In 1932, the Talera family's business focused on manufacturing and the bulk supply of real gold threads, or Zari. Mysore Saree Udyog was founded in 1982 by Dinesh P. Talera and his brother Kamlesh P. Talera with a modest 10x10 feet unit. Over nine decades, this Indian ethnic fashion business has grown from Zari to Sarees with an online global presence and retail spaces in Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: Over four decades in the retail business, Mysore Saree Udyog has efficiently preserved and promoted India's rich textile heritage. The brand launches more than 400 new designs every week. It has a 4.9 rating with 1,179 reviews for the Hyderabad store and a 4.7 rating with 8,985 reviews for the Bangalore store on Google.
In an exclusive interview with Stree Clothing, Dinesh P. Talera divulges the inspiring journey of Mysore Saree Udyog (MSU), a brand that has become synonymous with preserving and promoting India's rich textile heritage.
Talera shares insights into the evolution of MSU, the innovative 'Aromatic Saree' collection, and the unique production model that ensures the highest quality and authenticity of their products. With a vast range of women's clothing that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, MSU stands out in the competitive global Indian Ethnic Wear market.
Can you tell us about yourself and your brand? How has the journey been so far? Can you share details from your first work unit with the current number of stores you have?
I am Dinesh P. Talera, co-founder of Mysore Saree Udyog (MSU), along with my brother, Kamlesh P. Talera, nephew Anil Sancheti, and the next generation of our family. We founded MSU with a vision to preserve and promote the rich textile heritage of India. Our journey began with a single 10x10 feet work unit, and through dedication and innovation, we have expanded significantly. Currently, we operate two outlets in Bangalore and Hyderabad, managing more than 30,000 square feet of retail space. We're proud to have partnered with ‘The Registry of Sarees’, a textile research and registry non-profit organization. This collaboration has allowed us to publish books and curate thousands of exhibits dating back centuries, further solidifying our commitment to preserving India's textile heritage.
At MSU, we've established ourselves as an eminent textile brand, deeply committed to delivering an unparalleled customer experience. We're renowned for our exceptional quality, diverse product range, and unwavering dedication to preserving India's rich textile heritage. Our brand's signature lies in our customer-centric approach, focusing on design intricacies, uncompromising quality, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. Throughout our journey, we've worked tirelessly to carve a distinct niche in the industry. We take pride in our ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary appeal, offering products that are both timeless and relevant. Our growth from a small work unit to a significant presence in the textile industry is a testament to our commitment to quality and our customers' trust in our brand.
Please tell us about your new launch, the 'aromatic saree'. What has the response been like so far? When will this collection be available for buyers, and can they purchase it online? If yes, on which E-Commerce platforms?
We're excited to introduce our new 'Aromatic Saree' collection, which represents our innovative blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. This unique product line, born from the intensive research and passion of our team member, Mr. Anil Sancheti, has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from our customers, who appreciate the novel combination of fragrance and elegance. Our collection seamlessly integrates the timeless beauty of traditional sarees with the sensory appeal of aromatics, creating a truly distinct offering in the market. These sarees are available both in our physical stores and the brand’s online retail channel. This approach ensures that our customers can experience these innovative sarees through their preferred shopping method, whether it's the tactile experience of in-store browsing or the convenience of online purchasing. Our 'Aromatic Saree' collection exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our ability to create path-breaking products that resonate with contemporary consumers while honoring traditional textile arts.
Do you have your own factory unit where ( to) you manufacture your products?
At Mysore Saree Udyog, we operate with a unique production model that prioritizes quality and authenticity. Rather than owning a single factory unit, we collaborate with multiple job work factory units that are dedicated to our production. This approach allows us to maintain stringent control over the manufacturing process, ensuring that each of our products is crafted with precision and care. By working closely with these specialized units, we uphold our high standards of quality across our entire product range. Our production strategy also provides us with the flexibility to adapt to changing market demands and incorporate diverse craftsmanship techniques. Furthermore, we take pride in our in-house design team, which is responsible for creating the majority of our products. This internal design process enables us to maintain our distinctive style and respond quickly to evolving fashion trends while preserving traditional elements. The combination of dedicated manufacturing units and in-house design expertise allows us to offer products that are both authentic and innovative, reinforcing our commitment to quality and craftsmanship in the competitive textile market.
