Retail veteran Kabir Lumba, Managing Director of Lifestyle International, has his hands full steering the Indian operations of the Lifestyle, Home Centre, Bossini and Splash brands and providing strategic direction to Max, the value fashion chain. But then Lumba has his pulse on Indian shopper tastes, having done stints with Proline India and Pantaloon Fashions before this and having been involved with the launch of the Fila brand in India. The sporty retailer who plays squash talks shop with BL, sharing his workplace mantras
What's the top quality you look for when hiring a retail store employee?
I look at their sense of purpose and zest for life. I believe that people who have the passion to live life to the fullest reflect this same positive energy at the workplace.
Retail has a notoriously high employee turnover. How do you deal with attrition?
We have one of the lowest attrition levels in the industry. While we have several development and engagement programmes that help us retain employees, the greatest driver for this is our work culture – a value-based culture of trust, openness, respect, camaraderie and integrity. Our employees are able to grow with us in a fair and rational environment and they continuously push the bar as they want to fulfil expectations that are born out of trust and respect.
You have yoga for your employees. Do you also join in? How do you beat stress personally?
Whenever I get some time at work, I do love playing a game of table tennis with my colleagues. For me the best way to beat stress is to take a vacation with my family and travel to destinations that provide learning and adventure.
How do you engage with millennials?
I enjoy the energy that millennials bring to the workplace. I believe that the key to working with this young and ambitious generation is to provide leadership and guidance while encouraging their positivity and self-assured attitude. It’s important to listen to their ideas, suggestions and opinions. The previous generations of professionals have a lot to learn from millennials, as well as a lot to offer in terms of experience.
A shopfloor mantra you swear by?
‘Keep things simple and do the basics right’. In retail, to be successful, we must provide great quality products, ease of shopping and superior customer experience.