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Walmart and Flipkart announce MoU with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to train and support local MSMEs

Posted on January 6, 2022 - 1:45 pm by 66

MOU signed in the presence of Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Minister of MSME, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, to help MSMEs in the state with capacity building and support, enabling them to expand their domestic and export capabilities

Lucknow, India, January 6, 2022: Walmart and Flipkart today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Export Promotion Bureau, Government of Uttar Pradesh, to create an ecosystem aiding capacity building for MSMEs in the state. Under the partnership, Walmart and Flipkart will help MSMEs digitize their businesses and enable them to sell products across India through online retail. They will also have an opportunity to unlock their export potential and become part of Walmart’s global supply chain.

In collaboration with Swasti, the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi) provides a comprehensive learning platform that includes growth opportunities, free-of-cost training and in-depth expert support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. It also organizes training seminars and mentorship workshops to further enable the growth and development of small and medium businesses. The program pivoted to a digital format in 2020 and Vriddhi e-institutes have since been launched in Panipat, Haryana and Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and with plans to open many more.

On the signing of the MoU, Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Minister of MSME, Investment and Export, Textile, Khadi & Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said, “MSMEs from Uttar Pradesh are being recognized the world over, registering record exports this year. With schemes like Ubharte Sitaare and ODOP, the Government of Uttar Pradesh is at the forefront of developing a vibrant ecosystem for the MSME sector in the state, helping them boost exports and venture into new markets. We are happy to collaborate with Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart, and shall provide our guidance and support required to strengthen MSMEs to achieve greater success through the program.”

Launched in 2019, Walmart Vriddhi aims to train 50,000 Indian MSMEs with the business skills necessary to succeed as suppliers to Walmart, sellers on Flipkart, and other domestic and global marketplace platforms. Thousands of Vriddhi MSME graduates across multiple states are being trained to expand their domestic capabilities and participate in global supply chains, helping them build sustainable businesses, generate employment, and increase exports. The program provides a digitally enhanced learning experience through online modules with personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions.

Commenting on the partnership, Nidhi Munjal, Vice President, International Partnership Services, Walmart said, “We look forward to expanding our ongoing partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and supporting their efforts to build a robust MSME ecosystem, by providing opportunities to access online and offline markets in India and globally through local training and support. We are committed to tripling our exports from India to $10 billion annually by 2027, and will keep extending our support to small businesses, enabling them to grow and prosper in India and globally.”

Jagjeet Harode, Senior Director & Head – Marketplace, Flipkart, said, “Flipkart’s partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh on the ODOP scheme has been a huge success, registering 52% quarterly growth since January 2020, across various product categories. Through programs like Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart Samarth, we are committed to empowering Uttar Pradesh’s MSMEs, artisans and craftsmen and will continue providing them with the ecosystem support they require to grow and benefit through pan-India access for eCommerce marketplace operations.”

N Raghunathan, Cofounder and Mentor, Swasti, said, “This partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh will greatly enhance the growth and development of MSMEs in the state. Through the Vriddhi program, we are committed to helping local businesses build resilience for the future and facilitating their participation in national and global supply chains.”

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

About Swasti

Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries, was founded in 2004. Swasti co-designs demonstrable and scalable solution models in partnership with communities on the ground and influences policies nationally and internationally. Over the past 15 years, Swasti has directly reached over 400,000 people through its initiatives, including more than 238,000 factory workers, the majority of whom are women.

We find opportunity in challenge

Posted on December 20, 2021 - 12:53 pm by 3

My father was an ambitious young engineer when he started Shalimar Rubber & Plastic Industries in 1986. As was I, when I joined him in the company in 2009, with a degree in Information Technology.

 

Today, Shalimar Rubber has a staff of knowledgeable and dedicated professionals, backed by sophisticated technical facilities and global supply chain infrastructure. Together, we design and manufacture precision and custom-moulded rubber and plastic engineering components, with a reputation for quality and service. Our key market is OEM customers in Australia, North America and Europe. Exports account for 80% of our business, with 20% domestic sales.