Could you describe the variety of women's clothing you offer, such as sarees, dress materials, t-shirts, western wear, etc.?
We take pride in our extensive collection of women's clothing that caters to a wide range of preferences and occasions. Our offerings include an array of sarees, lehengas, fabrics, suits, unstitched suits, salwar kameez, and dupattas, all designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. What sets our collection apart is our commitment to in-house design interventions. Our dedicated design team works tirelessly to create exclusive, high-quality products at a rapid pace, ensuring that our shelves are always stocked with fresh and exciting options. We believe in keeping our inventory dynamic and engaging, which is why we introduce 400-500 new designs every week. This constant influx of new styles not only keeps our collection current but also provides our customers with an ever-evolving selection to choose from. By maintaining this balance of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, we ensure that every visit to our stores or online platform offers a new and inspiring shopping experience.
What is your top-selling product?
Our top-selling products at Mysore Saree Udyog are our handwoven sarees, handcrafted lehengas, and our unique collection of fabrics. These items are highly sought after by our customers for their intricate designs, value pricing, and superior quality. We take pride in offering products that seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary appeal, making them a favorite among our diverse clientele. Our handwoven sarees, in particular, represent the epitome of our craftsmanship and are a testament to our commitment to preserving India's rich textile heritage while catering to modern tastes.
Women's ethnic wear constitutes a vast business, with numerous local brands and branded ones. How do you cope with the competition?
Our unwavering commitment to service, quality, relevance, and authenticity distinguishes us in the highly competitive women's ethnic wear market. Our focus on unique designs and superior craftsmanship sets us apart from both local and branded competitors. We continuously innovate while staying true to our traditional roots, which helps us build strong customer loyalty. By maintaining consistent quality and offering distinctive products, we've carved out a niche for ourselves in this vast market. Our dedication to preserving India's textile heritage while embracing contemporary trends allows us to appeal to a wide range of customers, from those seeking traditional designs to ones looking for modern interpretations of classic styles.
How do you handle return shipments, and what suggestions do you have to make the process more merchant-friendly?
We handle return shipments with a customer-friendly approach, ensuring a hassle-free experience. We suggest adopting transparent and efficient return policies to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How many seasonal collections do you launch each year, and in what categories?
We don't follow a seasonal approach. Our Indian ethnic category has deep-rooted cultural flavors that are timeless. We constantly listen to our customers and convert this knowledge, along with industry trends, into ever-evolving new products on a continuous basis. Hence, you will always find relevant stocks on the shelves. Each category is carefully curated to reflect the latest trends while staying true to our traditional roots.
Can you describe the unique selling points or strengths of Mysore Saree Udyog?
Mysore Saree Udyog (MSU) prides itself on several unique selling points that set it apart in the competitive market of women's ethnic wear:
● Blend of Tradition and Modernity: MSU seamlessly combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, ensuring each collection is both timeless and trendy.
● High-Quality Products: We maintain rigorous quality checks from the selection of raw materials to the final product, ensuring that every piece meets our high standards.
● Exclusive handwoven & handcrafted products: They are crafted with intricate designs and superior quality, making them a favorite among customers seeking authenticity and elegance.
● Controlled job manufacturing: We have complete control over the production process, guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of our products.
● Wide Range of Offerings: From sarees and dress materials, bridal and wedding wear, fabrics, accessories, indo-western wear, we offer a diverse range of women's clothing that caters to various tastes and preferences.
● Commitment to Heritage: MSU is dedicated to preserving India's rich textile heritage, reflected in our investment in traditional techniques and ancient crafts.
● Customer-Centric Approach: Our focus on customer satisfaction, including a hassle-free return policy and exceptional service, builds lasting loyalty and trust.
● Price Match Warranty: We will match, plus give you an additional discount of 10% if customers find an identical product at a lower price - Buy with confidence!
● Zari Testing: We have an exclusive Zari testing machine that is readily available at our store that assesses the purity of gold and silver Zari in sarees, lehengas, and fabrics. This allows customers to distinguish between counterfeit and authentic products.
● Hassle-Free shipping for online orders, both domestic & international: We offer swift and timely shipping for all online orders, both domestic & international
These USPs make MSU a distinguished brand in the market, renowned for its quality, authenticity, and innovative approach.
What are some of the challenges you face in the Indian ethnic wear business, and how do you overcome them?
