Introduction

The Iconic is an fashionable clothing store that currently caters to the

young, fresh and modern consumers in India. Our focus is to provide western wear apparel and accessories, and position ourselves as the top retail store servicing this particular market.

The Iconic is an Indian brand that was first set up during the 1960s. It initially was designed so as to cater to the higher levels of the social class mainly the British and it has evolved ever since. The Iconic currently has numerous stores all over India covering the major metropolitan cities such as Delhi , Mumbai , Chennai, Kolkata , Bangalore and Hyderabad. It has centralized itself directly in position to the residental location and social activities of our target market.

The Iconic offers trendy but inexpensive products that are sold in beautiful, highend-looking stores. It has a huge product range that changes almost every three weeks. It provides consumers with top notch personalized consumer services.Its main objective is to create a shopping environment that caters to the apparel needs of the urban Indian community. The Iconics mission is to offer quality, name brand western wear in an assortment of sizes and styles to accommodate all varying body styles and shapes.

Organisational Structure

PRODUCTION AND LOGISTICS

The production and logistics department of The Iconic consists of various departments that are headed by various managers. It consists of : (a) Production Design Department : This department includes an array of talented designers from different parts of the country who provide an interesting and modern outlook on fashion. These leading designers are selected from some of the best fashion institutes of India. It also includes assistant designers and juniors. The design department is incharge of coming up with innovative and fresh designs every month to satisfy the changing needs of the youth. It is one the most important departments in this retail company.

(b) Logistics Department : We believe in the support of an effective logistical department without which there is hardly any manufacturing or marketing activity that can be done. The logistics process consists of the process of integration of several aspects such as material handling, warehousing, information, transportationand inventory.

The tasks of the logistics department involve storage, distribution, warehousing, movement of goods from one place to another (internally or externally), tracking and delivery of goods. It includes a complete process of planning, managing, controlling and coordination to make sure that the goods reach the right place, at the right time, for the right cost and in a right condition. The various tasks performed by the department may be summarized as follows: 1. Ensuring all the requirements of the customers are met on time in an efficient and safe manner. 2. To coordinate with third party logistics (3PLs). 3. To ensure that there is a safe and timely dispatch of goods. 4. To maintain coordination with vendors, service providers and transport carriers. 5. To ensure that no fraud is committed. 6. To ensure timely supply and payment of goods and reduce inventories.

(c) Production Department : The production department is responsible for converting the designs and materials to final products through the stages of production processes. The Production Manager is responsible for making sure that raw materials are provided and made into finished goods effectively. He or she must make sure that work is carried out smoothly, and must supervise procedures for making work more efficient and more enjoyable. There are four production sub-functions : Production and planning. They will set the standards and targets at each stage of the production process. The quantity and quality of products coming off a production line will be closely monitored. Purchasing department This department will provide the materials, components and equipment required. An essential part of this responsibility is to ensure that stocks arrive on time and are of good quality

The stores department The stores department are responsible for stocking all the necessary tools, raw materials and equipment required to service the manufacturing process.

The works department This department is concerned with the manufacture of products. The works department may also have responsibility for quality control and inspection.

MARKETING
These are the main sections of the marketing departments: Research & Development Department : It is responsible for market research and testing new products to make sure that they are suitable to be sold. It mainly focuses on segmenting and focussing on the target consumers for the company. The Iconic is a company that focuses of the modern youth of India and so the research and development department targets these consumer and accordingly conducts studies to determine the consumer behaviour to the pricing, promotion and place of the various products.

Promotion department : It decides on the type of promotion method for the products, arranges advertisements and the advertising media used. Its main objective is to have an effective marketing strategy that is going to appeal to the consumers.

MERCHANDISING
The Merchandise planning and procurement consists of a variety of different line executives as well as staff positions such a fashionable directors. The Merchandising department is in charge of pricing the merchandise in a manner that provides the profitability necessary for the company to remain a viable business enterprise, which staying competitive with the prices of the other retailers. It is also incharge of interacting with industry experts such as resident buyers and market consultants who provide information on oclor, fabic, style and other fashion trends.