 

As engineers, my father and I are both problem solvers. We believe that facing challenges and adapting to the new is the best way to succeed amid tough times and ensure business continuity. 

 

For example, I’ve focused on using automation to increase our production capacity over the past decade. And, of course, the past two years have brought unprecedented challenges.

 

Like many manufacturing businesses, we faced major procurement bottlenecks following the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic. As sourcing raw materials from China became impossible, we shifted procurement to India, with good results. Another key learning for us is the necessity to maintain a stock of raw materials to avoid disruption and ensure business continuity in a crisis.

 

Online sales are our new growth channel

In the midst of the pandemic, I joined the Walmart Vriddhi program with a goal to explore how we could further diversify the business for improved resilience.

 

Through Vriddhi, I’ve learnt a lot about different aspects of modern business, including digital sales and developing products for consumer markets. As a result, we are expanding our existing portfolio to include consumer goods and targeting online sales as our main growth channel.

 

A key challenge for us is that our products are mostly custom manufactured. We need to offer standard products to gain a share of the domestic consumer market. We have opened a new manufacturing plant in Kundli, Haryana, to produce consumer goods like rubber couplings, rubber fenders, plastic filters and plastic engineering components. And we have registered on the Flipkart e-commerce marketplace.

 

We’ve come a long way in a short time. We started with limited knowledge about the e-tail business, and it was a steep learning curve. But with the support of Vriddhi, I’m now confident that we can use online sales to increase our footprint in the domestic market and become a more diversified and resilient business.

Walmart and Flipkart celebrate Vriddhi graduates: 2,500 MSMEs on a path to enhancing their capabilities in domestic markets

Posted on September 29, 2021 - 6:30 pm by 44

Trained MSMEs across India awarded certification in the presence of Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Hon’ble Minister of MSME, Investment and Export, Textile, Khadi & Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh

BENTONVILLE, Ark., and BENGALURU, India, September 29, 2021: Walmart and Flipkart today hosted a virtual Graduation Day event for the first group of graduating micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) under the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi). Over 2,500 MSMEs from across India received certificates in the presence of Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Hon’ble Minister of MSME, Investment and Export, Textile, Khadi & Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with Walmart and Flipkart leadership. The occasion recognized MSMEs who have partnered with Walmart and Flipkart to complete the first phase of the Vriddhi program. Through this training, graduating entrepreneurs have been empowered with modern business management frameworks that can help them modernize and meet their growth ambitions by embracing India’s digital retail revolution.

The first phase is part of Walmart Vriddhi, a comprehensive growth and learning platform comprising of training and in-depth expert support.  The different phases in the program give MSMEs access to advanced business tools and strategies, as well as one-on-one expert consultation, to help them unlock their entrepreneurial capacity, modernize their business, and thrive. Graduating entrepreneurs are already experiencing growth, with many expanding their digital capabilities and selling across India through the Flipkart marketplace. The program has also supported MSMEs to grow their peer networks. The Walmart Vriddhi program is delivered by program partner Swasti.

On the occasion, Shri Sidharth Nath Singh, Hon’ble Minister of MSME, Investment and Export, Textile, Khadi & Gram Udyog, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said, “I congratulate all businesses that are augmenting their learning in their quest to embrace new markets and growth despite multiple challenges. I would encourage more MSMEs to take advantage of programs such as Walmart Vriddhi to enhance their business capabilities, become self-reliant and further strengthen India’s position as an export hub. Empowering small businesses to stretch their wings is a key priority for the Government. To promote exports further, we are setting up overseas trade promotion and facilitation centers in all 75 districts of the state of Uttar Pradesh.”

Leigh Hopkins, Executive Vice President, International Strategy, Development and Asia Region, Walmart International, said, “Walmart is proud to announce the graduation of over 2,500 MSMEs of the Walmart Vriddhi program today. We are delighted to be able to support small business owners’ growth ambitions with this program. Walmart has an ongoing commitment of tripling exports from India by 2027 to $10 billion annually, and we look forward to supporting more small businesses in their efforts by providing potential access to online and offline markets in India.”

Many local home-grown brands have already benefited from training from the Vriddhi program.

