snoways. Snoways has a loyal customer base of over 8000 clientele with 20 retail outlets. In an effort to provide easy access to its customers, JFSL has also introduced a toll-free number. Customers can dial-in 080 46644664 for laundry pick-up. The services at the Fabric spa range from basic solutions like: Wet Wash, Dry clean, Press, folding and packing, door to door pick up and delivery.
JFSL will broadly target three segments - Super Premium, Premium and Economy. The initial cost for this new venture is around Rs 40 crore. To begin with, the venture would comprise of one main service station (MSS), five quick service stations (QSS) and 25 collection and delivery stations (CDC). The MSS will have capacity to service 40,000 garments a day or, 10 tones. JFSL plans to provide door-to-door service in selective areas in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ullas Kamath. Dy. Managing Director said: "Following our extensive research we realized that laundry is one of the two most important issues faced by young couples today. The rising middle class population and affordability to buy branded garments opens up opportunities for Fabric Spa's like us to give value added services with a whole new experience at affordable prices".
The Company has acquired 2 acres of land and constructed 45,000 square feet of World Class Laundry facility in Apparel Park, Bangalore (Bengaluru) to set up Main Service Station (MSS). Most of the machinery in this facility has been imported. The Fabric Spa will be an ideal destination for safe and scientific methods of fabric treatment. Among value added services the Fabric Spa provides an expert advice garment care. The Fabric Spa will also provide specialized services like fragrance to your garments customized as per one's needs. In today's fast paced world, where one looks for value for money, Fabricare provides them with solutions under one roof."
Source: Equity Bulls
JFSL aims to provide "World Class Laundry at affordable price at your doorstep". While the Company will provide its premium service through Fabric Spa in June 2009, JFSL has already entered the economy market with acquisition of a Bangalore based laundry brand Snoways. Snoways has a loyal customer base of over 8000 clientele with 20 retail outlets. In an effort to provide easy access to its customers, JFSL has also introduced a toll-free number. Customers can dial-in 080 46644664 for laundry pick-up. The services at the Fabric spa range from basic solutions like: Wet Wash, Dry clean, Press, folding and packing, door to door pick up and delivery.
JFSL will broadly target three segments - Super Premium, Premium and Economy. The initial cost for this new venture is around Rs 40 crore. To begin with, the venture would comprise of one main service station (MSS), five quick service stations (QSS) and 25 collection and delivery stations (CDC). The MSS will have capacity to service 40,000 garments a day or, 10 tones. JFSL plans to provide door-to-door service in selective areas in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ullas Kamath. Dy. Managing Director said: "Following our extensive research we realized that laundry is one of the two most important issues faced by young couples today. The rising middle class population and affordability to buy branded garments opens up opportunities for Fabric Spa's like us to give value added services with a whole new experience at affordable prices".
The Company has acquired 2 acres of land and constructed 45,000 square feet of World Class Laundry facility in Apparel Park, Bangalore (Bengaluru) to set up Main Service Station (MSS). Most of the machinery in this facility has been imported. The Fabric Spa will be an ideal destination for safe and scientific methods of fabric treatment. Among value added services the Fabric Spa provides an expert advice garment care. The Fabric Spa will also provide specialized services like fragrance to your garments customized as per one's needs. In today's fast paced world, where one looks for value for money, Fabricare provides them with solutions under one roof."
Source: Equity Bulls
Laundry Competition
"We will not be affected by other players"
Laundry and dry-cleaning, an occupation having been associated with lower castes since the last 3,000 years in India, is a business worth crores today. Laundry retail outlets may be a common phenomenon both in metros and non-metro cities; however, what does it take to have a chain of such stores? Asks IndiaRetailing to Dr A Srivastva, executive director, Wardrobe, India’s leading laundry retail chain. Excerpts.
IndiaRetailing: Laundry retailing sector in India is predominantly unorganised. How was the idea incepted to organise this sector?
A Srivastva: India, as everyone knows is fast emerging as one of the biggest retail markets, with hitherto sectors also recognising the benfits of being organised. Same holds true for laundry services. With a huge potential showcased by small individual players present in each small and big city, it was obvious that with more and more people opting for branded and expensive clothes, an organised laundry chain would meet with success.
