“Garmin has this huge legacy, especially on the GPS front. But we also keep evolving and innovating. We spend a lot of money on R&D so as to offer something which makes people’s lives easier”, Yeshudas Pillai said, adding, “that’s the reason for coming from aviation to marine to wearables.” Announcing the plans to have a major expansion in India in 2023, Pillai said, “I have always been a great believer of innovation and technology and the potential it has to change the moving world. I am excited to join the Garmin team and accelerate its growth in India.” Pillai has a long road ahead but his experience of over 16 years has made his case strong for Garmin. He has been associated with companies like Harmon, Sony, Casio and Nestle in the past. In conversation with Smartprix, Pillai emphasized that his brand focus on quality over price and thus its will stay away from 250-300 dollars segment. When we asked him about Apple Watch Ultra announcement and Apple’s entry into space which thus far is being dominated by Garmin Pillai said, “Competition is usually beneficial because it drives you to deliver better products.” The company is planning to expand its retail sales network with plans to add 7 more brand stores by the end of 2023. The company has only 3 stores in India at the moment. These stores will also double up as a service collection point. In future, Garmin may also consider local manufacturing of its wearables if it sees sustained demand and growth in the Indian market.
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