Food, clothing, shelter, education, family / society, spirituality - Abraham Maslow's Need Hierarchy Theory couldn't have been packaged better. Today's retails' environment is a one-stop shop for all of them. As you attain fulfillment for one, you could move on to level higher and just shop for the same.

Retail India is only getting better. With even basic concepts in retail acquiring width and depth, the offering is only getting better, bigger and more organized.

Evolution shows in every form. Sales & Distribution has acquired a newer and improved form with Franchisee Revolution heating up competition. Franchising is growing at a startling rate all over the world and India is no different.

Be it McDonalds or the humble Jumbo Vada Pav, this model provides a common platform to both. Earlier synonymous with food chains, it's churning out surprises and the offerings just cannot be missed. Be it the Baskin & Robins for your taste buds, Pizza Hut for your satiation, Shehnaz Parlors for beauty, NIIT for education, Provogue for clothing, Shaadi Point for relationships! Franchisee option is breaking the great divide and making it easier to reach and penetrate the markets, and in the process, allowing the consumer to enjoy the same.

The system is simple, easy to follow and helps churn quicker profits. In addition to this, the franchisees can choose what they need for the store, customers and markets, and smoothen rough edges involved in setting up an entirely new line of products. Most of the businesses provide 24X7 support and timely training to upkeep with the recent trends in the market. In return, they get higher margins, lower costs, higher return on investments, and of course, better visibility.

Not only the financial aspects but also other benefits make the whole system very attractive and appealing. No longer does a retired grand-daddy have to think for options after his retirement - he can now use his savings to take forward the franchisee store and choose from a vast array of products, be it an STD booth or a an ice-cream parlor, and fulfill his needs. House-wives, considered only good at home economics, can now prove their mettle at business and express their skills by choosing beauty (Shehnaz Hussein) or something they are best at, like relationships (Shaadi Point).

In isolation or in addition to the existing business venture, this model is soon gathering pace and shall be the foremost models in the retail race! A perfect hand-holder for unemployed youth, old and retired professionals, existing businessmen, women entrepreneurs, young whiz-kids, it's a perfect equalizer for all, be it franchisor or the franchisee.

If visualization has it, Maslow would be relaxing at his favourite franchisee - Kerela Ayurvedic Health Spa - and watch his theory attain pace with the in word RETAIL!

Concluded.

* Contributed by: -
Shilpa B.,
MBA (Marketing) from Mumbai University & Diploma in Software Applications from NIIT,
Currently working as Category Manager at Welspun Retail.