The modular kitchen market has a huge opportunity in the Indian market. As the construction sector is gaining momentum there will be a growing demand for newer interior solutions in home spaces. Rahul Thakkar, General Manager- Housing Business- India Operations, Panasonic Life Solutions India, shares.
How do you view the market for modular kitchens?
Post pandemic there has been a rise in demand for easier-to-use and hassle-free products and solutions. The customers are more inclined towards brands that offer products matching international standards with better quality end products. They prefer to have a luxury product with an affordable price and class apart services. In India, 60 per cent is still carpenter-based furniture work and the segment has a wider scope and opportunity. Therefore, it is vital to choose a brand that is leading the industry with better quality and service.
Tell us about Panasonic's recent offerings to its customers in this space.
Being a preferred solutions provider in intelligent commercial and residential infrastructure, Panasonic Life Solutions engineers homes using advanced technologies to address specific housing needs of comfort, convenience, and safety, while being committed to ensuring energy efficiency. The company offers a wide range of high-end housing solutions right from L Class Kitchen, Casavita Wardrobe series, KMEW – exterior cladding, seated shower, wooden flooring, electric toilet seat (ETS), cloth drying system (CDS), revolving shoe rack and joint free sink. With industry knowledge and global expertise from Japan, so far, we have completed the installation of 6 million kitchens which is a major benchmark for the brand. The aim is to offer products and solutions that suit the growing expectations of customers and propose a safe, comfortable living environment at large.
How do you foresee the growth of this business going forward?
In the last three years, the company has witnessed exponential growth in terms of retail and B2B offering in the kitchen segment. Today, we are one of the leading brands in India in this space. Going forward, we aim to expand our presence by opening 50 franchisee showrooms by 2025 with an aim to offer innovative kitchen solutions that will further enhance customers living experience in home spaces today and improve life. We will soon be launching the Casavita wardrobe series to offer best in class experience to our customers.
Also, tell us about your focus on after-sales services. What can the buyer look forward to?
We have Panasonic launched ‘One-connect’ which is one of its kind services. This provides two free services for three years, 10 years of ultra-strong replacement warranty. Panasonic Life Solutions India has a team of experts with an in-house technical service team. The team is equipped with one point solution for all products used in the kitchen. With Panasonic Life Solutions India kitchens warranty services customers are enjoying a better experience of the modern-day kitchens.
What would you point out as the key current trends in modular kitchens?
The company’s kitchens are based on the Shimau concept which is unique in nature and has specialised features like the floor stocker model, which gives 10 per cent extra storage, SS matt on base, soft close rubber strip, and soft down allowing to reach high rise kitchens. With D6 glue usage in structure, it provides 10 years of replacement warranty. Panasonic Life Solutions India is the only brand in the world having all kitchen parts with an in-house facility like the Glario countertop, which can sustain 300-degree temperature and is stain resistant that comes with a unique mix of 23 shades thereby offering the best customer experience.