  • Healthy Fibres has started selling on the Flipkart marketplace to complement its physical channels and reach a national market. It plans to open a network of experience stores pan-India and is ambitious to also reach overseas markets in the future.
  • Jutex India has joined the Flipkart marketplace and been empowered to better leverage market dynamics and enhance its performance, despite challenging circumstances.
  • Plus Creations, which manufactures more sustainable food packing, already sells in India and abroad. It is now using eCommerce to increase its footprint across India, and is exploring new markets.

Walmart and Flipkart expect many more entrepreneurs to graduate from the Vriddhi program over the next few months. Small businesses are the backbone of India’s economy and Walmart and Flipkart look forward to partnering with them and providing access to online and offline markets in India.

Adarsh Menon, Senior Vice President and Head, Flipkart Wholesale, said, ” We are truly excited to see the graduating entrepreneurs who are digital-ready and getting ready to be part of India’s continuing economic growth story. We are proud that there are already around 3.75 lakh Indian sellers on the Flipkart marketplace today, a majority of which are MSMEs. Through additional support such as the Flipkart Samarth program, we are also enhancing access to markets for artisans, weavers, and other small businesses. Digital upskilling helps MSMEs boost their businesses, weather industry challenges and strengthen the eCommerce ecosystem.”

As part of continuing efforts to support small businesses, Walmart and Flipkart recently announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Haryana, and the Government of Tamil Nadu respectively through the Walmart Vriddhi program to enhance the growth and development of MSMEs in those states.

Walmart Vriddhi was launched in 2019, to empower 50,000 MSMEs across India, over five years. Vriddhi e-Institutes have since been launched in Panipat, Agra, and are moving to open much more, to provide a digitally enhanced learning experience with personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions. MSMEs enrolled in the program have benefitted from actionable advice through Vriddhi Cares, a tailored program to help them navigate the impact of COVID-19 on their workforce and business.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

About Flipkart Group

The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, and Flipkart Wholesale. Started in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of consumers, sellers, merchants, and small businesses to be a part of India’s eCommerce revolution, with a registered customer base of over 300 million, offering over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Our efforts to democratise eCommerce in India, drive access and affordability, delight customers, create lakhs of jobs in the ecosystem and empower generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs have inspired us to innovate on many industry firsts. The recent launch of Flipkart Wholesale, our new digital marketplace, is a testament to our commitment to accelerate the growth of kiranas and MSMEs in India. Flipkart is known for pioneering services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI and easy returns – customer-centric innovations that have made online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. Together with Myntra, which holds a prominent position in the online fashion market, and now Flipkart Wholesale, the Flipkart Group will continue to steer the transformation of commerce in India through technology.

Persistence has paid off in my entrepreneurial journey

Posted on August 26, 2021 - 9:29 am by 8

Today, Amitabh and I run Kesri Transcontinental together. Under the brand name Homescapes, we supply a wide range of cushions, home furnishings, luxury bedding and linens to hospitality companies and large retailers in India and other markets around Asia and the Middle East. The company is now 25 years old, and we have a staff of 75 talented and hardworking people.

 

Overcoming barriers

Coming from a military family, I was brought up to appreciate the value of traits like discipline, teamwork and punctuality, along with well-developed organization skills. And while all of these are important to success as an entrepreneur, what I’ve learnt over the years is that they are not sufficient by themselves. You also need enthusiasm and persistence.

 

A traditional mindset creates barriers for women entering the business world. In my early days at Kesri Transcontinental, it sometimes felt like a struggle! The factory workers were initially hesitant to accept a woman at the leadership level. But with time and effort, things have begun to change for the better.

 

My secret to work-life balance is being well-organized and having the zeal to fulfil both professional and personal roles. I always encourage women entrepreneurs to stay the course and find ways to fulfil their dreams.

 

Tenacity wins again

In early 2020, Kesri Transcontinental was doing very well in both domestic and international markets. Our turnover was good and we were on a solid growth path. Then the pandemic struck and shutdowns reshaped the business landscape worldwide. It was hugely challenging to support employees and manage our finances at a time when our factory fell silent and customers were cancelling orders that we had already bought raw materials for.

