Interview with Ashish Goel: CEO – UrbanLadder
Q: Ashish, what inspired you to start UrbanLadder, and how did the idea come about?
Ashish Goel: The inspiration for UrbanLadder came from my own experiences with furniture shopping. I realized how frustrating it was to find quality furniture that fit both style and functionality. The traditional retail environment was often overwhelming, and online options were limited. We wanted to create a platform where customers could easily explore a wide range of well-designed, functional furniture from the comfort of their homes.
Q: What challenges did you face when launching UrbanLadder, and how did you overcome them?
Ashish Goel: One of the biggest challenges was changing consumer behavior. In India, online furniture shopping wasn’t very common at the time, so we had to build trust. We invested heavily in high-quality imagery and detailed product descriptions to ensure customers felt confident making purchases. Additionally, logistics was a challenge, given the size and fragility of furniture. We focused on creating a robust delivery and assembly system to enhance the customer experience.
Q: How did UrbanLadder differentiate itself from other online furniture retailers?
Ashish Goel: We focused on curating a collection of stylish and functional furniture that appealed to modern consumers. Our design philosophy emphasizes not just aesthetics but also usability. We also prioritized customer service, offering features like easy returns and a dedicated support team to assist with any inquiries. Creating a seamless omnichannel experience, including physical stores, further set us apart.
Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in UrbanLadder’s growth journey?
Ashish Goel: A pivotal moment was when we secured our first significant round of funding. It validated our business model and allowed us to invest in expanding our product range, enhancing technology, and increasing our marketing efforts. This support helped us scale rapidly and solidify our position in the market.
Q: What valuable lessons have you learned as an entrepreneur in the e-commerce space?
Ashish Goel: One of the key lessons is the importance of adaptability. The market is constantly evolving, and being open to feedback and willing to pivot when necessary is crucial. Additionally, building a strong team that shares your vision can significantly impact your success. Lastly, focusing on customer experience can lead to long-term loyalty.
Q: What’s next for UrbanLadder, and what do you envision for the company’s future?Ashish Goel: We’re focusing on expanding our product offerings and enhancing our technology to provide an even better shopping experience. We’re also looking to increase our presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where we see a growing demand for quality furniture. Our vision is to become the go-to destination for all home furnishing needs, empowering customers to create their ideal living spaces.
