November marked an exciting milestone for us at Sekar Lifestyle—we completed 30 days since the opening of our first-ever brand store in Vanagaram. This 2500 sq. ft. store represents more than just a space to showcase furniture; it’s been a real-world classroom for understanding our business, customers, and the market.
From discovering the importance of patience to realizing the untapped potential of customization, these past 30 days have taught us invaluable lessons. Here’s a closer look at what we’ve learned so far and how we plan to grow.
1. Patience: The Backbone of Furniture Retail
Furniture isn’t something people buy every day. It’s a carefully considered purchase that reflects their needs and style. This realization has taught us the importance of patience.
Some days, we’ve had no walk-ins, which can be challenging to navigate emotionally. However, we’ve seen a promising pattern—customers often come to explore first and return a week later to make their purchase.
This highlights a vital truth: furniture shopping is a journey, not an impulse decision. Also, it has reinforced our belief in being there for customers at every stage, even if it means waiting.
2. Customization: The Game-Changer for Modern Buyers
Over the past month, one thing has become crystal clear—customized furniture is more than just a trend; it’s a necessity for many. While most furniture stores limit customization to simple choices like fabric or modular configurations, we offer something unique.
At Sekar Lifestyle, customers can co-create their furniture from scratch. From design to delivery, we ensure every piece reflects their vision. This approach has set us apart from competitors and drawn customers not just from Vanagaram but neighboring areas as well.
Interestingly, customers have shared how hard it is to find true customization in the retail space. Typically, only manufacturers provide this level of service. We aim to bridge this gap, creating a seamless experience for those seeking personalized furniture.
3. Visibility: The Key to Expanding Our Reach
While our location in Vanagaram was chosen strategically, we’ve realized that visibility is an area we need to improve.
Currently, customers who find us either search online or come through word of mouth. However, casual passersby often miss our store due to limited signage. To address this, we’re planning to roll out billboards across Vanagaram by December.
This will make Sekar Lifestyle more noticeable and accessible, ensuring we become a landmark in the area. Visibility isn’t just about marketing; it’s about making it easier for customers to find us when they need us.
You can find us on Google Maps here
Looking Ahead: Plans for the Next Month
These first 30 days have been a learning curve, and we’re excited to take these lessons forward. From boosting our visibility to refining our customization offerings, every step is aimed at improving the customer experience.
We’ll share another update next month to reflect on our progress and highlight what’s working. If you’re in or around Vanagaram and haven’t visited us yet, we’d love to see you!
Final Thoughts
The first month of any new business is bound to come with its share of challenges and insights. For us, it’s been an incredible journey of understanding the market and ourselves better.
If there’s one thing that stands out, it’s this: customers value authenticity, customization, and trust. We’re grateful for everyone who has supported us so far, and we’re excited about what lies ahead.
