When fair and fare merged...

Organised by the MBA Marketing students of PESIT, the event succeeded to grab the attention of thousands of students. 

The retail trade fair consisted of 26 stalls consisting of stationary items, gift articles, apparels, electronic goods, automobiles, Ganesha collection, fashion accessories, beauty products, nail art, hair colouring and extension. Some of these stalls even informed people about different NGO services. The gaming zones were thronged by many as they offered variety of fun activities. Apart from these, there were a number of food stalls to cater to the needs of the students.

“I am happy with the response we received for our textile products. Our kurtis, leggings, stoles and accessories were sold like hot cakes,” exclaimed Pooja, one of the stall owners.

There were 12 participants for Next Big Idea competition which was conducted in collaboration with the IIM-Bangalore. The students were selected for the final round based on parameters like financial feasibility, operational strategy and innovative approach. MP Birla Institute of Management, BNMIT and IBMT got an entry into the final round. Finally, IBMT emerged as a winner and grabbed a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 25,000. MP Birla Institute of Management stood second and received a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 15,000.

Prof Vijaya Lakshmi, a senior faculty, who was instrumental in conducting the event, was happy with the success of the trade fair. “All the 38 marketing students worked day and night to make the event a big success. I asked them to think out of the box and they proved themselves by applying their theoretical knowledge practically,” she said.

A panel discussion was also held to give an insight into the retail industry.

The event concluded with a ramp walk, during which, the students catwalked as they held the products of the various stall owners. Dressed in a variety of costumes, the student models showcased products like perfumes, soaps, laptops, accessories, electronic goods and ethnic wear.