By Jeeta Bandopadhyay

Jupiter Carpets is a manufacture-cum-dealer and importer of various carpets and floorings. The product basket comprises plain carpets, designer carpets, carpet tiles, wooden flooring, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and raised flooring, among others. Today, this New Delhi-based company has grown by leaps and bounds and has managed to gain a strong foothold in India and abroad.

In an exclusive interview with Bizxchange, Pushpinder Uppal, chief executive officer of Jupiter Carpets, reveals the secret behind the company’s ever-increasing client portfolio as well as points out the next big picture for the Indian carpet industry.

What inspired you to set up Jupiter Carpets?

Passion to provide Indian customers with an exclusive range of quality carpets as well as introduce international brands in the domestic market acted as major inspiration that led to the birth of Jupiter Carpets in 1985.

What were the initial challenges and how did you overcome it?

To create awareness about international brands such as Unitex, Heritage and Divine, Roya, among others and to successfully market these flooring materials across India was the key challenge. We contacted top architects, interior designers and global consultants and gradually increased our profit margins, following a pick-up in enquiries. 

What are the strengths of Jupiter Carpets?

Extensive product portfolio, timely delivery, good customer service, robust infrastructure, 25-year-rich experience and a dedicated professional management team are the major strengths that have facilitated in the company’s stupendous success.

Mention some of the key achievements of the company?

We believe that appreciation from clients is the biggest achievement for any company. In this regard, let me mention some of our brand-enhancing clientele, which comprises the following:
•    Reputed corporate houses such as Wipro, Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Coca Cola and Gillette, among others
•    Well-known media houses such as ZEE TV, Times of India (New Delhi office) and others
•    Rashtrapati Bhavan

Apart from this, we also have reputed clients in sectors such as hospitality, government offices, banks and knowledge-driven industries.

Rate the importance of innovation for a carpet firm?

Innovation is critical for any business as it determines the survival and growth of the particular enterprise. For a carpet firm, continuous emphasis on improvement is required in various segments such as designing and weaving, colour, texture of yarn and collection of fibre to some extent.

With the economy reviving, are you considering any specific strategy to maximise your profitability?

Like other firms, we were also impacted by the global economic recession. Although our margins declined, we managed to increase the turnover during the economic meltdown, primarily due to growing clients and repeat customers. Now with the market improving, we are considering a significant increase in our exports to grow our topline considerably over the coming years.

What is the next big thing for the Indian carpet industry?

At present, there is a huge demand for carpets both in global and domestic markets. Therefore, Indian carpet entrepreneurs are trying their best to enhance the product portfolio and capitalise on this growing demand in order to take the sector to global highs.