IR: You currently enjoy presence mainly in Delhi and NCR. Any plans to go pan-India?
AS: With our plant in Noida, there are 32 outlets operational in Delhi/NCR. This will touch 80-100 in Delhi and NCR by 2009-10. Additionally, we plan to open 30-35 outlets by March 2009, extending our services to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. We also plan to take our chain to tier II and III cities in next two years.
IR: What expansion mode are you planning — franchisee mode or company owned outlets?
AS: As of now, it is purely company owned outlets. However, we may explore opportunities through franchisee mode in future.
IR: What is your modus operandi?
AS: Logistics and supply chain are our biggest strengths. We have 8-10 vehicles moving throughout the day to our different outlets in Delhi and NCR. These vans pick the dirty clothes and deliver at the Noida plant where the clothes are washed in RO water. Because of all our chains being technically connected, there is no delay in delivery and we are able to execute express orders too.
IR: Who are your target consumers?
AS: We target upper class and upper middle class people because these are the people who spend money on costly apparel which needs to be washed properly. We have also partnered with an Australia-based laundry retail chain named Brown, which is our technical partner. We are also targeting big corporate houses.
IR: What are the challenges for you with more players joining the league in the near future?
AS: Somebody has to lead; we will not be affected by other players joining in as our USP will be experience. Meanwhile, as of now, competition in this sector is at a nascent stage.
— Shailesh Shah
Thankx retailtrading
Laundry and dry-cleaning, an occupation having been associated with lower castes since the last 3,000 years in India, is a business worth crores today. Laundry retail outlets may be a common phenomenon both in metros and non-metro cities; however, what does it take to have a chain of such stores? Asks IndiaRetailing to Dr A Srivastva, executive director, Wardrobe, India’s leading laundry retail chain. Excerpts.
IndiaRetailing: Laundry retailing sector in India is predominantly unorganised. How was the idea incepted to organise this sector?
A Srivastva: India, as everyone knows is fast emerging as one of the biggest retail markets, with hitherto sectors also recognising the benfits of being organised. Same holds true for laundry services. With a huge potential showcased by small individual players present in each small and big city, it was obvious that with more and more people opting for branded and expensive clothes, an organised laundry chain would meet with success.
IR: You currently enjoy presence mainly in Delhi and NCR. Any plans to go pan-India?
AS: With our plant in Noida, there are 32 outlets operational in Delhi/NCR. This will touch 80-100 in Delhi and NCR by 2009-10. Additionally, we plan to open 30-35 outlets by March 2009, extending our services to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. We also plan to take our chain to tier II and III cities in next two years.
IR: What expansion mode are you planning — franchisee mode or company owned outlets?
AS: As of now, it is purely company owned outlets. However, we may explore opportunities through franchisee mode in future.
IR: What is your modus operandi?
AS: Logistics and supply chain are our biggest strengths. We have 8-10 vehicles moving throughout the day to our different outlets in Delhi and NCR. These vans pick the dirty clothes and deliver at the Noida plant where the clothes are washed in RO water. Because of all our chains being technically connected, there is no delay in delivery and we are able to execute express orders too.
IR: Who are your target consumers?
AS: We target upper class and upper middle class people because these are the people who spend money on costly apparel which needs to be washed properly. We have also partnered with an Australia-based laundry retail chain named Brown, which is our technical partner. We are also targeting big corporate houses.
IR: What are the challenges for you with more players joining the league in the near future?
AS: Somebody has to lead; we will not be affected by other players joining in as our USP will be experience. Meanwhile, as of now, competition in this sector is at a nascent stage.
— Shailesh Shah
Thankx retailtrading
Laundry Competition
"We will not be affected by other players"
Laundry and dry-cleaning, an occupation having been associated with lower castes since the last 3,000 years in India, is a business worth crores today. Laundry retail outlets may be a common phenomenon both in metros and non-metro cities; however, what does it take to have a chain of such stores? Asks IndiaRetailing to Dr A Srivastva, executive director, Wardrobe, India’s leading laundry retail chain. Excerpts.
