Odel Shopping Center, Sri Lanka

Infobox_Company
company_name = ODEL
company_Fashion
foundation = 1990
Key People = Otara Gunewardene
location = Colombo, Sri Lanka
industry = Retail
products = Ladieswear, Menswear, Kidswear, Homewear, Sports, Delight, Perfume & Cosmetics, Books & Music, Shoes and Handbags, Jewellery, Luggage, Food, Stationary, Gift Wrap and Souvenirs
homepage = http://www.odel.lk/?page=home

ODEL is Sri Lanka's first example of a retailing company. Starting out as a single company, focusing on the retail garment trade, ODEL has over the years has developed and has become the first department store in Sri Lanka.

History

Odel has a short history. It started off when Otara Gunewardene began selling merchandise from the boot of her car to family and friends.

Otara Gunewardene founded Odel Private Limited in 1990. [ [http://www.lanka.info/shops/onlineProfiles/odelProfile.jsp Odel Online Shopping in Sri Lanka at Kapruka ] ] From its inception, the company focused on ensuring that both the merchandising and management was not only effective but also evolving. The company opened its first store on Dickman's road and currently operates three outlets in Colombo.

Main Outlet Store

Odel's main outlet store is located at No 5, Alexandra Road, Colombo 7. It is also the company's flagship store which positions itself as Harrods/ Selfridges have done in London and C.K. Tangs in Singapore – not just a department store but also a tourist destination. The ODEL main outlet, launched in 1999, is becoming comparable to international department stores in any fashion capital. This modern complex is the only department store in Sri Lanka, spanning 33,000 square feet. The buildings' architecture is a combination of colonial grandeur interspersed with glass and glistening metal, contrasted with an abundance of plants and trees, and aromas all of which contributes towards a good shopping experience.

Warehouse

The ODEL Warehouse is at Dickman's Road, Col 5. Located at the site where the first outlet was opened, this store is a retail warehouse, where customers can purchase discontinued items at discounted prices.

Majestic City

ODEL at 1-29, Majestic City – Bambalapitiya, Col 4 sells a range of clothes and fashion accessories. The outlet has been in operation for more than a decade and has proven to be popular.

Bandaranaike International Airport

This latest addition to ODEL's profile is located in the Departure/Transit Lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport. Created as a part of a bold initiative in conjunction with the Airport Expansion Project, the ODEL Departures Store offers the final opportunity to all departing passengers to shop before leaving the island.

Growth

Odel has witnessed the growth of not only their brand but also their business. From an initial staff of 2, Odel now employs more than 430. In addition, they also provide indirect employment of more than 500. Odel's product mix contains more than 1,500 different items, with a majority of those sourced locally and the rest imported. Odel works with more than 1000 suppliers, and 300 plus factories. Apart from retail, the Odel company involves itself in wholesale/ export of garments to countries such as Australia, the Maldives, the Middle East, and Europe.

Re-Launch of Outlet

ODEL recently re-launched its main outlet as Sri Lanka's first department store. This is yet another pioneering effort by the retail icon in bringing international retailing trends to Sri Lanka with the aim to reengineer the local retail sector to be on par with international standards, whilst promoting the country as an ideal shopping destination in the region.

References

External links

* [http://www.odel.lk/ Company website]