Housing 80 odd brands in jewellery, watches, accessories, gift articles and writing instruments, Danabhai Arcade Pvt. Ltd.'s Pallazzio is a one-of-its-kind store in the country.

You've just completed 75 years in the industry. How has the journey been?
Our jewellery business was established by my late grandfather Danabhai Minawala way back in 1931. It started off with a small retail shop at Zaveri Bazar, showcasing the art deco jewellery that he created in his workshop. He had a small dedicated clientele which has grown with time. From merely manufacturing and retailing jewellery, he expanded the business to include diamond jewellery and took keen interest in estate jewellery. Incidentally, he was among the first to be appointed as a valuer for the Government of India. Besides, ours was the first air-conditioned shop of Mumbai in 1958, designed by a German architect. As of today, Pallazzio is India's first multi-brand, multi-national and a one stop-shop for jewellery, watches, accessories, crystals, gift articles and writing instruments.

How do you intend to celebrate the 75th year in the industry?
We've some major promotion plans for Pallazzio for the year 2006-07. We hope to have a year-long celebration with special offers for our customers; new product launches, exhibitions and fashion shows. After all, it's our 75th year in the industry and there's every reason to celebrate!

How did you think of coming up with a store like Pallazzio?
Pallazzio was an essential part of the process of our evolution. When Mumbai came up with its first mall 'Crossroads' in the heart of South Mumbai, Danabhai Group decided to create a new format of luxury, retailing with some premium watch and jewellery brands. That's how the sprawling 8,000 sq.ft store came into being about six years ago, under a new company Danabhai Arcade Private Limited. Today, the store houses 80 brands in international watches, jewellery and gift articles.

Considering you come from a traditional family of jewellers, how did you think of diversifying into other areas such as watches, accessories, gift articles and writing instruments?
The business of luxury watches has always been a passion and was introduced in 1990, with four major Swiss brands — Cartier, Piaget, Baume & Mercier and Raymond Weil. Today, Pallazzio has about 15 premium watch brands and 25 middle and low-end brands in the range of Rs.2,000 to Rs.10 lakh. Jewellery has always been an integral part of our endeavour. At Pallazzio, we have silver jewellery in the range of Rs.200 to Rs. 20,000; gold jewellery in the range of Rs.1,500 to Rs.5 lakh; and diamond jewellery for Rs.1,500 to Rs.10 lakh.

What is the USP of Pallazzio?
I feel our biggest USP is the combination of our traditional background of family jewellers and our priceless association with the best brands in jewellery, watches and accessories. We hope to offer our customers the best of both worlds! Though we have about 80 brands under one roof, we strive to maintain the essence and customer-friendly environs of a traditional family-run jewellery store. In the process of modernisation, we're determined not to lose our personal touch.

What are your plans for the future?
At present, we have five outlets in the country. In the next five years, we plan to come up with a couple of more outlets in other cities… albeit in a slow phased manner. And, as far as our products are concerned, we're constantly building the product base. After housing Italian jewellery, branded watches and writing instruments, along with crystals and other gift items, we're definitely planning to come up with something different.
-The Resources

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