Some study, some play

Introduced by Manoj Chandra four months ago, the Gurgaon-based Allschoolstuff.com has an attractive and easy-to-navigate layout, an impressive range of stationery and a recently launched sports section. The online shopping site caters to almost every child’s requirements for school, with over 10,000 products to choose from.According to Manoj Chandra, CEO, “Allschoolstuff. com was born out of a parent’s need to meet his children’s educational supplies requirement in a convenient manner from a single store.” So you will find everything from teaching aid kits and activity materials to water bottles and exam guides.Making a moveThe education sector, estimated to be over $5 billion and growing at a rate of 20 per cent per annum, was fertile ground for Chandra, a marketing professional with over two decades of experience in the field, including a stint at Bata India. Certain factors like the huge gaps in supply and demand outside the metro cities, rapid entry of foreign brands and low presence of the organised sector in our cities (about 15 per cent) was the impetus he needed to get started on the portal. “The rising propensity of the consumers to spend on quality products also contributed as a major factor,” he explains. The imported products comprise almost 50 per cent of  the range.Subject matterAlthough the product range is extensive, we can see that most of the items are targeted towards children in the 10 grade and below. Subjects like Psychology, Home Science, Accountancy, Political Science, etc, usually seen in Std 11 and 12 syllabi, are not to be found. The stationery range (both school and office products) comprises 24 brands like Ben10, Hannah Montana and Noddy.The ‘one stop shop’ concept works well for rural consumers, where quality items are not readily available. Besides students, those looking to set up a stationery shop will find all the necessary supplies on the portal, and the pricing is competitive. Also, parents on the lookout for project essentials like sparkle glue and Barbie creative dough will find them here.Gift vouchers (Rs 250-Rs 1,000) and combo offers (limited to books) are available. There is no delivery charge for orders above Rs 250.Details: allschoolstuff.com