About Asian Paints:

With an annual turnover of over Rs. 200 billion, Asian Paints today is double the size of any other
paints company in India. Driven by a vision to be the fore runner in décor and to empower customers
to create their dream home, the journey that started in 1942, powers on. Innovation and strong
consumer-focus have been the defining hallmarks of the company’s journey of over 75 years.
Credited with introducing revolutionary products, retailing format and décor concepts, the time is
apt to take yet another leap as the world gears up for the new normal.

Evolving color & décor journey:

Décor consumption in India can be broadly categorized into: inspiration & execution. Over the years,
both these aspects have undergone tremendous change. While digitalization, innovative retail
concepts and strong emergence of influencers have enriched inspiration, the execution also has seen
the advent of concepts of mechanization, professional contracting and apply-supply models. These
changes have evolved over time and have added considerable value to consumers as well as other
stakeholders in the value chain.
Color continues to be an essential element of home décor. In the entire painting process, color
selection is one element which involves everyone in the home. With advances in technology and
optimizations, the process of color selection has undergone significant changes.

First and foremost, the range of shades has exploded. Asian Paints today offers 2200 shades across
multiple products. Second key change has been in the process of selection itself. Starting from shade
cards and catalogues where the customer could only see a limited set of preset options, we are at a
stage today wherein digital visualization of the selected color, texture or wallpaper is also feasible
thereby providing the consumer an exhilarating experience.

Another aspect which has mirrored the evolutionary journey of color is Color Consultation – which
has evolved from prescription to engagement with the consumer. Consumers were earlier
dependent on contractors or dealers for suggestions on color and décor. With introduction of color
guides, brands began to consult the consumers, although not directly. A major shift in the
consultancy domain arrived with the launch of Color Consultancy service. Asian Paints has been a
pioneer in this regards with its Ezycolor color consultancy – which is provided both online as well as
offline via experts at select dealer stores. The consultancy includes elements like digital preview,
color prescription and décor tips among other elements.
With the evolution of paint industry, the engagement level has seen a significant shift, thereby
creating an interesting aspect in Indian home décor and maintenance space – the concept of ‘Do It
Yourself (DIY)’.
DIY in Painting: A lackluster concept
Traditionally, the Indian consumers have not been part of the décor/painting DIY bandwagon. There
are multiple factors that can be attributed to this trait. Firstly, painting is a complex activity involving
understanding of the application surface, multiple products, mixing ratios, etc. The know-how of
these among the general consumers is limited. Also its the pain in PAINting that dissuades people
from it. Customers perceive it as a clumsy & time taking process. Secondly, the painting labor cost in
India is low. While it has grown significantly over the years, the overall cost still continues to be much
lower compared to Western countries. Thirdly, the cross-country migration has ensured easy
availability of painters across the country which has further kept the labor rates under check.
Fourthly, there are limited parallel DIY examples in allied sectors like plumbing, construction, etc.
thereby limiting the overall movement towards DIY.

The Introduction of sampler pots created an avenue for self-trial as an exploration before painting,
but this still largely existed in the world of painters & contractors. An attempt by Asian Paints in 2011
of introducing TIY ‘try it yourself’ range didn’t see too much of a traction despite the ease of usage.

DIY: The Opportunity

However, the experience of tectonic shifts witnessed in décor consumption, color and color
consultation point to an increased involvement of consumers in the painting process. By extension,
the shift to DIY in the painting industry in India is inevitable.
Few changes in the macro environment are likely to accelerate the shift in the Indian context:
• Home is now finding a central spot in all activities – like a multifunctional hub, a place where
people live, work, play, learn and shop. This is bound to influence home décor & maintenance in a
big way
• With ‘Work from Home (WFH)’ gaining prominence, and people spending more than the usual
time at home, homer décor & maintenance is set to occupy a larger share of the mind space
Numbers also point in the similar direction:

• 115 million+ digital consumers in India are actively searching for ‘DIY’
• 30 million+ of these consumers are in the age bracket of 35-44 years
• Interest for DIY has seen a tremendous surge over pre-March period as observed through digital
search patterns ~ 100% growth in ‘DIY queries’ & 90% growth in ‘how to paint’ queries.
The DIY market, in India, is thus, at a tipping point – still in a nascent stage but expected to explode.
The Scope:
Over the years, Asian Paints has provided infinite celebrations to millions of consumers through
innovative unique solutions, cutting edge tech & revolutionary products. With changes imminent in
the home décor & maintenance space, it seemed to be a perfect time to take the organization into
the DIY space. A Strategy team named ‘AtmaNirbhar’ comprising of representative from various
functions- Sales, Marketing, Research & Technology & Supply Chain formed has formulated the
strategy for entry into the DIY space. The team has worked on innovative products across categories
packaged in easy-to-use spray cans & kits.
The team also strategized an alternate channel through e-commerce to take the product to
consumers via all leading e-com platforms in India
The team has launched products across repair & maintenance, health & hygiene and décor space.
Visit the page to know more about the product range.
https://www.asianpaints.com/online-shop/Do-it-yourself.html

Now, the key aspects for deliberation before the team are:
• Consumers: Consumer propensity to DIY is higher for repair & maintenance space or fun or both?
• Future product mix strategy: Large opportunity areas in DIY space that are begging for
investment– Aspects of home décor and maintenance over which DIY concept could fan across
• Market Landscape: Is the market ready for an organized player like AP to consolidate? How does
the competition scenario pan out?

Points to Ponder:
• Other industries/sectors that have gone through or are undergoing a similar DIY shift?
• Content & Influencer Marketing – Relevance in the home décor & maintenance space?
• Stakeholders: How does the DIY shift affect thousands of dealers and lakhs of contractors who
have been instrumental to the success of Asian Paints?