History of Nishat: Nishat Mills was initiated not long after the Partition by Naz Mansha’s father-in-law. Naz began doing her thing way back in 1989, which was home textiles majorly bed linens.
Career Change to Fashion
In 1994, Naz shifted her career to fashion fabrics, selling fabrics by yard initially and later in stitched women’s clothing and accessories.
Empowering Women:
During such years, the women work force at Nishat has mushroomed under the auspices of a nurturing working environment with an emphasis on their employment. Naz clearly, asserts the need to provide opportunities for women because many are eager to add to their household incomes.
Business Diversification:
Apart from textiles, the Nishat Group has ventured into banking, cement, hospitality, agriculture, and so on. Various sectors of the Nishat group are headed by members of Naz’s family.
Corporate Farming:
The group farms, with dairy being one of the primary productions and crops like wheat, rice, and corn.
Challenges Facing the Textile Industry:
Naz speaks about the challenges of conducting business in Pakistan, including the inflation and cost increase there. While competition breeds quality says Naz, competition opens up trouble in terms of market saturation and price pressure.
Retail Strategy:
Presently, about 20% of Nishat’s sales are online and is likely to increase. The brand has bricks and clicks combination, predominantly keeping up with local behavior.
Economic Outlook:
Naz laments about the present condition of the economy in Pakistan, stating that historically it has never had such inflationary conditions and it is affecting the middle class. A more friendly business environment would attract growth in her opinion.
