The PC market in India continues to evolve, driven by changing consumer needs, technological advancements, and a growing demand for versatile computing solutions. Acer India has been a key player in this space, leveraging its innovative products and strong market strategies to maintain its leadership. In this exclusive interview, Rajeev Ranjan, Editor, Digital Terminal, speaks with Sanjeev Mehtani, Chief Sales Officer, Acer India, to discuss the company’s growth, retail expansion plans, and the critical role of channel partners in shaping its success in the Indian PC market
Rajeev: How do you see the growth of AI PC market in India? What are your offerings to meet the demand in this segment?
Sanjeev: The AI-enabled PC market in India is poised for substantial growth, with rising demand from commercial and enterprise sectors. By 2024, AI-capable PCs are anticipated to account for around 18% of global shipments, with this figure expected to reach 40% by 2025 due to advances in on-device AI features like productivity boosts, personalization, and energy efficiency powered by Neural Processing Units (NPUs).
At Acer, we are leading this transformation with our AI-integrated models like the Swift 14 AI, TravelMate, and Predator Helios AI laptops. Our Swift AI leverages its NPU for secure, local processing in tasks like image enhancement, offering enhanced privacy. The TravelMate series brings AI-driven security and features such as Intel's Stable Diffusion plugin, while the Predator Helios 16 laptops enhance gaming with real-time, AI-generated maps and immersive experiences. We envision expanding local Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities directly on our devices through NPUs, which we see as a powerful differentiator in this evolving market.
Rajeev: Acer has been aggressively expanding its retail presence across India. What is the current strategy behind this expansion, and how do you plan to tap into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities?
Sanjeev: Acer’s retail expansion strategy is focused on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where a significant portion of its sales comes from: 40% through exclusive stores and 50% from multi-brand outlets in these regions. This approach is driven by the cost-effective nature of operating in smaller cities, alongside the growing demand for technology as these areas become more economically and digitally advanced. We have set an ambitious target to open over 300 stores by early 2025.
As part of our commitment to the "Make in India" initiative, Acer has partnered with Dixon Technologies, an Indian electronics manufacturer, to produce Acer-branded products locally. Our strategy includes strengthening our local store presence by targeting high-traffic retail locations, such as high-street spaces, to gain better control over logistics and improve product visibility and accessibility. By combining physical stores with digital platforms, we aim to offer seamless access to our product range, catering to the growing tech-savvy consumer base across India’s diverse markets.
Rajeev: How does Acer plan to stay ahead of the competition in the gaming PC and laptop market?
Sanjeev: We are focusing on cutting-edge technology and innovation. One of our key strengths is our ability to anticipate shifts in consumer behavior and emerging tech trends. We closely monitor these changes and adapt our strategies to ensure we remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving tech sector.
By embracing digital transformation and leveraging the expertise of our dedicated team, we have consistently turned challenges into opportunities for growth. We are also deepening our connection with the local gaming community by supporting esports and enhancing accessibility, particularly through our expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This helps us strengthen our market presence and reach more gamers across the country.
Rajeev: Can you outline Acer India’s growth targets by the end of the current financial year?
Sanjeev: Acer has set an ambitious growth trajectory for the current financial year, with the goal of becoming India’s second-largest PC manufacturer, targeting a market share of 18-20%. This aligns with our objective of achieving 35% year-over-year growth, driven by strong consumer demand, particularly among first-time buyers. We are focusing on strengthening our local manufacturing to build resilience against geopolitical challenges, and we plan to produce 70-75% of our products in India by the next financial quarter.
Additionally, we are expanding our offline retail network to improve accessibility and increase brand visibility across various cities and regions. Our growth strategy is centered on meeting rising demand, optimizing supply chains through localized production, and establishing a stronger retail presence that caters to the evolving preferences of Indian consumers.
Rajeev: What initiatives are in place to strengthen Acer’s channel partner network, and how do you plan to empower them to drive more sales?
Sanjeev: We have implemented a comprehensive partner support strategy to strengthen our channel network and drive growth. This approach includes specialized training programs to equip partners with detailed product knowledge, tailored marketing support, and region-specific promotional resources to address local market demands effectively. Acer also offers partners a range of financial incentives, including front-end discounts and dedicated account management services, to enhance engagement and drive sales. Regular feedback sessions allow us to understand our partners' evolving needs and adjust its support strategies, accordingly, fostering a collaborative and profitable relationship with its partners.
Rajeev: Customer service is a key component of consumer satisfaction. How does Acer ensure robust after-sales service across India, particularly in remote areas?
Sanjeev: At Acer India, we recognize that customer service is essential for building trust and loyalty, especially in the tech industry, where after-sales support plays a crucial role in overall satisfaction. We place a strong emphasis on providing robust customer service, ensuring our service network reaches not only urban centers but also remote areas across the country.
We engage with customers through digital channels like Instagram and Twitter, in addition to traditional support methods such as toll-free helplines and on-site repairs. This proactive approach helps us resolve issues promptly, minimize downtime, and build long-term relationships with our customers. We are committed to enhancing the overall customer experience, making sure they feel supported wherever they are.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 WhatsApp Channel now! 👈📲
𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝐬 👉 Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram