RP Group Pvt Ltd is a supplier of food products and apparels imported from India. The group has been supplying apparels of leading international brands through its exclusive showrooms. The company is a franchisee of international brands like Da Milano Italia, Indian Terrain, Celio, and Louis Philippe, among others, for Nepal. Republica talked with Rupesh Pandey, managing director of  RP Group Pvt Ltd, to know more about the group and is future plans. Excerpts:

You deal with wide range of products like food items, electronics, apparels, and construction materials, among others. What is your strategy to stay stable in the market?

I think one should study customers' demand and study the market before starting a business. If you are dealing with imported goods, you should not compromise on quality of goods. One will become successful in the market only if s/he satisfies the need of customers by supply quality products.

How is your group distributing international brands in Nepal?
Our group represents 23 international brands in Nepal. We make our products available to consumers through 32 outlets in Kathmandu Valley.

Could you please tell us how the Nepali market has evolved for international brands?
The trend of Nepalis travelling abroad has been flourishing for some time now. They are curious about international brands and want to add branded clothes in their wardrobes. Instead of buying clothes that are cheap, they are becoming attracted toward branded clothes for quality and durability. With public's growing attraction toward branded goods, I think only original goods will be well-established in the market. The quality goods that our group provides to customers have enhanced our reputation in the market, helping us to expand our customer base.

How has your group contributed to change perception about branded apparels among Nepali consumers?
When we first launched Celio and Da Milano in the Nepali market, I got good feedbacks from the market as the brands were performing well in the international market. Since then we have been doing study and researches about different international brands with a view to launching them in Nepal. As we continue to launch international brands one after other, Nepali customers now have wide range of options to choose from.

What do you think are the challenges in this business?
While launching international brands in Nepal, one should be aware of quality of products, demand in the market along with affordability. Easy availability of counterfeit goods in the market is a big challenge. But the situation has improved lately with the government's initiation to control fake products. 

How do you think the government should stop trade of counterfeit goods?
Earlier, importers of branded goods used to bring high-copy products and sell them here at higher prices. But import of such goods has plunged now as Inland Revenue Department is strictly monitoring the import process. Traders are allowed to import goods only after they produce certificate of origin. This has helped a lot to curb import of counterfeit products. The government should continue it more effectively.

Do you have any expansion plan?
We want to venture into food business. In fact, we have already started work in this direction. We plan to open four international food courts in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Itahari by coming January.

 
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