From Architecture To Top Luxury Furniture Retailer:Niveditha Reddy’s Journey With Rise Group

FDT Bureau

In the bustling city of Bangalore, a story of passion, innovation, and luxury unfolds through the journey of Niveditha Reddy. Furniture Design & Technology Magazine (FDT) met the architect-turned-retail entrepreneur who founded Rise Group. This feature delves into how she transformed her architectural expertise into a thriving business, bringing high[1]end Italian furniture and kitchen brands to India. Through Rise Group, she has not only enriched the Indian market with exquisite Italian designs but has also set a benchmark in the luxury furniture and kitchen sector, promising a future where beauty and functionality coexist seamlessly.



THE GENESIS OF RISE GROUP
Niveditha Reddy began her career in architecture, a field that naturally fed her appreciation for design and aesthetics. With an eye for beauty and a desire to introduce unique products to the Indian market, she ventured into the retail sector, establishing Rise Group a decade ago. The company’s inception was driven by her passion for innovative and sustainable design, starting with the luxury kitchen brand Valcucine. “I always wanted to bring something unique to the market in India,” Niveditha recounts. Her quest for innovation led her to Valcucine, a brand renowned for its high sustainability andcutting-edge design. Recognizing a gap in the Indian market for such products, she introduced Valcucine to Karnataka, setting the stage for Rise Group’s expansion.

EXPANDING HORIZONS
Following the success with Valcucine, Niveditha’s exposure to other Italian brands grew. She discovered exceptional products like Rimadesio, known for its solid build and unique designs. Her strategy was clear: to curate and introduce the best of what Italy had to offer, filling the void she identified in India’s luxury market. “As an architect, I knew these things were missing in our market,” she explains. Over the years, Rise Group has evolved to encompass a range of high-end Italian brands. This organic growth has solidified the company’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury furniture and kitchen solutions.



THE BANGALORE MARKET
Bangalore, with its growing affluence and demand for luxury products, has been fertile ground for Rise Group. Niveditha notes that the city’s appetite for high-end furnishings has been strong for decades, and it continues to grow as more affluent and discerning consumers seek unique, high-quality products.“Luxury furniture has always had a demand in Bangalore,” she states. The city’s dynamic growth and the influx of wealthy individuals ensure that the market for luxury goods remains robust. Despite the challenges, Niveditha believes that Bangalore will continue to be a significant market for Rise Group.

THE BUSINESS MODEL
In the luxury retail sector, foot traffic is not the primary driver of sales. Instead, it is about creating strong networks with architects, interior designers, and influencers who can vouch for the products. “Footfall showroom visits never happen without an appointment,” Niveditha explains. The success of Rise Group hinges on these relationships, where word-of-mouth and professional recommendations play crucial roles.

CREATING THE PERFECT AMBIANCE
Niveditha emphasizes the importance of showroom presentation. Luxury products require a display that matches their exclusivity and elegance. “When you put fewer products on display in a more beautiful way, with the right kind of lighting and complements, it creates the perfect ambiance,” she advises. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that clients have a memorable experience, reinforcing the brand’s luxury image.



THE EXPERIENCE CENTER
Rise Group operates a singular, extensive experience center in Bangalore, encompassing 7,500 square feet over three floors. Each floor is dedicated to different product categories: the first floor showcases kitchens, the second features wardrobes, doors, and furniture, and the third houses administrative offices along with additional displays. This layout allows clients to immerse themselves fully in the offerings, guided by expert advice tailored to their specific needs.

LOOKING AHEAD
As Niveditha continues to lead Rise Group, her vision remains focused on bringing the best of Italian design to India while adapting to the evolving market needs. Her journey from architecture to retail exemplifies how passion, coupled with a keen understanding of market demands, can create a successful business that stands the test of time. “We’re bringing in expertise from our partner companies, learning from them, and using that knowledge to create designs for our clients,” she says. This approach ensures that Rise Group stays at the forefront of luxury design, offering products that are not only beautiful but also innovative and sustainable.