STORE MANAGEMENT
It is in charge with overseeing the managerial positions and carrying out the practices that were established by the companys upper-level executives. Some of its responsibilities include : Selecting the individual stores managers, group managers and department managers. Determining the appropriate hours of operation for the branch stores. Interfacing with the stores managers to notify them of changes in corporate policies. Communicating through means of personal contact, telephone, E-mail and faxes to learn about potential problems in the stores. Managing the customer service departments.

HUMAN RESOURCES
Recruitment, training and labour relations are some of the activities that are under the domain of Human Resources. The main functions of this department include :

Establishing the job specifications of the various positions in the company so that the right person will be hired to perform the specific job. Developing recruitment programs that will attract the best qualified candidates for employment. Training new employees and retraining those already employed with the latest in house systems. Designing benefits packages that will be competitive with other companies in the industry. Evaluating employee performance.

Establishing compensation programs that will attract the best employees.

FINANCE
The finance division serves in a multitude of capacities that include accounting, expense and control, and consumer credit. Specifically its tasks are : Preparing reports for the merchandisers and buyers, human resources team, marketing executives and other divisional managers as well as outside government agencies as required by law. Establishing a credit card program that involves both in house charge accounts and revolving credit, and third party credit such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa. Developing a procedure that establishes customer credit card accounts in a timely manner.

LAUNCHING OF A NEW OUTLET IN DUBAI :

By carefully weighing the pros and cons of the three business deals offered, it has been decided that the new outlet shall be launched in Dubai which is one of the worlds greatest clothing and retail hubs!

WHY DUBAI ?
Dubai is best known for its lavish malls and designer shops. It is growing to be one of the biggest shopping hotspots. With events such as the yearly Dubai Shopping Festival etc, Dubai attracts thousands of consumers from all around the world to shop! It is a free port with low import duties hence many of the branded items are available with a lower price than other countries thereby attracting more consumers. This is precisely why Dubai is referred to as shoppers paradise.

Dubai's, economy boasts an ambitious combination of cost, commerce and environmental advantages that make an ideal and appealing investment climate for local and foreign businesses.

Open and Free Economy: Dubai's economy has remained open and free to attract investors and business. The control and regulation by the government of private sector activities is minimal. Perhaps most appealingly, there are no direct taxes on corporate profits or personal income (with the exception of oil companies and some branches of foreign banks). Customs duties are low at 4% (with many exemptions); 100% repatriation of capital and profits is permitted; there are no foreign exchange controls, trade quotas or barriers; and a stable exchange rate remains between the British Pound and the UAE Dirham (as outlined earlier). Also, relaxed visa policies allow a painless import of expatriate labour with a varied level of skill from across the world.

Enterprising Cost Structure: International businesses relocating or establishing in Dubai can acquire substantial cost benefits not commonly available internationally.

These include: -No foreign exchange controls -No trade barriers or quotas -Competitive import duties (4% with many exemptions) -Competitive energy costs -Competitive real estate costs -Competitive financing costs and high levels of liquidity -No taxes (except for oil companies and some foreign banks)

Political and Economic Stability: As a member of the UAE, Dubai benefits from a low-crime rate and socio-stability. Additionally, the UAE is financially and monetarily sound.

Eminent Infrastructure and Service Sector: Dubai's well-thought strategy of investing widely in transport, telecommunications, energy and industrial infrastructure has allowed it to maintain one of the most impressive infrastructure facilities in the world. Its features include a network of seven industrial areas; a business park; prosperous, specialised free zones; two high class seaports; a major international airport and cargo village; a modern highway network; state-of-the-art telecommunications; reliable power and utilities.

Appointment of a country head to run the day to day affairs of the firm :
It is essential to operate whilst having a good knowledge of the region for the efficient functioning of the organisation.

Purely from an HR point of view, it has been decided to go for a local expatriate ( An indian residing in Dubai) to handle the day to day affairs of the firm.

