“A one-stop shop for all stationery needs — that was the dream of my father Swaminathan, more than 80 years ago. Every conceivable stationery item is available at our shop. We stock products that are not too expensive. As we grew up, my brother and sisters and I managed the shop. As they have taken up other professions, I carry my father’s legacy. My wife assists me in running the shop,” says Poiyyamozhi.
The store is located on a busy stretch of Bazaar Road in Mylapore.
As I struggle to pronounce his name, he says, “My father gave all his children chaste Tamil names.”
Poiyyamozhi says his father eschewed marketing gimmicks and swore by service.
“He did not tie up with schools to sell his wares. He kept his business small and simple and maintained a low profile. No transaction was too trivial for him. I still remember the day when he came down on me like a ton of bricks, because I turned away a customer who came looking for just one office cover. ‘That old lady came to the store, hoping to buy that cover and you dismissed her nonchalantly. Did you observe the disappointment on her face? Not having stocked up on those covers is your fault and you were least bit apologetic about. Instead of turning her away, I would have sourced it from the nearest outlet and met her requirement,’ he said.”
Earlier, the store was known just as Swaminathan kadai — such was the power of his personality.
It is still a landmark of sorts in this locality.
“For a long time, it did not have a name board. Our father has earned a lot of goodwill and we strive hard to maintain it. Look, you have brought this packet to be gift-wrapped. It is more of a service than a sale for me and it has consumed 20 minutes,” smiles Poiyyamozhi.
I am in a hurry to attend a wedding, but this encounter makes me pause and ponder over the dynamics of success in business.