 

Once again, perseverance was required. At Kesri Transcontinental, we took the opportunity to accelerate our digitisation journey and explore e-commerce as a channel for sustained growth. Fortunately, we were assisted in our efforts by the Walmart Vriddhi team.

 

The Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development program has proven to be of great help to businesses like ours, with expert advice on how to access finance and increase revenue, for example. I particularly like the training modules on the user-friendly Vriddhi app. These cover different aspects of business management.

 

I’ve recommended the Walmart Vriddhi e-Institute training to many friends. There will always be tough times in business, but you will get through if you remain enthusiastic and apply yourself with persistence. Walmart Vriddhi helps us stay keen and committed.

 

For Kesri Transcontinental, business is already picking up again and we are confident of a full recovery in the near future. We are hopeful that e-commerce will help not just our company but other MSMEs like us to attract and reach consumers, strengthening the business community in Panipat and in India as a whole.

Walmart Vriddhi And Government Of Tamil Nadu Launch Program To Support Local MSMEs

Posted on August 3, 2021 - 4:50 pm by

Partnership to enable Haryana MSMEs to expand their domestic and export capabilities, and join online and offline supply chains

CHANDIGARH, India, August 3, 2021: Walmart and Flipkart today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tamil Nadu’s Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), to establish long-term cooperation for providing capacity building support to MSMEs in the state.  Through the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program (Walmart Vriddhi), delivered by knowledge partner Swasti, entrepreneurs and small businesses receive training free of cost, through a blended learning approach. The program provides opportunities to join online, offline and export channels, and reach pan-India and global marketplaces as part of the supply chains of Walmart, Flipkart, and other leading companies. The program will also organise training seminars and workshops to further enable growth and development of small and medium businesses in the state.

Launched in 2019, the Walmart Vriddhi program aims to directly train 50,000 MSMEs across India for no cost with the business skills necessary to succeed as suppliers to Walmart, Flipkart, and other global marketplace platforms. Graduates of the program are expected to play an integral role in helping Walmart triple its annual exports from India to $10 billion by 2027. With e-Institutes in Panipat and Agra, as well as a presence in other locations, the program provides a digitally enhanced learning experience through online modules with personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions. Thousands of entrepreneurs are already working through the multi-level training program, and as a result, many are already selling on the Flipkart marketplace, utilizing their digital capabilities, and selling to customers across India.

On the signing of the MoU, Shri M.K. Stalin, Honorable Chief Minister, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “Tamil Nadu is home to one of the largest number of MSMEs in the country that are renowned all over the world for their product quality and craftsmanship. Our MSMEs are the backbone of our economy, and their growth is key to helping us achieve our vision of making Tamil Nadu a $1 trillion economy by 2030. We welcome the MoU with Walmart, Flipkart and Swasti, that shall further strengthen our MSME ecosystem and allow them to expand their businesses through access to online and offline retail.”

Commenting on the partnership, V.Arun Roy IAS, Secretary Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department , Government of Tamil Nadu, noted, “The Government of Tamil Nadu has undertaken various measures to facilitate a favorable ecosystem for MSMEs and enhance their ease of doing business. We are happy to collaborate on programs like Walmart Vriddhi and shall provide our guidance and support required to allow MSMEs achieve greater success through the program.”

Nidhi Munjal, Vice President, International Partnership Services, Walmart, said, “Through Walmart Vriddhi, we look forward to partnering with the Government of Tamil Nadu and supporting their efforts to build a robust MSME ecosystem, by providing potential access to online and offline markets in India and globally as well as providing local training and support, free of cost. We are committed to tripling our exports from India to $10 billion annually by 2027, and will keep extending our support to small businesses, enabling them to grow and prosper.”

Jagjeet Harode, Senior Director & Head – Marketplace, Flipkart said, “Flipkart has made significant supply chain and infrastructure investments in the state of Tamil Nadu. Furthering our commitment to the state, we have recently launched a dedicated grocery fulfilment centre in Coimbatore that shall generate significant employment opportunities for the youth of the state. Through programs like Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart Samarth, we are committed to empowering Tamil Nadu’s MSMEs, artisans and craftsmen and will continue providing them the ecosystem support they require to grow and benefit through wider access eCommerce marketplace operations.”

