​Continuously setting the benchmark in the men’s fashion industry, Hameedia, Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist recently saw  its Deputy Managing Director, Hussain Sadique awarded the ‘Retail Leadership Recognition Award’ at the 11th edition of the Asia Retail Congress 2015. The event took place at the Taj Lands End in Mumbai and was attended by many members of the Indian and international business community. The award was presented by the global council and jury of the Asia Retail Congress in recognition of his ongoing professional efforts and his contribution to the development of the modern retail sector. 


V.K. Bhakshi, Chairman of Infinity Clothing Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture partner of Hameedia in India accompanied Hussain Sadique to the event to receive his award. The Asia Retail Congress is Asia’s single most important global platform that promotes world-class retail practices. The focus of the two-day event is to discuss key issues in the retail sector and influence positive changes. The Asia Retail Congress is governed by an advisory council that guides the strategic intent of the event which is aimed at company chairs, presidents and CEOs from leading international and national retailers, directors of international and national retailers, directors of international brands who believe in making change happen.

The Asia Retail Congress comprises a variety of industry experts and key players including Connie Cheng, Shopper Practice Leader, Nielsen Southeast Asia, North Asia and Pacific; Dr. Saeed Zaki, Regional Managing Director of dwp Southeast Asia; Marc Mcquain,– Cofounder and Director of Vindico Retail and POP Modular and Tina Manikas, President FCB/RED, Worldwide Retail Officer FCB Global. Other key players include Debbie Stanford Kristiansen, CEO of Novo Cinemas; Daniel Latev, Head of Retailing -Euromonitor International; Alison Carr, IIDA, NCIDQ, Retail Design Director, -Gensler; Ankur Gupta, Senior Director - Big Data, Sears Holdings Corporation and General Manager – MetaScale; Basem Bindary, Head of Business Development, GSK Consumer Health Company and Ramamurthy Thiagarajan, Regional Strategy and Operations Director of Nakumatt Holdings.

Commenting on the award, Hussain Sadique, Deputy Managing Director, Hameedia stated, “Hameedia has always set the benchmark in the men’s fashion retail industry as Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist. I am truly grateful to have received this award and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the senior management, the staff of Hameedia and my family for their ongoing support. With this type of recognition, industry professionals can enhance their level of knowledge and drive positive change in the retail sector, enabling many fashion brands in Sri Lanka to thrive.  The Asia Retail Congress plays an important role in facilitating this positive change.” 

Sadique further stated, “Hameedia’s contribution to the modern retail industry in general and to the men’s fashion retail industry in Sri Lanka in particular has been immense over the last few decades. Comparing the men’s fashion industry to what it was 30 years ago, Sri Lanka has come a long way and now has an organized modern retail industry that is developing rapidly. As a retailer dedicated to setting the benchmark in the men’s fashion industry, Hameedia has taken international trends and standards into consideration, and has adapted them to meet the needs of the ever growing local market, this has played a significant role in the development of the industry. 

Hussain Sadique recently completed thirty years of service in the fashion retail industry, and along with his two brothers, he has led the development of the Hameedia brand in Sri Lanka. Hameedia has customers, suppliers and partners who have worked with the company for three generations. During its incredible journey in Sri Lanka, Hameedia has expanded rapidly and in the future, the company will continue grow its business, enhance its operational processes and deliver high standards of service in order to attract and retain more retail customers. By creating products and services that offer exceptional value for money, and by spearheading the development of menswear fashion in Sri Lanka, Hameedia has and continues to make a significant contribution to the modern fashion retail industry in Sri Lanka.     
 
Hameedia has been able to establish branded retail stores and enhance the country’s organized modern fashion retail industry which has seen significant growth that is similar to the growth seen in other retail sectors such as FMCG, electronics, banking, healthcare and tourism etc. Overall retail industry growth has now exceeded 20% and now Sri Lanka’s retail industry is facing a very challenging period of growth,, which if handled correctly, can take it to the next level.. At the Asian Retail Congress this year, Hussain Sadique invited the congress to Sri Lanka, to review and organize a similar awards programme in Sri Lanka that recognizes the top performers in the industry.

The Asia Retail Congress comprises representatives from 40 countries across Asia and the world. The event draws up to 100 participants from different countries including guest speakers, dignitaries and award winners. The Asia Retail Congress is a non-profit making venture that is aimed at professionally developing Asia’s retail sector. This year’s the theme was “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” and the event was the single largest rendezvous of retail professionals from Asia, who came together to share ideas, predict trends and strategize a prosperous way forward for the retail sector. 

Hameedia, established in 1949, has grown to become a household brand in Sri Lanka. Renowned for high quality, custom tailoring and ready-made clothes for gents, the Hameedia multi-brand retail stores house a collection of quality menswear brands including Le Bond, Envoy, Signature, Raymond, Lee and adidas to name a few. Hameedia also prides itself on offering exceptional standards of service to ensure that clients enjoy a positive and personalized experience at each store. With a network of over 30 outlets across Sri Lanka, Hameedia has also been growing its presence globally with outlets in the Maldives and Australia.