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Friedman, Pearl Academy in tie-up for retail consultancy

E-Tex Staff - New Delhi

Friedman group, an US-based retail consulting and training organisation, has tied up with the Pearl Academy of Fashion to offer retail consultancy services in India. The tie-up is initially for five years, during which Friedman trainers will work in tandem with Pearl in its consultancy services, besides providing training to its staff. Harry J Friedman, founding CEO, Friedman group said, “With a rapid growth of the retail industry in India, there exists a great need to provide sales, customer service and management skills to this key industry.”

The organised retail industry in India is estimated to grow from two per cent (of the total retail industry) to 20 per cent by the end of the decade. Over five lakh retailers worldwide, including the likes of Nike, Kodak, Neiman Marcus and Godiva Chocolates, use Friedman’s retail expertise. Mr A G K Nair, executive director, Pearl Academy of Fashion, said, “We have entered into a license agreement with the Friedman group to bring effective retail staff management practices models to Indian retailers. Quality and customer care have become key elements and industry buzz words. Retailers in India have also begun to adopt and implement industry practice models that are predominantly prevalent in the west.”

Stressing on the importance of the ‘people factor’, Mr Friedman said, “Unfortunately, in most retail outlets, the focus is usually on operations, while display and selling are the two areas that need the maximum attention and can impact sales. It is here that the understanding, motivation and expertise of the workforce comes into play.”

The Friedman group, set up in 1980, has offices in the US, Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It offers sales and management training systems through consulting and training, customised programmes, seminars, manuals and audio programmes.