Walmart Vriddhi and Flipkart are encouraged by the Government of Tamil Nadu’s dedication to expanding growth opportunities for MSMEs and look forward to supporting their efforts by providing potential access to online and offline markets in India and globally as well as imparting local training and support, free of cost.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

About Flipkart Group

The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, and Flipkart Wholesale. Started in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of consumers, sellers, merchants, and small businesses to be a part of India’s e-commerce revolution, with a registered customer base of over 300 million, offering over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Our efforts to democratise e-commerce in India, drive access and affordability, delight customers, create lakhs of jobs in the ecosystem and empower generations of entrepreneurs and MSMEs have inspired us to innovate on many industry firsts. The recent launch of Flipkart Wholesale, our new digital marketplace, is a testament to our commitment to accelerate the growth of kiranas and MSMEs in India. Flipkart is known for pioneering services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI and easy returns – customer-centric innovations that have made online shopping more accessible and affordable for millions of Indians. Together with Myntra, which holds a prominent position in the online fashion market, and now Flipkart Wholesale, the Flipkart Group will continue to steer the transformation of commerce in India through technology.

About Swasti

Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries, was founded in 2004. Swasti co-designs demonstrable and scalable solution models in partnership with communities on the ground and influences policies nationally and internationally. Over the past 15 years, Swasti has directly reached over 400,000 people through its initiatives, including more than 238,000 factory workers, the majority of whom are women.

Walmart Vriddhi partners with the Government of Haryana to support local MSMEs

Posted on August 3, 2021 - 4:41 pm by

Partnership to enable Haryana MSMEs to expand their domestic and export capabilities, and join online and offline supply chains

CHANDIGARH, India, August 3, 2021: Walmart and Flipkart have announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of Haryana, to help MSMEs enhance their domestic and global markets through the Vriddhi program. The program, delivered by knowledge partner Swasti, will provide training and support to interested and select MSMEs from Haryana free of cost, through a blended learning approach, while also facilitating access to online and offline selling.  Additionally, with the partnership, trainings, seminars, and workshops will be organized for Haryana MSMEs so that they can access information on the program and how to enroll.

Commenting on the MoU, Shri Dushyant Chautala, Deputy Chief Minister, Haryana, said, “Haryana has a robust micro, small and medium enterprises sector of over 9.7 lakh units that contribute significantly to industrial growth, in addition to providing employment to more than 19 lakh people. The partnership provides an opportunity for local businesses to become self- reliant and will boost their reach into national markets and facilitate their participation in global value chains. It will also promote regional development and promote products by local artisans and craftsmen to further showcase ‘Brand Haryana’ on the global stage.”

Nittin Dutt, Senior Director, Walmart, and Head of Walmart Vriddhi said, “Walmart looks forward to expanding the Vriddhi program in Haryana. The state is home to a vibrant MSME ecosystem, and we are proud to have inaugurated our first ever e-Institute in the city of Panipat in 2020. We appreciate the Government of Haryana’s dedication to expanding growth opportunities for MSMEs and look forward to supporting them with access online and offline markets in India and globally, creating opportunities for sustained and enhanced growth. This is also in line with our commitment towards sourcing more goods from India, so our consumers can access quality goods from India, no matter where in the world they are buying. India is a key market for us, and we are committed to helping support and grow communities wherever we operate.”

Launched in December 2019, Vriddhi helps MSMEs develop the business skills needed to succeed as suppliers to Walmart, Flipkart, and other companies in India and around the world. The first Vriddhi e-Institute was rolled out in Haryana in October 2020, launched in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana Mr. Manohar Lal Khatter, serves MSMEs from the Panipat-Sonipat-Kundli region. Entrepreneurs there are now working through the multi-level training program, with some already onboarded to Flipkart to expand their digital capabilities and sell across India via the Flipkart marketplace

With e-Institutes in Panipat and Agra, the program provides a digitally enhanced learning experience through online modules with personalized feedback and one-on-one advisory sessions. The goal is to empower 50,000 MSMEs over five years. As Walmart triples its exports from India to $10 billion annually by 2027, businesses with export ambitions can learn how to qualify as a Walmart Global Sourcing supplier, taking “Make in India” products to the world.

