Kishorilal Shyamsunder

The textile industry is a global market driven by innovation and fierce competition. Companies must stay ahead of trends, deliver exceptional quality, and build trust with international clients. In this dynamic landscape, Kishorilal Shyamsunder stands out as a leader, renowned for its commitment to excellence and heritage.
Founded in 1969, Kishorilal Shyamsunder began as a small venture exporting scarves and silk products. Driven by a passion for showcasing India’s rich textile tradition, Mr. Mukul Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, has steered the company towards remarkable growth. Overcoming initial challenges in communication, skilled labor, and establishing trust, Kishorilal Shyamsunder has thrived under his leadership.
Kishorilal Shyamsunder operates with a vertically integrated production process, ensuring quality control at every stage. From Weaving and Printing to Embroidery and Stitching, their expertise guarantees consistent excellence. Their commitment extends beyond production; they nurture long-standing relationships with clients, prioritizing exceptional customer service.
In this spotlight interview for “The 10 Most Admired Companies in the Textile Industry 2024” edition, Mr. Mukul Agarwal shares his insights on building a successful business in the competitive textile industry. Learn from his valuable entrepreneurial lessons and discover the tale of Kishorilal Shyamsunder’s rise to prominence.

Prime Insights: Can you share the story behind the inception of the organization?

My father, Shri Shyamsunder Ji Agarwal, had a vision to take India’s rich textile heritage to the world. In 1969, Kishorilal Shyamsunder was born out of this dream. It started as a small venture focused on exporting scarves and other silk products, but the ambition was vast.

Prime Insights: What inspired you to start your company?

The allure of international trade and a desire to showcase India’s rich textile heritage on the global stage inspired us to embark on this entrepreneurial journey. The challenges of navigating the export market were daunting, but the potential rewards were equally enticing.

Prime Insights: What were the initial challenges faced by your business?

Initial challenges were immense, including overcoming communication barriers posed by cable technology and assembling a skilled workforce. Building trust with international clients in the nascent Indian export market was a constant struggle.

Prime Insights: To begin, how is your brand-defining “trust” in the market? What stands behind its uniqueness?

Our brand is synonymous with trust and longevity in the textile export industry. Being in the market for 54 years with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified our position as a reliable partner. Our consistent presence and unwavering dedication to our craft have been the cornerstones of our brand identity.
We are one of the oldest exporters of scarves from India, doing exports to overseas markets for the last 55 years.

Prime Insights: What are the offerings (services/solutions)?

Our product line has evolved significantly over the years. While Scarves and Stoles remain our core products, we’ve expanded our offerings to include garments, bags, and home textiles. This diversification has allowed us to cater to a wider clientele and strengthen our position in the global market.

Prime Insights: In an age of mistrust, are you seeing an evolution in how consumers trust brands, or are they still, for the most part, doubtful?

Trust is the bedrock of our business. While the world is becoming increasingly sceptical, our long-standing relationships with clients speak volumes about our commitment to reliability and quality. Maintaining a consistent presence in the market for over five decades has been instrumental in building this trust.

Prime Insights: How did your company make its mark in the textile industry?

Our consistent commitment to quality and timely deliveries has been instrumental in establishing us as a leader in the textile export industry. We have been receiving the Exporter Award from the textile ministry of India from the period of 2014-2024. Our dedication has been recognized at the highest level, with us being bestowed the prestigious title of the second-best exporter by the Honourable Shri Piyush Goyal in January 2024. This recognition is a testament to our hard work and unwavering focus on excellence.

Prime Insights: What is a customer for you?

Customers are the heart of our business, as without them, all other operations are of no use. Without their trust and support, we wouldn’t exist. Every decision we make is guided by the principle of delivering exceptional value to our customers.

Prime Insights: How well are the clients connected with your brand?

Client retention is a priority for us. While we continually acquire new clients, our focus remains on nurturing existing relationships. Building trust and delivering consistent quality have been instrumental in retaining our clientele for extended periods.

Prime Insights: What are the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your initiatives, offerings, or services?

Our primary marketing strategies have been a combination of physical presence and digital outreach. Regular participation in overseas exhibitions has been instrumental in connecting with potential clients face-to-face. Additionally, we’ve leveraged email marketing to keep our clients informed about the latest collections and trends.

Prime Insights: How did your company make its mark in the textile industry?

Our consistent commitment to quality and timely deliveries has been instrumental in establishing us as a leader in the textile export industry. We have been receiving the Exporter Award from the textile ministry of India from the period of 2014-2024. Our dedication has been recognized at the highest level, with us being bestowed the prestigious title of the second-best exporter by the Honorable Shri Piyush Goyal in January 2024. This recognition is a testament to our hard work and unwavering focus on excellence.

Prime Insights: Any new categories or changes this year?

We’ve undergone significant expansion this year. A new factory in Jaipur has been established, and we’ve invested heavily in expanding our digital printing capacities. This expansion has led to a 25% increase in both our production capacity and workforce.

Prime Insights: Have you measured how much trust consumers have in your brand?

While we haven’t conducted formal surveys to measure trust quantitatively, the fact that many of our clients have been with us for over ten years speaks volumes about the trust they place in our brand.

Prime Insights: What’s the first thing that enters a consumer’s mind when they see your brand?

When people think of Kishorilal Shyamsunder, they associate it with quality, reliability, and a deep-rooted heritage in the textile industry. Our vertical integration, from weaving to packing, ensures consistent quality and timely deliveries, which has become synonymous with our brand.

Prime Insights: What is the future plan connected with the brand?

Our vision is to establish Kishorilal Shyamsunder as a global leader in the textile industry, synonymous with unmatched quality and craftsmanship. We aim to expand our product range, strengthen our international presence, and become the preferred choice for discerning customers worldwide.

Prime Insights: How has your journey as an entrepreneur been?

It’s been a fulfilling journey, filled with challenges and triumphs. Every milestone achieved has been a source of immense satisfaction. Building a business from the ground up and witnessing its growth has been a truly rewarding experience.

Prime Insights: What do you hope to accomplish within the next year from a personal as well as professional point of view?

Professionally, our focus is on expanding our production capacity to meet the growing demand for our products. Personally, I aim to spend more time with my family and explore philanthropic opportunities.

Prime Insights: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to enter the textile industry?

There is no easy path to success. The textile industry is challenging but rewarding. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the market. Success doesn’t come easy, but with hard work and a clear vision, it’s achievable.
Prime Insights: Feedback from your end would be really appreciated. Your words matter for us!!
Our employees are the backbone of our organization. We foster a family-like environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This sense of belonging has been instrumental in creating a high-performing and dedicated workforce.