‘Gifts for U’, as it is popularly called by the Barodians, offers one of the most extensive selections of artistic multiples. The shop features a variety of imitation jewellery, art images and a collection of show pieces along with greeting cards and gifts for all ages and all occasions. “We provide gifts with quality and brand and ensure that your gift of love is delivered appropriately to the customer,” says young entrepreneur Umesh Udhwani,the man behind ‘For U’.
Hailing from a business family, Umesh had many business opportunities lying ahead of him but he chose to open a gift shop and that too in the most happening place in Vadodara. “It was a challenge for me to open my shop in the Fatehgunj area but I took the risk and it paid off,” said Umesh. He added that the venture was even more challenging as his gift shop was located opposite several other well-established gift shops.
A B.Com graduate from the MSU Baroda, Umesh always had an innate instinct for business and a passion to create something of his own. While studying he used to visit many gift shops with his friends in the city and observe the people and their choice of gifts. This social study soon became Umesh’s passion and then ‘Gifts for U’ came into being.
According to Umesh, the gift shop is for all age groups -- from 9 to 99 -- and one can find all items of one’s choice in ‘For U’.
Umesh established his shop on the main road in Fathehgunj with a target of giving people high quality products and service at affordable prices. “We mainly target the lower middle and middle classes, and one can find products ranging from Re.1 to Rs.1000 in our shop, and we continuously update our collection according to popular demand,” says Umesh, who always keeps a visitors’ book at the counter for their suggestions. He also adds that the upper classes can also find worthy items here, but very expensive items are limited as he mainly concentrates on the middle class.
On being asked why he chose to take this risk despite coming from an already well-established business family, he replied that being a Sindhi, business is in his blood and being able to create his very own brand is the only reason why he chose to set up this independent establishment, despite much opposition from his family.
Starting from an initial capital of a few lakhs borrowed from his father, Umesh has made ‘For U’ a brand name in Vadodara today; with a wide variety of gifts and jewellery, cosmetics and other products. Umesh does not wish to open any more branches of the gift shop anywhere else in Vadodara. He wants his shop to be unique, and hopes to add to its prosperity by continuosuly developing the shop by increasing number of floors and choice of products available.
Yourstory wishes Umesh success and hopes that all his dreams come true.
