In Panipat, a city with a deep history of textiles, I wanted to take a unique approach at Shivalika Rugs. Beyond just making rugs, I wanted to turn ocean-bound plastic into high-quality yarn. This way, our rugs are not only about tradition, but also about helping the environment. We partner with recyclers who make yarn for us – we turn ocean bound plastic into beautiful upcycled home décor products.
Every piece of recycled yarn we use in Shivalika Rugs is part of my effort to make a positive impact. In my work, I aim to combine good business practices with care for the planet. It’s about moving towards a future where sustainability is a key part of every product we make.
Our journey began under a simple tree setup by my father and has evolved into a testament of how tradition can harmoniously blend with contemporary practices. Later, my father established Shivalika Rugs as a company in the modest backdrop of a rented space. The company has grown from its traditional roots into a symbol of modernity and innovation in the last two decades.
When I first took the reins of Shivalika Rugs, one of the primary hurdles was modernizing our traditional family business without losing the essence of our craft. Balancing innovation with tradition, especially in a market steeped in heritage like Panipat. This required careful navigation. Adapting to changing market trends while preserving the quality and authenticity of our products was a delicate task.
Moreover, as we expanded our product range, maintaining consistency in quality across diverse items was challenging. This was compounded by the need to stay competitive in an increasingly global market, where keeping up with both domestic and international standards and preferences was crucial.
Our association with Walmart Vriddhi in November 2020 marked a significant milestone in our business journey. Joining the Walmart Vriddhi program was an important step in my journey with Shivalika Rugs. The program opened new horizons for me, particularly in understanding the nuances of eCommerce. One of the key learnings was about the intricacies of online retail – how different it is from traditional business models. The insights into digital marketing, customer engagement, and online consumer behavior were eye-opening. It was a paradigm shift, helping me see how digital presence could complement our existing business model.
The leap into Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) eCommerce is a testament to our adaptability in a rapidly changing business landscape. With over 5,000 SKUs and a vision to tap into India’s vast online shopping populace, our shift from traditional B2B to DTC was a strategic move to connect directly with our customers and diversify our market reach.
Another crucial aspect of the Walmart Vriddhi program was the focus on financial acumen and inventory management. It taught me about efficient resource allocation, balancing budgets, and optimizing nventory to meet the demands of the online marketplace. These lessons were instrumental in streamlining our operations for DTC eCommerce as well as for our own DTC The program also emphasized the importance of analytics and data-driven decisions, which have been vital in shaping our online strategies and ensuring that we stay competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Perhaps the most impactful part of the program was its focus on sustainability and social responsibility in business. It aligned perfectly with our mission at Shivalika Rugs. The program reinforced the idea that businesses can be both profitable and environmentally conscious. It encouraged me to further integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our operations, from product development to supply chain management. This holistic approach to business, balancing economic goals with environmental and social responsibility, has become a cornerstone of my vision for Shivalika Rugs.
The program’s insights have led to significant changes in how we approach our business. The most notable impact has been on our eCommerce operations. Armed with the knowledge and strategies gained from Walmart Vriddhi, we have successfully enhanced our online presence, leading to a noticeable increase in online sales and customer engagement. This shift has not only expanded our market reach but also allowed us to connect more intimately with our customers, understanding their preferences and responding more effectively to market trends.
Our future aspirations are anchored in sustainability and expansion. We aim to grow into a 5,000-strong team by 2032, powered entirely by solar energy, while carving out a significant presence in the DTC domain. Our exploratory endeavors in new product categories like smartwatches and headphones reflect our commitment to staying ahead in a dynamic market.
As a fully integrated manufacturer, Shivalika Rugs stands for excellence and innovation. We continuously engage with our customers, gathering feedback to enhance our product quality and staying in tune with their evolving needs.
From a small family business to a national entity, our story at Shivalika Rugs is a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and a deep-seated commitment to sustainability. We stand as a symbol of progress, marrying the rich heritage of Indian textiles with forward-thinking environmental consciousness.
