A legacy raring to go

If you've only just tuned into the retail industry of India, you may argue that Spencer's doesn't deserve this space.

After all, the retail chain only hit the market about three years ago. But walk back into history and you'll learn that Spencer's retail is easily the oldest retail chain in the country... going back by 144 years.

Established in the days of the Raj by John William Spencer in 1863, the motive behind Spencer's was to serve as the retail store for the British in the country.

"It was an extremely upmarket departmental chain selling everything from soda to furniture. The stores boasted of rosewood doors and enormous space," says Samar Singh Shekhawat, vice president, marketing, Spencer's Retail.

By the early 1920s, the retail chain had spread all over the country including Pakistan, and Rangoon.

Interestingly, Taj Connemara in Chennai, Taj West End in Bangalore, Taj Savoy in Ooty were all built on land that once housed Spencer's retail stores.

However, post independence, with the downfall of the British empire, the company witnessed its downfall too. It was only about 20 years ago, when it was bought over by the Goenkas that a new chapter began for Spencer's.

Two and a half years ago Spencer's Retail was revived and today the chain has 320 stores across 55 cities.

"At times I get goosebumps thinking about the Spencer's legacy. We have a 144-year-old heritage and that knowledge is very humbling," smiles Shekhawat.