Running a multi-crore business as siblings is no small feat, but Nikhil and Nitin Mohan, co-founders of Blackberrys Menswear, have mastered the art. Hailing from a family entrenched in the textile retail business for over 142 years with the iconic Sriram and Sons store chain, their path to menswear success seemed almost predestined. Yet, the Gurugram-based brothers took bold steps to chart their own journey, turning Blackberrys into a leading name in Indian men’s fashion.
Early Days and Vision
Their story began in 1991, in an India embracing economic liberalization. Rather than joining their family’s established stores in Chandni Chowk and South Extension, the Mohan brothers, aged 25 and 23, started Blackberrys as an independent venture. Both alumni of NIFT Delhi with a background in apparel marketing and merchandising, they plunged headfirst into the garment manufacturing business.
“Our decision to start something from scratch rather than lean on the family legacy was deliberate,” says Nikhil Mohan. In the initial days, the duo navigated Delhi’s industrial hubs like Okhla and Kotla to meet suppliers and learn the ropes of the trade.
Blackberrys’ focus was clear from the start: to redefine menswear in India. They consciously positioned the brand in the blazers and suits category, offering ready-to-wear options in bold fits and colors that broke away from the traditional dominance of black and navy blue.
Riding the Liberalization Wave
The timing of Blackberrys’ entry into the market couldn’t have been better. Liberalization brought new consumer habits, including a growing preference for ready-made garments. Brands like Shoppers Stop were entering the retail scene, and Indian men were moving away from tailored shirts toward ready-to-wear office wear. Blackberrys seized this opportunity by introducing suits and blazers in unconventional colors like teal and maroon.
“We experimented with designs and materials, even importing trims like buttons from Europe, which set us apart,” recalls Nitin Mohan.
From Wholesale to Retail Success
Over three decades, Blackberrys evolved from a wholesale manufacturer to a retail powerhouse. With 1,250 retail touchpoints across 350 cities, including 400 exclusive stores, the brand has become a household name in Indian menswear.
By 2024, Blackberrys’ annual turnover is projected to reach ₹1,800 crore, up from ₹1,500 crore the previous year. This growth is supported by the opening of 30 new retail stores in 2024, with plans for 20 more. The company also embraced online retail, partnering with Myntra and launching hyperlocal delivery options, which now contribute 7% of their revenue.
Innovating to Stay Relevant
Innovation has been a cornerstone of Blackberrys’ success. The brothers invested in R&D to launch collections like TechPro, featuring wrinkle-resistant, stretchable fabric and Smart-Dry technology to keep wearers sweat-free in any climate.
In 2022, they introduced the India Slim Fit range, tailored specifically for Indian body types. These shirts, with features like high stance collars and extended plackets, cater to the unique preferences of Indian consumers.
Challenges and the Future
The menswear market has transformed dramatically since Blackberrys began. Competition has intensified with brands like Louis Philippe and Van Heusen, and consumer preferences have diversified. “Today’s market offers excess in terms of choices, and the challenge lies in catering to both minimalist urban customers and traditional wedding shoppers from rural areas,” Nikhil explains.
Despite these challenges, the brand remains focused. “We’ve stuck to our core—men’s fashion. While we did experiment with womenswear between 2003-2010, we decided to specialize in what we do best,” says Nitin.
A Unique Partnership
The brothers attribute much of their success to their harmonious working relationship. “We didn’t write down roles when we started; it’s a partnership we created ourselves,” says Nitin.
Their personal styles reflect their individualities—Nikhil prefers minimalist layering, while Nitin enjoys experimenting with silhouettes. Despite their differences, the Mohans have built a brand that resonates with modern Indian men while staying rooted in timeless values of quality and innovation.
As Blackberrys continues to expand its footprint, the Mohan brothers remain steadfast in their commitment to shaping the future of Indian menswear. “It’s about staying relevant and listening to the customer,” Nitin concludes, a philosophy that has driven their brand for over three decades
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