IndiaRetailing: Laundry retailing sector in India is predominantly unorganised. How was the idea incepted to organise this sector?
A Srivastva: India, as everyone knows is fast emerging as one of the biggest retail markets, with hitherto sectors also recognising the benfits of being organised. Same holds true for laundry services. With a huge potential showcased by small individual players present in each small and big city, it was obvious that with more and more people opting for branded and expensive clothes, an organised laundry chain would meet with success.
IR: You currently enjoy presence mainly in Delhi and NCR. Any plans to go pan-India?
AS: With our plant in Noida, there are 32 outlets operational in Delhi/NCR. This will touch 80-100 in Delhi and NCR by 2009-10. Additionally, we plan to open 30-35 outlets by March 2009, extending our services to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. We also plan to take our chain to tier II and III cities in next two years.
IR: What expansion mode are you planning — franchisee mode or company owned outlets?
AS: As of now, it is purely company owned outlets. However, we may explore opportunities through franchisee mode in future.
IR: What is your modus operandi?
AS: Logistics and supply chain are our biggest strengths. We have 8-10 vehicles moving throughout the day to our different outlets in Delhi and NCR. These vans pick the dirty clothes and deliver at the Noida plant where the clothes are washed in RO water. Because of all our chains being technically connected, there is no delay in delivery and we are able to execute express orders too.
IR: Who are your target consumers?
AS: We target upper class and upper middle class people because these are the people who spend money on costly apparel which needs to be washed properly. We have also partnered with an Australia-based laundry retail chain named Brown, which is our technical partner. We are also targeting big corporate houses.
IR: What are the challenges for you with more players joining the league in the near future?
AS: Somebody has to lead; we will not be affected by other players joining in as our USP will be experience. Meanwhile, as of now, competition in this sector is at a nascent stage.
— Shailesh Shah
Thankx retailtrading
Laundry and dry-cleaning, an occupation having been associated with lower castes since the last 3,000 years in India, is a business worth crores today. Laundry retail outlets may be a common phenomenon both in metros and non-metro cities; however, what does it take to have a chain of such stores? Asks IndiaRetailing to Dr A Srivastva, executive director, Wardrobe, India’s leading laundry retail chain. Excerpts.
IndiaRetailing: Laundry retailing sector in India is predominantly unorganised. How was the idea incepted to organise this sector?
A Srivastva: India, as everyone knows is fast emerging as one of the biggest retail markets, with hitherto sectors also recognising the benfits of being organised. Same holds true for laundry services. With a huge potential showcased by small individual players present in each small and big city, it was obvious that with more and more people opting for branded and expensive clothes, an organised laundry chain would meet with success.
IR: You currently enjoy presence mainly in Delhi and NCR. Any plans to go pan-India?
AS: With our plant in Noida, there are 32 outlets operational in Delhi/NCR. This will touch 80-100 in Delhi and NCR by 2009-10. Additionally, we plan to open 30-35 outlets by March 2009, extending our services to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. We also plan to take our chain to tier II and III cities in next two years.
IR: What expansion mode are you planning — franchisee mode or company owned outlets?
AS: As of now, it is purely company owned outlets. However, we may explore opportunities through franchisee mode in future.
IR: What is your modus operandi?
AS: Logistics and supply chain are our biggest strengths. We have 8-10 vehicles moving throughout the day to our different outlets in Delhi and NCR. These vans pick the dirty clothes and deliver at the Noida plant where the clothes are washed in RO water. Because of all our chains being technically connected, there is no delay in delivery and we are able to execute express orders too.
IR: Who are your target consumers?
AS: We target upper class and upper middle class people because these are the people who spend money on costly apparel which needs to be washed properly. We have also partnered with an Australia-based laundry retail chain named Brown, which is our technical partner. We are also targeting big corporate houses.
IR: What are the challenges for you with more players joining the league in the near future?
AS: Somebody has to lead; we will not be affected by other players joining in as our USP will be experience. Meanwhile, as of now, competition in this sector is at a nascent stage.
— Shailesh Shah
Thankx retailtrading
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