In the Indian ethnic wear sector, we frequently confront issues such as fakes being sold off as authentics, educating the new generations on the nuances of Indian textiles, competition from fast fashion, and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. To address these challenges, we stay current with market trends, refresh our collections regularly, and combine contemporary and classic designs. We also invest in promoting our artists' distinctive craftsmanship, ensuring the quality and authenticity that our clients value. Additionally, using e-commerce and social media platforms allows us to reach a larger audience while remaining competitive. We also train every sales advisor to give authentic information about products to all our customers.
How does Mysore Saree Udyog engage with customers through marketing or promotional activities?
Mysore Saree Udyog engages with its customers using a combination of traditional and digital marketing outreach. Our promotional activities include joint events such as 'Style it Up With MSU,' which is an exclusive collaboration with stylists. We also prioritize improving the consumer experience by providing compelling material like behind-the-scenes stories, saree draping lessons, and highlighting our rich legacy through family business narratives. Our digital transformation activities aim to make online purchasing more convenient and pleasurable for our customers. Apart from this, we have strong connections with customers through word of mouth and referrals.
What is the primary customer demographic that Mysore Saree Udyog targets?
Mysore Saree Udyog caters mostly to discerning women who value the rich heritage, legacy and artistry of traditional Indian textiles. Our clients range from young professionals to seasoned connoisseurs, including fashion-forward individuals and those looking for timeless elegance for important events.
How do you ensure quality control and customer satisfaction across your products?
At Mysore Saree Udyog, we prioritize quality control and client satisfaction. We ensure quality by obtaining the best materials and hiring trained artisans who adhere to our high standards of craftsmanship. Each saree is meticulously inspected before it reaches our consumers. Furthermore, we listen to our clients' input and always seek to improve their purchasing experience, both online and in-store. Our commitment to perfection guarantees that each product reflects the brand's rich legacy and high quality.
How important is customer feedback to your business, and how do you incorporate it into your operations?
Customer feedback is critical for Mysore Saree Udyog. It helps us better understand our consumers' preferences and areas for improvement. We aggressively seek feedback via a variety of sources, including Google reviews, social media interactions, and direct customer surveys. This feedback is examined and incorporated into our operations to improve product quality, optimize our service, and deliver a more personalized shopping experience. By valuing and acting on consumer insights, we ensure that our services meet their needs and expectations.
How do you source your materials and ensure they align with your brand's values and quality standards?
At Mysore Saree Udyog, we diligently acquire our materials from well-known weavers and artisans around India, ensuring that each fabric reflects the rich legacy and artistry that we proudly represent. Our rigorous quality control systems ensure that every saree fulfills our high standards of excellence, showing our dedication to preserving heritage while providing outstanding quality to our consumers.
How large is your team that manages both online and offline aspects of your business? Can you define the role of technology in helping you grow or upgrade your business?
Mysore Saree Udyog employs a committed staff of 500+ people, who oversee both the online and offline aspects of our business. Technology is critical to our success, from improving the online shopping experience with a user-friendly e-commerce platform to leveraging advanced analytics for better customer insights and inventory management. It has enabled us to easily engage with our customers throughout the world while maintaining our tradition and embracing contemporary trends.
Are there any sustainability initiatives or practices that Mysore Saree Udyog follows?
Mysore Saree Udyog is entirely committed to sustainability. We prioritize environmentally responsible procedures by using natural dyes, handloom weaving processes, and materials sourced from sustainable farms. Our goal is to create timeless items with little environmental impact, ensuring that our rich heritage and the environment are preserved for future generations. Many times, sarees are passed down from generation to generation; hence it can be worn for a lifetime!
Could you discuss any significant collaborations or partnerships that have been beneficial for your brand, both within India and abroad?
Apart from running a profitable retail business, Mysore Saree Udyog also has a larger vision to preserve and carry forward the legacy of handloom and hand spun weaves. In 2016, Mysore Saree Udyog established ‘The Registry of Sarees’, a research center, repository and museum in Bengaluru, to enable learning through engagements with weavers and practitioners and other events. The registry houses over 1000 exhibits, dating back to 200-300 years.
Edited by: Stree Clothing
Image Credit: Mysore Saree Udyog
Information Source: Mysore Saree Udyog, Bold & Beyond
Information Source: Mysore Saree Udyog, Bold & Beyond
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