The Indian Retail Success Story – "It Happened in India" by Kishore Biyani
Kishore Biyani needs no introduction. He is the man behind the mushrooming retail supermarkets in India [Big Bazaar, Pantaloon, MegaMart and of course, Bangalore Central].
“It Happened in India” is KB’s story of struggle, failures, restlessness, and sheer grit. If you are interested in building India centric products/services, there is no way you can afford to skip this book.
If you recall my podcast with Ziva’s Ajay Sethi , Ajay laid out the differences between insights and observations and why startups need to have greater insights in the market they are operating.
KB’ success is a classic example of how deep insights can create an impregnable differentiator among your competition which are purely led by observations and theoretical market research reports.
And most of KB’s deep understanding is attributed to his ‘marwari/trading’ family upbringings and his interest in observing people and understanding their behavior.
KB, famous for his unconventional style of running the business was ridiculed by media [his stores were referred as 'dirty stores'], was never called for any trade body meetings/investors conference.
Maverick that he is, KB never gave a damn to all these , and went along shaping his own destiny.
What impresses me the most is KB’s ability to defy the status quo, to challenge the regular mindset and most significantly,think BIG, very BIG.
In this book, KB traverses thru’ his childhood days, how he became a big source of irritation to family members [used to question every damn thing in the world], talks about his college days [scarcity of girls and his "special" pen-friend:)] his first taste of leadership [by organizing a dandiya in his area], his first venture [selling stonewash fabric to small shops in Mumbai] to starting up Pantaloon and other stores.
The book isn’t just a mere PR exercise; KB isn’t shy of talking about his failures, especially his foray into Bollywood movies [he produced Na tum Jano Na Hum and Chura Liya hai tumne].
The book has quotes/anecdotes from KB’s family, co-workers, Investors, partners and others who helped KB in scripting the success story.
And these anecdotes really makes the book an interesting read [I realized I am 'mall rat' after reading this book].
Living up the Big Bazaar spirit of lowest price, the book is available at an affordable price of Rs. 99!!
Buy the book online. Visit the official site.
tagged: It Happened in India, Kishore Biyani, Pantaloon, Big Bazaar
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About the author - Ashish Sinha is a Startup Mentor/Product Strategy Coach, and the founder/chief editor of pluGGd.in.
He has launched/managed couple of products (consumer as well as enterprise) in US and India, and now consults with startups/small businesses on their product/media strategy. He can be reached at: ashish (at) pluGGd.in [+91 98452 06443]
But...
Great review..
will go ahead and buy this!
-Anupam
Ashish
Thanks for sharing this. I have never heard of this book..but looks like its really great.
Hey
I bought this one from shoppers’ stop and I do agree to you that the book is awesome..its so well written
and I really liked the anecdotes
-Subash
Dude..
this is awesome..didnt know that he tried his hands in bollywood as well..
cool!
-Ashutosh
Hey,
I am sure it definitely helps young entrepreneurs like me.
-Samy
its really a must read book…
who ever r interested in enterprenaurship should read this book..
[...] Related: The Indian Retail Success Story – “It Happened in India” by Kishore Biyani [...]
good review – sounds interesting
was looking at something like this for corporate gifting !
Thanks
[...] The report cautions the players to localize the store formats, especially when targeting the tier-II cities (something which Kishore Biyani has always believed in) [...]
[...] Recommended Read: Book Review – “It happened in India” [...]
though the book talke a lot about the big bazzar concept . kishor need to ensure that thing are still on right track. at bigbazzar would would get the best deal at a cost of lot of harrasment, and delayed delivery
with all due respect to what he has done to the retail senerio in india kishor neets to see how the things that he has started are functioning, i have a disgusting experience at thane majivada branch. you literally have to beg to the people for delivery after you had paid the money.
[...] on Aasias reisinud, teab, et suur osa sealsest jaekaubandusest toimub kaootilistel avaturgudel. Kui Kishore Biyani Indias Pantalooni supermarketite keti asutas, olid tema poed alguses samasugused nagu nende lääne [...]
Great. Thanks Mr. Biyani for sharing your experiences.
Link http://www.ithappened.in/ is not opening at the moment.
Thanks
Pradeep
How come the offer price of the Book is rs 262.00 and actal retail price rs. 495.00?
http://www.futurebazaar.com/b2c_futurebazaar/catalog/zupdateItems.do?key=0%2F46E51FF80E2B0C82E1000000A0330A04%2F46E5209C0E2B0C82E1000000A0330A04&page=&itemPageSize=20&next=seeItem&itemkey=46E5209C0E2B0C82E1000000A0330A044603E4685E7A800C020000000A280007&order=&display_scenario=products&contractkey=&contractitemkey=&ztotal=9&comefrom=Product
Thanks
though the book talke a lot about the big bazzar concept . kishor need to ensure that thing are still on right track. at bigbazzar would would get the best deal at a cost of lot of harrasment, and delayed delivery
it is really a great book…….
i m very influenced by his guts dicisions
a incident of big baazar of marathi family who perchased 150000 rs goods
i like most