Advantages to using an expatriate include :

better obtaining knowledge of the corporation's culture as well as a good knowledge of the local culture. being familiar with the company's management techniques selecting people with proven loyalty and who are influential at the home headquarters their qualifications are easier to access, and using expatriates enables companies to maintain their "foreign image" in the host country. They do not need to adapt so they may be productive right away. An expatriate is more familiar with the working conditions, legal rules and obligations as well as the mentality of the local people.

Job Advertisements

Logistics Manager

Location : Dubai Media City Business Central Tower A Suite 3301A

P.O. Box 502549 Dubai, UAE Salary : 30,000 AED Company : The Iconic Job Type : Permanent Date Posted : 19/8/2013 Contact : Harini Murali

Job Description: The Logistics Manager will be responsible for the customer support function of the business, warehousing, production planning, material flow, goods in, storage and dispatch. Within the Manufacturing environment the Logistics Manager will be expected to improve and develop all of the areas they are managing with an intention of building on higher customer service levels throughout the business. The Logistics Manager will be expected to manage a team of section heads and take a strategic approach to the business efficiency. It is also preferred for the candidate to speak fluent English as well as Arabic. The successful candidate will be required to have worked in distribution, customer service and have a thorough knowledge of Supply Chain. Candidates applying for the Logistics Manager position will ideally be degree educated and have IT knowledge as part of their skill set. The suitable candidate will be an effective man manager who can inspire and development their team to their potential.

Marketing Manager Location : Dubai Media City Business Central Tower A Suite 3301A P.O. Box 502549 Dubai, UAE

Salary : 25,000 AED Company : The Iconic Job Type : Permanent Date Posted : 19/8/2013 Contact : Harini Murali

Job Description: The Marketing Manager will be responsible for selecting the appropriate media outlets within a classification that promise the highest awarenesss rate. He or she will have to ensure the developing of distinct advertisements that are appropriate for the stores image. He/she will have to have the knowledge to choose an advertising agency that specializes in department store promotion and has the ability to create signature ads for the company. Reporting to the Head of Marketing, you will write, edit and proof a range of innovative marketing content that will engage and excite the target market. Co-ordinating campaigns and multiple events to help drive lead generation, you will develop multimedia packages including letters, emails, videos etc To be considered for this role, you must have:

- At least three years back to back marketing experience, ideally gained in a broadbased marketing communications role - Experience of marketing tactics, creative development and internet technology - A degree level qualification, ideally in a marketing related discipline - As a Marketing Manager, you must possess superb communication skills and a creative, hands-on approach. Bursting with fresh and innovative ideas, you must be highly organised and have the ability to think outside the box.

General Staff

Location : Dubai Media City Business Central Tower A Suite 3301A P.O. Box 502549 Dubai, UAE Salary : 1000 AED Company : The Iconic Job Type : Permanent Date Posted : 19/8/2013 Contact : Harini Murali Job Title : Retail Salesman

Job openings for the positions of retail salesmen are available.

Job Description : Retail salespersons are responsible for selling merchandise, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, or cars in retail establishments. Retail sales workers should have good communication and interpersonal skills. The best retail salespeople are able to identify a customer's needs and match them up with the right product. Additional responsibilities for retail salesperson jobs include: Greeting customers and asking questions to determine their needs. Promoting ongoing sales, and ensuring that customers are familiar with exchange policies. Cash handling experience

Maintaining a friendly and professional personality and listening well to the customer's needs are crucial qualities for this position. Must be fluent in English and Arabic. An added knowledge of Hindi will be considered an advantage. Minimum experience required : 6 months in a related field.

Employee Rentention Plan

Provision of health insurance, life insurance. Financial Rewards : stock options or other financial awards for employees who meet performance goals and stay for a predetermined time period, say, three or five years. Also annual raises will be provided.

Work Environment : creating and maintaining a workplace that attracts, retains and nourishes good people. This covers a host of issues, ranging from developing a corporate mission, culture and value system to insisting on a safe working environment and creating clear, logical and consistent operating policies and procedures.

Maintenance of a good employee relationship : This could include things such as Building mentoring relationships with people to increase their emotional ties to the organisation.

Employee support strategies : Employee support strategies involve giving people the tools and equipment to get the job done. When people feel they have what they need to perform, job satisfaction increases dramatically.