Many Government-run retail organisations now reach out to customers by organising exhibitions at colleges and hotels. The response is encouraging and this creates awareness among the people about rural entrepreneurship, they say.
For instance, Mahalir Thittam organises about 10 “College Bazaars” a year. It puts up 20 to 30 stalls, where the self help group members of the district display their products.
The expo-cum-sale is usually for three days. The groups are able to market their products at the premises and also get bulk orders after the event. It is one way of getting students to learn more about women and rural entrepreneurship, says an official of Mahalir Thittam.
There are also instances where some students intern with the groups and help them market their products. Products such as handbags, purses, jewellery, soft toys and textiles are in demand in colleges. Some institutes want the groups to put up stalls every year. They do so usually during inter-college events. At a recent College Bazaar, 30 groups earned Rs. 3 lakh in three days.
Poompuhar, that puts up stalls at exhibitions related to interior products or construction materials, now plans to have one-day sales at colleges soon to display its smaller gift articles.
Co-optex takes part in exhibitions in colleges regularly during the festival season where its cotton and silk saris are popular with the teachers and students. Even colleges in rural areas are covered. “It is not possible for every one to come to the outlets for purchase. We reach out to them through our stalls,” says the manager of an outlet here.
A recent sales counter at a hospital also received good response. Visitors purchased bed sheets and towels. Sales are on for three to five days at a location. Reaching out to people in other places ensures they come back to Co-optex for more purchases says its Manager.
Government-run retail organisations reach out to customers by organising expos in colleges and hotels
