Mr. Sagar Gujar, Managing Director – CG Lifestyle

Sagar Gujar began his entrepreneurial journey by assisting his father Mr. Chandrashekhar Gujar with an aim to grow their family’s tailoring and clothing business. Sagar’s passion about business trade and tricks made him visit the store to learn the business and management skills while he was studying.

His first entrepreneurial dynamism was witnessed in 2003 during his HSC board exams, when there was a strike at the store. He showcased his leadership skills by pitching in during the time of turbulence and solely managed the sales to manager functions. Nevertheless, all this did not hamper his board exams and he secured 80% along with managing the store.

Born in July 1985, Sagar the young millennium entrepreneur deep dived to learn more about the business and its functions right from opening a new store to selling and procuring goods. For the young entrepreneur like Sagar, his biggest advantage is to think out of the box, being creative, staying in tune with the current fashion trends and technology.

In 2006, C’Lai World started with the production of inhouse label Sliverleaf which was marketed in Pune city. The company positioned itself from “Tailoring to Branded Readymade Clothing”. With focus on 4P’s of marketing – product, place, place, promotion and time, C’Lai World launched its first promotion of Flat 50% off during lean period of SSC and HSC board exams. The store marked highest sales during the period.

After the success of this campaign, it was no looking back for Sagar. He ventured into readymade segment and in less than 3 years penetrated the market share with tailoring goodwill and readymade trends. In Sagar’s dynamism and vision various concept campaigns were launched which directly targeted the end consumer’s needs. The next was wedding promotion for 11 days in Pune, where the store was committed to sell only wedding wear. Likewise, every year, Sagar is well ahead of time to launch campaigns which entice consumers to make purchase on or before the occasion.

The company witnessed growth of 40% YOY from 2007-2011. The growth in the coming years was evident and Sagar ensured all the processes, protocols and SOPs were standardized. This made the company ready for the big leap. In 2014, the company expanded its reach outside Pune to Ahmednagar, Baramati, Latur, and Kolhapur with large family stores of 15000-22000 sq. ft. With seer instinct and calculated risk Sagar has transformed his family’s tailoring business to complete branded family retail store.

With unique product lines, aggressive pricing, and sustainable margins the group today stands at 14 COCO stores, 62 EBO, 22 SIS, and wholesale stores.

With the aim of delivering local shopkeepers’ goods and designs equivalent or better than national brands in small quantities at affordable prices the company now plans to launch its online B2B portal for businesses. Keeping in pace with technology and online stores, the company has plans to sell online and reach its retail consumers across India.

To form a holistic business environment and help grow local entrepreneurs start their own set up with the expertise and help from the company, this year the company is all set to increase its SIS, wholesale and EBO stores count to cross 150 nos.

Today the group employees more than 800 people and indirectly gives employment to more than 75,000 people via its dedicated factories and setup.

With his strategic business acumen, Sagar is all set to leap a market share growth of more than 25% over previous year which was Rs.132 crores. His intense planning and business competence make him one of the most young and competitive retail entrepreneurs of Maharashtra.