Lepakshi Group: How the Agarwal family have become furniture czar in Hyderabad
Reeta Agarwal, one of the driving forces behind the Lepakshi Group's success shares the journey
By Anoushka Caroline Williams Published on 23 March 2024 8:44 AM GMTHyderabad: In the bustling streets of Hyderabad, amidst the ever-evolving landscape of furniture retail, one name stands tallāLepakshi Furnitures in Nacharam.
With a legacy spanning over six decades, the Lepakshi Group has carved a niche for itself, offering contemporary luxury that marries style with affordability.
In an exclusive interview, Reeta Agarwal (RA), one of the driving forces behind the Lepakshi Nacharam's success, shares insights into the family's journey, values, and plans for the future. Excerpts:
NM: Can you provide us with an overview of the Lepakshi Group's journey since its inception?
RA: Our humble beginning started in 1947-48. We started with a small outlet manufacturing steel furniture, to our flagship showroom spread over a large area of land on Abids main road, the journey of Lepakshi Group has been nothing short of remarkable. Founded by my father Sham Kumar Agarwal and later taken over by my mother, Sumitra Agarwal, we've remained steadfast in our commitment to quality and innovation.
NM: How did the idea to establish Lepakshi Group come about, and what inspired your family to venture into the furniture industry?
RA: Furniture has been an integral part of our family for generations. With a foundation built on goodwill and word of mouth, the allure of creating beautiful, functional pieces inspired us to venture into the furniture industry. It's a passion that runs in our blood.
NM: With three daughters and two sons all involved in the business, could you share some insights into how the family dynamics have contributed to the success of Lepakshi?
RA: The dynamics of our family have been pivotal in shaping Lepakshi's success. Together, we command a large part of the furniture market in Hyderabad. With complete transparency and a commitment to customer satisfaction, each member brings their unique expertise to the table. Lepakshi Nacharam, spearheaded by myself and my younger brother Girish Kumar, along with my sister-in-law Sheetal Agarwal and sister Anita Shinde, is a testament to our collective vision.
NM: What sets Lepakshi Group apart from other furniture brands in the market, and what values or principles does your family adhere to in running the business?
RA: At Lepakshi, we pride ourselves on offering something for everyone. Our unique selling proposition lies in our ability to curate pieces tailored to our clients' needs. Whether it's modern elegance, contemporary vintage, or aesthetic luxe, we ensure that our collections reflect the diverse tastes of our clientele. We are a one-stop shop for all your furniture needs. From Home and Hotel furniture, curtains blinds, kitchens wardrobes, pergolas, customized interiors, office furniture, and outdoor and garden furniture we offer it all.
NM: Can you walk us through the evolution of Lepakshi Group over the years, highlighting key milestones and challenges faced along the way?
RA: After the transition from Om Prakash to Lepakshi, we faced challenges, particularly when our lease expired. However, with resilience and determination, we overcame adversity. Listening to our clients and continuously improving based on their feedback has been instrumental in our growth. As we look ahead, our plans to expand pan India reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence.
NM: Can you tell about Lepakshi Group's Verticals?
As of now, the Lepakshi group has different verticals. There is an 'Interior park' at Abidās and Banjaraās hills road no. 12 where we sell Italian furniture, we also represent the Italian furniture brand 'Molteni and Dada' for Telangana, 'Homestolife' a Singapore brand is exclusively sold in our furniture stores, we recently also opened its store at Sharath city mall. All of these aspects of Lepakshi are taken care of by my eldest brother and bhabhi Deepak Agarwal and Nanda Agarwal who have been unstoppable.
Our kitchens and wardrobes section and interiors are headed by my jiju (Brother-in-law) Harshal Shinde.
Another Niche segment we cater to, called 'Inhabit India' is designed and headed by my elder sister Neeta Kumar along with her husband Chaitania Kumar at road no. 12, Banjara Hills, and also Delhi MG road.
NM: As a prominent name in the furniture industry, how does Lepakshi Group stay innovative and relevant in an ever-changing market landscape?
RA: While facing competition from global brands like IKEA, we differentiate ourselves by emphasizing the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Offering a one-year free guarantee warranty and lifetime service sets us apart as not just retailers, we are also manufacturers who are dedicated to exceeding customer expectations.
NM: How has your family shaped the company's ethos and values?
RA: Each member of our family brings a wealth of experience from various fields, which we leverage to enhance our business practices. Our core value lies in prioritizing the needs of our clients, ensuring that their satisfaction remains our utmost priority.
NM: With a rich history spanning over seven decades, how does Lepakshi Group plan to uphold its legacy while embracing modern trends and technologies in the future?
RA: Remaining agile in an ever-changing market is key to upholding our legacy. By staying one step ahead and leveraging modern trends and technologies, we aim to expand our reach while maintaining the integrity and quality that define Lepakshi. With plans to open another store in Banjara Hills and eventually expand nationally, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering.