Metro & Metro, the Company was started by Mr Dwarka Nath Kalsi under the name of Leatherfact in 1972 and changed to Metro & Metro in 1991. Later taken over by his son and daughter- in -law Ajit Kalsi and Meenakshi Kalsi. We got in touch with Ms Meenakshi to know more about the company.
1) What inspired Metro & Metro Shoes to venture into the B2B market, and what sets your brand apart in this sector?
● As our business steadily expanded, we recognized the need to diversify our product offerings. This led us to venture into complete men’s shoes from manufacturing just uppers, and subsequently into the realms of comfort and casual wear. With an ever-growing market before us, we made a strategic move into the ladies’ segment, marking a significant milestone in our journey.
2) Could you share the key strategies that Metro & Metro Shoes employ to maintain strong business relationships with your B2B clients?
● Our key driver for growth has been a strong focus on B2B partnerships. This approach allowed us to tap into new markets and broaden our customer base effectively. What truly sets us apart in the industry is our unwavering commitment to three core principles: quality, quantity, and timely production.
● In the ever-evolving landscape of business, strategies that prioritize transparency, timely delivery, quality in quantity, and competitive prices have become essential pillars for success. Firstly, transparency is the bedrock of trust in any business relationship. Companies that openly communicate their processes, pricing, and performance create an environment of trust with their customers, fostering long-term loyalty.
3) In the competitive B2B landscape, how does Metro & Metro Shoes ensure product innovation and stay ahead of market trends to meet the diverse needs of your business clients?
● In the highly competitive B2B landscape, Metro & Metro Shoes has established itself as a pioneering force by adopting a multi-faceted approach to ensure product innovation and stay ahead of market trends, effectively meeting the diverse needs of our business clients. At the core of our strategy is a commitment to leveraging updated technology, allowing us to continuously refine and enhance our products. Regular visits to industry exhibitions and fairs provide us with valuable insights into emerging trends, while our team’s groundwork and continuous fieldwork enable us to maintain a real-time understanding of our clients’ evolving requirements.
4) Can you elaborate on the challenges faced by Metro & Metro Shoes in the B2B market, and the innovative solutions you’ve implemented to overcome these challenges?
● Operating in today’s complex business landscape, companies often encounter a series of challenges that can disrupt their operations. These challenges range from the reduction in orders during economic recessions to the adverse effects of economic growth slowdowns driven by external factors. Late or non-payments from clients can significantly disturb the delicate business cycle, while material procurement may become problematic due to various supply chain issues, including delays and over-dependence on a single source, such as China.
● To address these challenges effectively, forward-thinking companies implement a range of remedies. Diversifying procurement channels and avoiding overreliance on a single supplier help mitigate the risks associated with supply chain disruptions. Decreasing lead times in production and logistics streamlines operations and enables faster response to changing market conditions. Moreover, finding cost-effective solutions without compromising product quality becomes a priority, allowing companies to maintain their competitiveness even in challenging economic environments.
5) How does Metro & Metro Shoes prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in your B2B operations, and what initiatives have you undertaken to promote responsible business practices among your clients?
● To answer this we would like to introduce you to umeed, the platform which metro & metro achieves a balance of economic, environmental, and social imperatives. Umeed is an initiative aimed at bringing about sustainable changes in the way we do business. “Ummed” project, initiated during the lockdown, has emerged as a beacon of hope and compassion in the face of adversity. Recognizing the transportation crisis faced by stranded migrants, the project provided safe drives and distributed 3000 pairs of shoes, offering both physical comfort and a heartfelt gesture of compassion. In addition to addressing immediate needs, the project has actively battled hunger, ensuring that approximately 50 households per month do not go to bed hungry. The overarching vision of the project is to harmonize growth, prosperity, coexistence, and justice, with a unique focus on championing businesses as catalysts for positive change through sustainable practices. Despite facing numerous challenges, the project has upheld its commitment to not laying off any employees due to the pandemic. It goes beyond the call of duty by providing free medical care, promoting gender equality by having women as a significant part of its workforce, embracing eco-friendly technologies with a commitment to a carbon-neutral future, treating its workers as family, and even offering free education to employees’ children. This holistic approach embodies the project’s dedication to fostering a better world, one where no one should have to sleep hungry, and where unity among stakeholders drives meaningful change. The project’s “Happy Factory Index” truly reflects its unwavering commitment to humanity, sustainability, and social responsibility.
7) What role does technology play in Metro & Metro Shoes’ B2B operations? Are there any specific technological advancements or digital platforms that have significantly enhanced your business processes?
● In the pursuit of efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, our company has embraced cutting-edge technologies to enhance our manufacturing processes. One of our key advancements lies in Latest technology in our products, ensuring unparalleled protection against the elements for our customers. This technology not only elevates the performance of our offerings but also underscores our commitment to quality and durability. Additionally, we have incorporated the latest machinery into our operations, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining precision and quality in our manufacturing processes. By investing in the latest technology,
8) Customer satisfaction is paramount in any business. How does Metro & Metro Shoes gather feedback from your B2B clients, and how do you use this feedback to enhance your products and services?
● Maintaining a strong and responsive relationship with our customers is a cornerstone of our business philosophy. We prioritise direct communication with our clients to ensure that their concerns and feedback are heard and addressed promptly. This commitment to open dialogue allows us to gain a deep understanding of the issues our customers may face, and it enables us to take immediate action to resolve any problems they encounter. By staying closely connected to our customers and swiftly addressing their needs, we not only build trust and loyalty but also continuously improve our products and services to better serve their evolving requirements.
9) With the global market constantly evolving, what are Metro & Metro Shoes’ future plans and strategies to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of the B2B industry?
● We believe that our strong foundations and principles provide us with the stability and integrity to navigate change effectively. With an eagerness to grow and an open-minded approach, we ensure that our core values serve as a compass, guiding us as we embrace new opportunities, technologies, and strategies. This harmonious blend of tradition and transformation allows us to change with the times while remaining true to the essence of who we are as a company.
10) Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to establish a successful presence in the B2B sector, based on Metro & Metro Shoes’ experiences and achievements?
● Your passion becomes the driving force that propels you forward, even when the going gets tough. It’s in those moments of self-doubt and adversity that your inner cheerleader becomes your greatest ally, reminding you why you embarked on this journey in the first place and fueling your determination to push through and achieve your goals. So, for those who choose to take on such challenges, remember that it’s your passion and self-motivation that will ultimately see you through the toughest times.
