Chennai Retail Summit

Sumit Santhalia

Sumit Santhalia

Co-Founder & Director,
TechnoSport

As the Co-Founder & Director at TechnoSport, my journey has been shaped by a blend of business acumen and a deep-seated passion for fitness and fashion. The inception of TechnoSport stemmed from a vision to fill a void in the market—delivering high-performance athletic wear that embodies style and quality without the exorbitant price tags of international brands. My co-founder Sunil and I identified an opportunity amidst a sea of replicated sportswear brands lacking in both quality and affordability, setting out to make a significant impact in the industry.
One of our initial challenges was establishing a robust ecosystem for activewear production in India. We initially faced shortages in quality fabric suppliers and suitable manufacturing facilities. To tackle this, we forged partnerships with local garment makers and sourced fabrics from both China and Ludhiana. However, as we encountered hurdles with consistency and costs, we pivoted towards developing our own fabric capabilities. This strategic shift allowed us to maintain stringent quality control and elevate the standard of our products over time.
Our growth trajectory at TechnoSport has been marked by strategic initiatives that bolstered our market position. By prioritizing premium, difficult-to-replicate fabrics and investing heavily in innovative designs, we carved out a unique niche. Emphasizing a dual approach through both B2B and D2C channels, we optimized our Omni channels to enhance customer reach and operational efficiency, resulting in substantial revenue growth and increased customer acquisition.
At the heart of our operations lies a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our dedicated R&D efforts continuously push boundaries in textile technology, collaborating with esteemed institutions like SITRA and NIFT to refine our products' performance and adaptability to diverse consumer needs. We've also prioritized sustainable practices, aiming for zero-liquid discharge and reducing our environmental impact through renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
My leadership style fosters a collaborative environment where every team member's contributions are valued. This approach has nurtured a culture of innovation and mutual respect within TechnoSport, enabling us to navigate challenges collectively and drive continuous improvement across all facets of our operations—from product design and sourcing to sales and marketing strategies.
Looking ahead, our future plans are ambitious yet focused. We aim to expand our footprint significantly by opening 100 Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBO) and Multi-Brand Outlets (MBO) across India, bolstering our presence in neighboring Asian markets like Singapore, Dubai, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Collaborations with industry leaders such as the Landmark group will strengthen our online presence and distribution networks, while ongoing investments in technology will ensure we remain at the forefront of fabric innovation and customer engagement.
In conclusion, TechnoSport's journey under my leadership reflects a commitment to excellence, affordability, and sustainability in the athletic wear sector. By leveraging our strengths in design, technology, and market accessibility, we're poised to cement our position as a global leader, delivering unparalleled value to our customers while driving positive change in the industry.