These are difficult times and its in these difficult times that the true leader emerges and shows his mettle. It inspires others in their category. While the entire world is grappling with the deadly Corona Virus, we can say that India has somehow managed the pandemic better, if you go just by the numbers. At 25 cases /1 million, India. is way better than some of the developed countries like the US, where its 3300+/million or SPAIN, where it's 5000+/million.
But let this not fool you on the damage that the Indian economy is facing presently because of the lockdown. The repercussions will be felt at least for a year or two, if not decades. However, there are some champion companies that are braving these tough times and taking some bold steps to ensure that the billions of Indians who are locked up literally in their homes are not deprived of basic services. Wondering how? Read On.
Its been around 40 days since the lockdown has been enforced in India. My doorbell just rings once in 24hrs, sharp at 09:30 AM, that is for the Garbage collection. So you must be inquisitive which are these champion companies that still manage to reach out? Presenting to you the TWO Champion companies: HDFC Bank & DMart.
HDFC Bank: Last week, from the balcony of my 9th floor, I saw a queue at a distance, I assumed it must be the local Vegetable vendor who comes once in a week. Upon reaching the exact location, I realize it's not what it seemed from my balcony. It was an HDFC Bank Mobile ATM! Cash strapped residents from my society lapped onto this opportunity. HDFC Bank employees were present there in the vicinity, they ensured social distancing norms were followed, security professionals were also present and after each usage of the ATM machine, the keypads were sanitized by the HDFC housekeeping professional. Everything looked like a symphony, and after staying 2 hrs in our society, it definitely left with many happy faces and people thanking HDFC Bank from the bottom of their hearts. Welcome HDFC Bank, which is one of the biggest banks of India and presently has a 6% Market Share of this Billion plus nation. No wonder the People's Bank of China see the value this giant holds and has acquired a 1% stake in this jewel of India, during the recent stock market bloodbath.
DMart: Essentials probably is the buzz word in every home, news channels & government agencies. While many FMCG companies pivoted their B-Models upside down, no one did it as good as what D-Mart did. Last week I get this message on my Whatsapp society group that DMart is coming to our society! It was indeed a message that most of us in the society was happy to read. Come the day and I walk into my parking lot to discover what this great company has managed to create. To start with, they had ensured social distancing norms were followed, they were checking body temperature and allowing the residents inside. When it came to the essentials, they ensured that large quantity packs were available, be it 10 KG Ashirvad Aaata packets or pre-packed 5 KG Daal packets. What did I buy the most? Well, you guessed it right - MAGGI Jumbo packets:) Here's the best part, I saved almost 15% on the MRP of the entire bill, I couldn't be happier. They were supposed to be in our society for 4 hrs, but I guess they extended seeing the demand. Welcome AVENUE Supermarts, the holding company of D-Mart, founded by one of the smartest yet humble Radhakishan Damani. As on date, India's Traditional Retail ( Brick & Mortar shops) still stands at a staggering 80+%, with organized retail & e-Commerce nibbling the remainder. Well, post-COVID 19, if there is one company that will take a giant leap in the organized retail sector, its D Mart indeed!
What these two companies have done is not with the purpose of Marketing, but merely to Serve the billion Indians in their homes. But in their endeavor to serve the nation, they have done something unimaginable: They say Marketing has 3 main purposes: Identity, Satisfy & Retain Customers, all the three ticks checked! They say you remember the people who help during your worst time, I guess that applies to companies also. At least both of these giant companies have found a customer for life in me and yes, I am buying their stocks :)
What these two companies have done is not with the purpose of Marketing, but merely to Serve the billion Indians in their homes. But in their endeavor to serve the nation, they have done something unimaginable: They say Marketing has 3 main purposes: Identity, Satisfy & Retain Customers, all the three ticks checked! They say you remember the people who help during your worst time, I guess that applies to companies also. At least both of these giant companies have found a customer for life in me and yes, I am buying their stocks :)
