In a significant strategic shift, Gorakhpur-based Gita Press, a world-renowned publisher of religious and spiritual literature, has embarked on a major expansion by launching a franchise-based distribution model. This move marks a new chapter for the century-old institution, taking it beyond its traditional network of booksellers and wholesale distributors.
A New Chapter Begins in Nepal
The iconic publisher has chosen to roll out this ambitious initiative first in the neighbouring country of Nepal. The inaugural exclusive Gita Press franchise showroom was opened this month in Butwal, Nepal. The management decided on Nepal as the starting point, encouraged by the strong and sustained demand for its publications among readers there. This successful launch paves the way for the model's future expansion.
Strict Guidelines to Protect Brand Identity
To ensure its legacy of quality and core values remains intact, Gita Press has established strict conditions for its franchise partners. The key rules of the franchise scheme include:
- The franchisee must own the shop premises.
- Only books published by Gita Press will be sold at the outlet, with no publications from other publishers permitted.
- Each outlet will display an authorised Gita Press board, clearly identifying it as an exclusive showroom.
- Only one such franchise showroom will be allowed per city.
Furthermore, the interior design, furniture, and layout will follow a standardised blueprint prepared by Gita Press to maintain uniformity and dignity. The publisher will even provide financial assistance for furniture to partners.
Incentives and Future Roadmap
To make the partnership attractive, Gita Press is offering franchisees a 6% higher discount compared to what regular booksellers receive. This acts as a direct incentive for new partners joining this organised retail network.
Explaining the objective behind this transformative step, Lalmani Tiwari, Manager of Gita Press, stated that the initiative aims to present the publisher's literature—which is deeply rooted in religious, cultural, and moral values—in a more organised and respectful manner to readers.
Following the launch in Nepal, the franchise model will be gradually expanded to other cities within Nepal and subsequently to various states across India. This structured approach signifies Gita Press's commitment to making its spiritual and philosophical texts more accessible while meticulously controlling the presentation and retail experience.
