Adil Supermarket, a popular supermarket chain in the UAE, has an interesting origin story. The Datar brothers, Hrishikesh and Rohit, began their journey in the family business at a young age, working behind the cash register. Hrishikesh recalls his early days at the store, learning the ropes of the business and gaining a deeper understanding of Indian culture through the vast array of products they import. His experience as a sales associate in high school taught him valuable lessons in approaching clients and handling rejection, ultimately shaping his business acumen.
For Rohit, joining the family business was a natural progression as the supermarket was started by their grandfather and later taken over by their father. However, the challenge for the brothers was how to elevate the brand and maintain its legacy while introducing new ideas. They decided to rebrand the supermarket by dropping the ‘Al’ in ‘Al Adil’, symbolizing a transfer of ideas and leadership to the new generation. Despite the changes, the core values of quality products, fair prices, and excellent service remain unchanged.
One of the significant changes implemented by the Datar brothers is the move towards digitization by launching a mobile app for convenient shopping. The idea for the app was born out of the necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic when people were hesitant to visit stores. The app allows customers to order products directly from Adil Supermarket, providing a seamless shopping experience. Additionally, the supermarket has partnered with delivery services like Talabat and Noon to expand its reach and enhance customer convenience.
The efforts towards digitization and strategic partnerships have paid off for Adil Supermarket, with the company consistently surpassing its sales records. The brothers take pride in achieving month-on-month and year-on-year sales growth, indicating the success of their business strategies. Despite being co-leaders, Hrishikesh and Rohit handle disagreements by sharing their perspectives and finding mutual solutions. Their ability to confront challenges and find common ground reflects their strong bond and shared vision for the business.
Looking towards the future, the brothers are open to the idea of grooming the next generation of Adil leaders within their family. Hrishikesh emphasizes the importance of instilling family values and Indian traditions in his daughter while allowing her to explore her own path. With a combination of tradition and innovation, Adil Supermarket continues to thrive under the guidance of the Datar brothers, marking a successful blend of heritage and modernity in the retail sector.
