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Great expectations

When we launched The Hindu Metroplus Lifestyle show three years ago, it took majority by surprise. For, the event unearthed the untapped purchase potential of the people from the southern districts. As we grow and reiterate our commitment to customer satisfaction, it is worthwhile to take a look at peoples’ expectations too.

Chartered Accountant P. Suryanarayanan makes it a point to be at the lifestyle venue for the “experience it provides”. He feels the event has created a big impact on the people.

“No doubt, the Metroplus Lifestyle Show has lived up to its expectations. But it has also created a notion among the people that the event is targeted only for the upper middle class and high strata of the society. If the show wants to generate more number of walk-ins then it has to cater to all sections of the society. Affordability counts when it comes to selling products in conservative towns like Madurai” he suggests.

Agrees another regular to the event, A. Subramanian, a senior orthopaedic surgeon: “Most of the products displayed at the show are premium brands and are out of common man’s reach. It will be good if some less expensive products are also stacked. Nevertheless, the event undoubtedly has ushered in novelty in every aspect. When people are more worried about soaring fuel prices and inflation, stalls displaying solar panels can be more useful perhaps. At a time when visits to the run-of-the-mill exhibitions bores the Madurai public, the Metroplus Lifestyle Show comes in as a whiff of fresh air.”

For Hamid Ahmed, a manufacturer and exporter of industrial textiles, the show is a class of its own.

“People’s expectation is high. The brand hosting the event is such that we expect some class from it. But there should also be some variety. For which, the organisers should be able to bring in new vendors each time they host the event. Some of the products that are showcased are indeed unique and not to be seen elsewhere. Still the same product should not be there each year. Brands are loved and believed in because people associate quality with it. The show surely generates interest never seen before.”

The feedback collected in response to previous years’ shows, reveals that many visitors want the organisers to do a survey on public expectations before drawing up the list of products and the vendors.

“True. To host any big event, research on requirements of the people and review of the past experience are a must. Organisers should make sure that they have something for everyone cutting across age and economic position. They should also take into account the emerging class of workers (young graduates in white collar jobs). This new class has plenty of money with no compelling commitments,” Mr. Suryanarayanan adds.

Echoes Rajiv J. Subramanian, Managing Director, Susee Group of Companies, who would like to see exclusive designer wear for men too.

“Given the lack of a shopping mall in the city, the Metroplus Lifestyle Show is a good alternative spot amalgamating different products from different places in right proportions. More exclusive stalls for men featuring shoes and high-end watches will attract an even bigger crowd,” he quips.

Majority of our regular visitors to the show emphasise on quality but at the same time want the products to be more cost-effective. The range of demand is baffling. From decently priced colourful bedspreads to latest versions in desktops or laptops, people want everything to be showcased under one roof. We understand their aspirations and invite them to let themselves loose on this grand shopping spree for once. The Metroplus Lifestyle show is not like any other ordinary exhibition. It is meant for high end products and a quality interface between the manufacturer and the consumer. So why not be prepared to face the bash with a drop of sinful indulgence.

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