Digital Transformers of Leather Industry in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, The next emerging country in Asia has long tradition with Leather industry; it’s one of the traditional Businesses since history. It Is the fifth export earning sector in Bangladesh rivaling the Garments and Jute industry. The low cost of Manpower, skilled craftsmanship and the incentives of the govt. made leather sector in a flouring billion dollar export powerhouse in Bangladesh. However, the sector is not without its problem. The Lack of Educated manpower, Unavailability of gas and Electricity and moreover the growing environmental concern is taking its toll. This promising section is failing to attract more and more modern thinking educated people. However the sky is not all black as the regin of this industry is being taken now by young, high educated and progressive entrepreneurs who are taking this sector to the new era of business.

One of the key factors for modernizes in Leather sector the prevailing large companies come from way back, during the times to independence. These Manufacturers are likely the first of the people to lead the leather industry. The problem is, since most are used to with their usual method of business and get returning customers. They are not open to adopt new technology purely because of distrust and disinterest. So, the other sides of leather business are still virtually open. This is greatly hampering the growth of leather industry.

In Bangladesh, most of the profit from leather industry comes from exporting RAW LEATHERS to different countries. A mere 6% of profit comes from finished leather products with the bulk of the market controlled by Apex, Bata, and Bay etc. The SME’s are being unable to get a sustainable hold on this industry simply because not adapting to modern technology.

Today, we will discuss about some new generations of Entrepreneurs who who have adapted digital technologies and other business models to make a successful business venture:

1. Viper Leathers : Viper is a newer player of Bangladesh leather industry but by far the most trended and renowned name. Viper.com broke away from the traditional way of Leather business .It has created an ecommerce site specifically dedicated on selling their Leather Product. Users can buy from their website and get the product delivered at home. Their productsragetoalmost150+uniqueproductsincluding: Shoes, Sandals, Loafers, Wallets, Cardholder, Bags etc. They are mostly in retail but are interested in exporting their products worldwide. Spearheaded by the charismatic Mostafizur Rahman, a graduate from AIUB. Viper is the our one Leather industry “Disrupter”

2. Smart Leathers: If Viper is Shinning Knight of Leather industry, Then Smart Leather is the epic story of Trying and Trying and Trying against Tide to succeed. The rise of Smart Leathers is a classic success Story. Smart Leathers is a Specialized Bag Manufacturer, they produce highly stylish Ladies Bag. Smart Leather is owned by a true warrior Urmi Zaman, Seasoned entrepreneur who never gave up and a Cancer Fighter. She was crowed the “Best SME WOMEN Entrepreneur of 2015” by Bangladesh Government. With a stable retail business now Smart Leathers looks boldly towards the global Horizon. She closely works with Global marketplace of

Bangladesh Tedfo.com to establish smart leather online presence. Smart Leather is our “Disrupter” Number Two.

Next week we will write the “Disrupter” of Jute industry in Bangladesh