Founded by Amit Thakur, Supplement Station has evolved into a well-recognized retail chain in the sports and fitness industry. Armed with extensive experience in the retail sector, Amit embarked on this journey to address existing gaps within the industry, India stands out as one of the world’s largest consumers of dietary supplements, and this trend is expected to surge significantly by 2030. However, there were substantial shortcomings that needed to be addressed to promote awareness among the people. It was in response to these challenges that Supplement Station was established, and it has since successfully catered to people for over seven years. In this interview, we go deeper into the dynamics of the Indian supplement retail sector.
HOW MANY STORES DO YOU HAVE AND WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE EXPANSION PLANS?
Presently, Supplement Station boasts a network of seven strategically positioned stores in Mumbai, including prominent areas like Haji All, Bandra, Colaba, Santacruz, Ghatkopar, Mulund, and Vashi. These strategic locations have enabled us to cater to a diversé clientele comprising fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. making the benefits of sports nutrition more accessible to them.
Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans to expand our presence pan-India, extending our reach to multiple states. Additionally, due to the high demand for franchises, we are gearing up to introduce our franchise model in the upcoming year. In the future, we’re teaming up with other brands to help us grow and better serve the fitness community.
“Supplement Station was founded with the mission of providing people with superior-quality, authentic, and transparent supplements. We belleve that individuals should be well-informed about what they are consuming, and, therefore, we are wholeheartedly committed to sourcing the finest products for our customers.” – Amit Thakur
HOW LUCRATIVE DO YOU THINK IS THE RETAIL SECTOR FOR SUPPLEMENTS IN INDIA?
Undoubtedly, the supplement and nutrition industry stands as one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. In India, over the past decade, there has been a noticeable increase in health awareness and proactive measures among the population. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed a significant surge in the consumption of dietary supplements in India. Moreover, a growing number of individuals, particularly the youth, are embracing fitness activities, including gym workouts and other physical pursuits. This natural inclination towards supplements is undoubtedly a opportunities for both sales and positive development. Personally, I hold the belief that the supplement retail sector holds immense potential for future growth and expansion.
CONGRATULATIONS FOR STARTING UP YOUR OWN SUPPLEMENT BRAND TOO! CAN YOU GIVE SOME MORE INSIGHT ON THE SAME?
Thank you very much! My associates and I have embarked on a new venture in the sports and nutrition industry, called “Neutrendz. Our product range includes everything from whey protein to BCAAs and micronutrients. We are presently focusing it on distributing it across our retail stores and with time we would be promoting it to multiple retail outlets tool We’re confident that this venture will be a game-changer for us in the near future, presenting
THERE IS TREMENDOUS CUT THROAT COMPETITION IN THE SUPPLEMENT RETAIL BUSINESS NOW! WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 STRATEGIES TO STAY AT TOP IN THE BUSINESS?
I firmly believe that a competitive market is the cornerstone of a thriving industry! Our relentless commitment to staying ahead in the game has propelled us to the pinnacle of success. Key to our strategy is a deep understanding of our customers’ needs and challenges. Recognizing that these vary widely among individuals, ranging from the demand for affordable protein to the need for guidance and unwavering quality, we’ve made it our mission to fulfill every demand of our customers’ requirements. Our success thus far has been grounded in this profound understanding of our customers’ pain points.
Moreover, our unwavering commitment to maintaining a consistent supply of goods sets us apart in the retail landscape. We purchase good number of stocks from the top-tier brands. By balancing this with a keen sense of demand and supply dynamics, we ensure that our shelves are always stocked, allowing us to outpace-our competitors.
In the dynamic realm of the Indian supplement market, authenticity is a contentious issue. We tackle this challenge head-on by sourcing all our products from trusted, reliable suppliers. Each purchase comes with the assurance of 100% GST billing guaranteeing not only the authenticity of the supplements but also the safety of our customers
HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO ACT AGAINST COUNTERFEIT SUPPLEMENTS AT YOUR STORE?
Our approach to handling counterfeit supplements is rooted in a straightforward principle. To begin with, we strictly refrain from engaging with unknown or unverified companies. Each product on our shelves undergoes proper background checks. This evaluation ensures that only products from reputable, credible sources find a place in our inventory.
Furthermore, our commitment to ensuring the safety of our customers is reflected in our practice of purchasing everything through GST billing. This not only streamlines the process but also serves as a safeguard to the process. Last but certainly not least, we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of authenticity. We meticulously verify all certifications pertaining to a company’s manufacturing processes.
These steps help us to get rid of local and counterfeit supplements, ensuring that our customers receive only genuine, high-quality products
WHAT ARE THE TOP SELLING BRANDS AT YOUR RETAIL STORE?
We have a strong commitment to provide exceptional products, and in doing so, we avoid favoritism towards top-selling brands. Our dedication lies in offering a wide array of high-quality products sourced from various brands. This diverse selection is meticulously curated to cater to the diverse needs of our esteemed customers, erisuring that each individual finds precisely what they are looking for! Plus we support the initiative of “Make in India,” concept which makes us a multi-brand supplement retail chain.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO INDIVIDUALS NEW TO THE IDEA OF LAUNCHING A RETAIL SUPPLEMENT STORE? DO YOU OFFER FRANCHISE MODELS AT SUPPLEMENT STATION?
Establishing a supplement store might seem simple initially, but sustaining and growing it demands substantial effort. Unlike many other businesses, it requires unwavering commitment, extensive knowledge, a customer-centric approach, good store management skills, adherence to compliance and regulations, and effective marketing and promotional strategies. Exploring franchise opportunities can be a smart move, as they provide comprehensive guidance, enabling entrepreneurs to build their business from the ground up. At Supplement Station, we offer appealing franchise models tailored to suit the budgets and aspirations of aspiring business owners.
Supplement Station stands as a testament to trust, quality, and a customer-centric ethos. Renowned for delivering top-notch supplements, it proudly ranks among India’s leading supplement retail chains. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Amit Thakur, the company is dedicated to its mission, working diligently each day to elevate its reputation and embark on ambitious expansion plans in the future.
