Nalli: Generation Next shows the way

Generation Next is slowly but steadily taking over at Nalli,

the well-known sari stores based in Tamil Nadu. Nalli, launched 83 years ago in the temple town of Kanchipuram and is best known for its Kanchipuram silk saris. The retail chain is now worth Rs 550 crores. Nalli Kuppuswamy Chettiar, the force behind Nalli’s huge success, is now grooming his granddaughter to take the brand to the next level. Under his watchful eyes Lavanya has set up two stores in Bangalore and Chennai which sell hand-crafted high-end saris. The stores are in three formats. One is called just Nalli, which stocks silk saris, dress materials and stitched garments; the second is Nalli Next, which has slightly higher-end furnishings, apparel and accessories for women; the third store sells handcrafted high-end saris. The doting grandfather has named it Lavanya Nalli.

A household name in the south Nalli sells everything from lightweight saris like, crepe, chiffons to designer saris to traditional saris. It boasts of a bridal collection, party wear, designer wear, casual wear for women as well as ready-to-wear menswear with a private label, costume jewelry, soft furnishings and accessories. The Nalli owners think these have helped the brand survive in the face of increasing competition. Nalli’s neighbour in T Nagar, Chennai — Kumaran Silks — is founded by P Chengalvaraya Chettiar, a relative of Kuppusamy Chettiar. The other competitors include RMKV, Sundari Silks, Saravana Stores and Pothys. Nalli saris are made with the finest raw material under strict quality checks at its own looms. Known as a quality retailer, Nalli has never given discounts. It’s known for timely delivery and additional yardage (9.75 yards, against 9 yards that was the norm). Apart from Chennai, it is present in Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi and has branches in Singapore and the US. Chettiar believes even though their working was a bit conservative, now it’s will change under his granddaughter’s watchful supervision.