“At Noir, we focus on keeping traditions untouched; however, we design our products around the cultural sense of Bangladesh – thus, our fashion is known as a fusion between the East and the West.”
SHAH RAYEED CHOWDHURY is a Director of Evince Group; the concerns of which include Evince Garment Ltd, Evitex Apparel Ltd, Evitex Fashions Ltd, EDAF Ltd, Argon Spinning Ltd, and Evince Retail Ltd. (Noir). He received his BBA Honors degree from Pace University, New York with a Cum Laude Honors Degree in Business Management
What are the key components of the success of your business?
Noir’s key competitive advantages lie in its ability to predict and introduce right fashion trends at the right time/season at incredible price points. In essence, Noir is a one stop solution to global fashion trends. It is youth-centric clothing and accessories retail brand where the aim is to provide the best possible service to all our customers. Our designs are unique; our quantities are limited, and our styles are always changing depending on seasons and trends. At Noir, we focus on keeping traditions untouched; however, we design our products around the cultural sense of Bangladesh – thus, our fashion is known as a fusion between the East and the West.
Noir is a concern of Evince Group, a leading manufacturer of garments and textiles in Bangladesh. The actual advantage of our company lies in our team of hard working, young individuals who are our core strength.
What new ideas have you introduced for your business so far? How do you generate new ideas?
New ideas and strategies can be devised and implemented only after you have completely submerged yourself into each and every component of the business you are working in during the first years of its operations. Only after you can identify the problems will you be able to come up with new ideas for long-term sustainable solutions. At Noir, we have introduced a highly advanced Management Information System (MIS) capable of keeping careful track of product movements and proper systems. Furthermore, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in place to omit confusions and reduce the need for micromanagement.
How do you define success? What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Success is the result of hard work and pure dedication; although, there is a significant difference between working hard and working smart. I believe success lies somewhere in between working hard and making smart decisions. The best way to achieve long-term success is by maintaining consistency of all the little things you do every single day that contributes towards keeping your business and personal life on track and in motion.
What are your thoughts on the business climate in Bangladesh?
As I am speaking on behalf of the fashion retail industry in Bangladesh, I believe there is great potential in the market – only for the innovators and not imitators. The young generation is very responsive to constant change, and if one can understand the minds of our generation, then the retail world is surely an exciting sector. The industry is experiencing an upward moving trend pointing towards a steady rise in the number of retail brands being introduced. This is a sign of positive growth, and it allows for competition to exist which not only benefits the people/customers – it serves as a motivational tool for us to keep innovating and to push our limits.
What is your vision regarding the expansion of your business?
Our goals are long term and realistic. We currently have three stores in Dhaka – Banani 11, Satmasjid Road Dhanmondi and New Baily Road. We intend to cover the entire city with 6-8 retail stores within 2017. After we have successfully established ourselves within the capital and perfected our distribution system, we will move to the major cities outside of Dhaka, starting with Chittagong.
What was the best advice you ever got?
Micromanagement hinders growth, learn to let go of the little things and focus on the bigger picture. The second piece of advice I have received is not to run a business for the money. A business whose sole aim is to generate revenues will not be able to sustain. Rather, try to devise a solution to a problem – try to fill in a gap in the market and work towards serving people with the intent to actually solve that problem.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
WHICH BUSINESS ICON(S) DO YOU FOLLOW?
In all honesty, my father, Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury has always been my business inspiration and my mother, Shabnam Shehnaz Chowdhury, who has helped my personal development.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS?
The one book I can read time and time again is “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason.
FAVORITE HOBBY?
I am into fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle.
WHEN WAS YOUR COMPANY ESTABLISHED?
We had officially opened our first store on the 17th of July, 2014
WHICH SECTORS ARE BEING COVERED THROUGH THE BUSINESS?
We (Noir) are in the fashion retail business covering both clothing and accessories for men, women and kids.