Shama Karkal, CEO (Chief Executive Officers), Swasti said, “The MoU between Swasti and the Government of Haryana will enhance the growth and development of MSMEs in the state. Through Walmart’s Vriddhi program, we are committed to supporting MSMEs in providing critical market access to help them build resilience for the future.”

Vriddhi participants are currently benefiting from a tailored “Response to COVID-19″ training module that presents actionable advice and relevant case studies to guide MSMEs on navigating the impact of COVID-19 on their workforce and business. Easy-to-implement guidelines provide practical advice on overcoming the on-ground market challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Walmart and Flipkart will continue its efforts to support the Government of Haryana in empowering MSMEs, through the Flipkart marketplace, Flipkart Wholesale ecosystem and Walmart’s global sourcing operations.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.

About Swasti

Swasti, a part of the Catalyst Group, is headquartered in Bengaluru, India and active globally with a footprint in 30 countries, was founded in 2004. Swasti co-designs demonstrable and scalable solution models in partnership with communities on the ground and influences policies nationally and internationally. Over the past 15 years, Swasti has directly reached over 400,000 people through its initiatives, including more than 238,000 factory workers, the majority of whom are women.

For more information, please contact

We’re getting ready to realize our export ambitions

Posted on July 23, 2021 - 5:00 pm by

Fueling our growth with business knowledge

When I joined the business in 2008, we wanted to extend our distribution network. So I began seeking out retailers within a few hundred kilometers of our Panipat factory. It was a struggle to find stores to stock our products. We then decided to take a more systematic approach and explore government tenders and tie-ups with corporates and retailers.

The business really took off after we became a supplier to Walmart India’s Best Price Stores (now a part of Flipkart Wholesale) in 2017. You can now find Arch Fab bedsheets, mattress covers, cushions, chair pads, box cushions, and other items in Best Price stores right across India—giving us a presence in a host of new states. The association with Best Price has another benefit, too: it helped me keep ahead of market trends and understand how market dynamics work. I also became more aware of the value of complying with industry standards, and this led to great improvements in our business management and culture.

Maybe it’s because I have an engineering degree, but I’m a great believer in hands-on learning and a great admirer of technology. Acquiring new skills demands your time, focus and patience. Blending your hard-won knowledge and experience with the latest technology helps you develop new things for a better tomorrow.

The Vriddhi program brings you valuable knowledge and the chance to exchange ideas with your fellow MSMEs. Thanks to the program, we’ve learnt more about the importance of an efficient value-chain system in our business and gained new understanding around business management and new product development. We’ve also been guided to adopt relevant best practice and digital technologies to help us improve our business operations.

Coming through the crisis stronger than ever

This was all brought into sharp focus by the Covid-19 pandemic. Like many companies, Arch Fab found it difficult to fulfil our pending purchase orders due to the lockdown. I was feeling pretty stressed. Then the Vriddhi team reached out to me. They shared knowledge of markets and value chains, and this guidance proved invaluable during the crisis. They even organized webinars that offered advice on the financial schemes and government programs that could support us.

With the support of Vriddhi and a desire to help India’s anti-pandemic efforts, Arch Fab began to manufacture health and sanitation essentials such as disposable shoe covers, face masks and gloves during the lockdown.

The clarity of purpose and the guidance that we received from Vriddhi at this crucial time benefited our internal operations as well as sales. It helped us set an example for others. We have aligned our systems with Walmart’s, and we can now focus on innovation.

The pandemic encouraged us to accelerate our digitization journey and explore the e-commerce channel for sustained growth and business continuity. With the help of the Walmart Vriddhi team, we will now strengthen our marketing on Flipkart. We will also expand our product portfolio and focus strongly on exports.