On 11th September 2025, Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini organized an insightful and interactive guest session on Retail Competitive Strategies for the PGDM–Retail Management (Batch 2024–26) students. The session was designed to provide practical knowledge on consumer behavior, identifying market gaps, and developing strategies that enable brands to remain competitive in today’s evolving retail landscape.
The session was delivered by Mr. Rahul Jairath, Head – International Business and Special Projects, Danone India, who shared valuable industry perspectives and strategic frameworks. He emphasized how businesses can expand their reach by identifying customer pain points and focusing on the needs of non-customers. Introducing the concepts of Blue Ocean and Red Ocean strategies, he explained how companies can either create uncontested market spaces or compete effectively in saturated markets.
Using examples such as Citizen M Hotels, Mr. Jairath highlighted how identifying opportunities between 3-star and 5-star categories enables brands to innovate, differentiate, and deliver unique customer experiences. This practical approach helped students understand the importance of aligning competitor analysis with evolving customer needs.
Beyond retail strategy, Mr. Jairath engaged students in discussions around Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI), offering actionable tips on communication, problem-solving, and how organizations evaluate candidates’ skills, attitudes, and potential.
The session concluded with career guidance, underlining the importance of analytical thinking, market awareness, and customer-centricity for thriving in retail roles.
Key Takeaways:
- Identifying customer pain points and exploring non-customer opportunities
- Application of Blue Ocean and Red Ocean strategies for competitive advantage
- Case-based learning from Citizen M and other innovative brands
- Practical preparation for GDs and PIs
- The critical role of strategy and customer engagement in retail careers
This session offered students a rich blend of strategic insights, real-world examples, and career-oriented advice, leaving them better prepared and more confident to navigate the challenges of the retail industry.