Xiaomi Sets Example, Helps Retail Partner Restore Shop After Accident

• Agarwal Sound, a Rajasthan based Mi partner shop, had caught fire resulting to a huge loss
• Mi India team helped the owner restore the shop within two days

In a first, Xiaomi India has proved that channel partners are of utmost value to a consumer electronics brand. Agarwal Sound, located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, caught fire resulting to losses worth Rs 800 million (Rs 80 lakh). This shop has been in place for last twenty years.

“We rise by lifting others. One of our Mi Preferred Partners from Jaipur – Agarwal Sound – recently faced one of the biggest calamities of his life. His 20 year old shop caught fire, leaving it completely destroyed. He suffered losses of over Rs 80 Lakhs and was left devasted as he saw his life’s work go down in ashes,” wrote Manu Kumar Jain, Managing Director, Xiaomi India and VP, Xiaomi, in a post on a popular social media platform.

Restored in two days

The company helped this retail partner restore his shop within two days time. Not only Xiaomi India installed new claddings in the shop, but the company also provided the retailer with new Mi stock on credit.

“Xiaomi India team took it upon themselves to restore his store, just the way it was. We installed new claddings within 2 days, incorporated in-store branding post renovation and also ensured that the partner received sufficient stock on credit,” continued Manu Kumar Jain’s post.

Vijay Agarwal, owner, Agarwal Sound, Jaipur, told EFY Group that Xiaomi Team, Sunil Baby and Manu Kumar Jain came as heroes in his life. He added, “My family and I have been running this shop since last 20 years. We have seen many ups and downs in our life but the way Mi helped us is a first for us. They gave me stock on credit and also helped in setting the shop again.” It is to be noted here that Sunil Baby is the director of offline sales for Xiaomi.

Mi and its brand presence in India

Mi’s exclusive brand shops network in India is currently 2500 stores strong. A recent study by Channelplay had pointed towards the brand as a bigger one than heavyweights Samsung and Cafe Coffee Day in terms of single brand shops in India.

The company regularly organises partner meets and has been expanding in the offline space aggressively since last December. Interestingly, the company had initially started as a online heavy brand around five years ago. Today it is one of the top selling smartphone brands in India.

Several reports by Counterpoint Research and IDC have pointed out towards Xiaomi as a leader in the smartphone category in India over the last few quarters.

“Xiaomi recorded its highest ever smartphone shipments in a quarter (3Q19) with 12.6 million units, growing at 8.5 per cent YoY. The Redmi 7A and Redmi Note 7 Pro were the highest shipped models in the overall smartphone market. US$300-500 price segment also gained traction for Xiaomi, driven by the Redmi K20 series. Xiaomi continued to lead in the online channel with a market share of 40.0 per cent in 3Q19, with four out of the five top models from Xiaomi,” read IDC’s (International Data Corporation) latest report.

“Proud to share that, today, our partner is selling hundreds of Xiaomi phones every day and has been able to pay off debts and cover expenses that were incurred due to the fire. At Xiaomi, we’ve stood by our partner and helped him and more importantly his family recover and get back on the road to success. Happy to share that their dreams are soaring high again,” continued Manu Kumar Jain’s post.

Maybe this post by Xiaomi’s India MD is a bright reminder of what a brand’s sales channel is capable of doing if given the right support at the right time!