Stuffcool, India’s go-to brand for tech accessories, is celebrating a major milestone – 10 years of innovation, growth, and expansion into Middle East. During an interaction with Mobility Magazine, Mr. Hemang Budhdeo, Founder & Director, Stuffcool, along with his brothers, Mr. Jiten Budhdeo and Mr. Dhaval Budhdeo, who have been the drivers behind the brand, elaborates on their journey, the brand’s achievements over the past decade, and their plans for global expansion.
Initial Steps and Evolution
Our journey began with a long history in the manufacturing industry, working with major brands such as Philips and Onida. We identified the emerging market for portable devices with the launch of Apple’s MP3 Players, Blackberry, and Nokia Mobile Phones, which prompted us to enter the accessory business. Initially, we became importers and distributors of accessories, and notably, we were the first company in India to organize distribution in this sector.
Transition & Early Products
After eight years in distribution, we decided it was time to create our own brand. In 2014, we launched Stuffcool, marking a new chapter after 40 years in manufacturing and 13 years in distribution. When Stuffcool started, our primary focus was on mobile accessories. Our initial product categories included phone cases, tempered glass, wall chargers, car chargers, cables, and sleeves. Over time, we developed a strong presence in these areas. By 2020, we observed a significant shift in consumer needs. The emphasis moved from protection to charging solutions, driven by the rise in high-speed and wireless charging demands. We introduced India’s first GaN (Gallium Nitride) charger, which allowed us to pack more power into a compact design. This innovation was timely, as many smartphone brands began omitting chargers from their packages, creating a demand for high-quality charging solutions.
Vision
Our vision has been clear: to provide reliable, state-of-the-art charging solutions that empower people to stay connected, no matter where they are in the world. Our ambition is to establish ourselves as the leading charging brand in India, a goal that drives our every effort and innovation. We are dedicated to developing high-quality charging solutions right here in India, ensuring that our products cater to the unique needs of our consumers and helping them stay seamlessly connected to their digital lives. This commitment to excellence is at the core of our mission, and we are tirelessly working on innovative approaches that not only improve convenience for our users but also enhance the overall quality of their everyday experiences.
Market Changes and Consumer Behaviour
Over the past eight years, the Indian market has evolved significantly. Consumers have become more informed and specific about their needs, seeking greater convenience and utility from their accessories. They now demand solutions that can handle multiple devices simultaneously. Post-COVID, the trend has shifted towards having an ecosystem of devices – Phones, AirPods, Apple Watches, etc. – which has increased the demand for versatile charging solutions. Consumers are now looking for products that can efficiently charge multiple devices, reflecting a shift towards more integrated and convenient charging solutions.
Strategic Focus
Our focus on advanced charging solutions and understanding consumer behaviour has positioned us as a key player in the industry. At Stuffcool, we are genuinely excited about the potential to innovate in this space and look forward to bringing our vision to life.
Expanding Network
Our primary focus lies in the north-Eastern region of India. This region presents numerous opportunities for expansion and collaboration. We have established a robust presence in the rest of India, successfully operating in over 36 cities across the country. Our network includes partnerships with approximately 4,800 retailers nationwide, underscoring our commitment to fostering strong business relationships. We are particularly interested in forging strong partnerships in Rajasthan, West Bengal and the North Eastern States. This untapped region presents a unique opportunity for business development and significant growth in that region.
Collaboration with Partners
We are continually on the lookout for dependable partners who share our vision for growth, especially in the eastern states of India, stretching from West Bengal to the Seven Sisters. We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have believed in and supported our journey. Their unwavering faith has played a crucial role in our success. Their continued support and motivation are invaluable and inspire us to improve and strive for excellence. We are committed to being the best and are actively working towards that goal.
Innovations
We have identified a significant gap in the power bank market, particularly for users of popular brands like Samsung and Pixel. Stuffcool is committed to addressing this gap with innovative products designed specifically for these users. Moreover, our vision extends beyond smartphones. We see a clear demand for competitively priced power banks that can efficiently charge a variety of devices, including Laptops, MacBooks, DSLRs, and even Gaming Consoles. The gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth in India, yet the market is still underserved with power banks tailored for gaming needs.
At Stuffcool, we are determined to address this shortcoming and provide gamers with the reliable power solutions they require. We are also excited to announce the development of compact mini power strips that leverage GaN (gallium nitride) Technology. This cutting-edge innovation will allow users to charge their phones and even MacBook Airs directly from the power strip via a Type-C port, eliminating the need for an AC plug altogether. This feature simplifies the charging process and makes it more efficient and user-friendly. Our designs will include a standard AC plug compatible with appliances worldwide, along with a built-in Type-C port to charge devices such as iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watches, and other Smartphones. This thoughtful design ensures that our consumers can stay connected and powered up, no matter where their travels take them. These initiatives represent just a few of the innovative ways we aim to enhance our consumers’ lives.
We also anticipate that Qi2 wireless charging will rise to prominence, with increasing adoption and implementation. Currently, the standard for wireless charging hovers around 15 watts. Future innovation will likely focus on delivering higher wattage through wireless technologies and integrated solutions that caters to multiple devices simultaneously.
We are proud to introduce a compact desktop charger featuring four ports and an impressive total output of up to 120 watts. This capability allows users to charge a Laptop, Smartphone, Monitor, and other Devices simultaneously from one charger. This innovation streamlines the charging process and reduces clutter, making it ideal for both home and office environments. We take great pride in being the first company in India to offer such a comprehensive charging solution, showcasing our commitment to pioneering advancements in technology and enhancing user experience.
New Launches
We are excited to unveil our latest innovation in portable charging technology: Lucid plus – our new MagSafe Power Bank. This cutting-edge device features a fully transparent front, showcasing its modern design, and a unique, breathable LED display. Designed for convenience, this power bank easily attaches to the back of your iPhone, initiating charging instantly. Its sleek appearance is complemented by a built-in stand, allowing hands-free use for activities such as watching videos, video calls, or browsing the web.
Additionally, we are launching a powerful 30-watt Power Bank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. This compact yet robust power bank is engineered for super-fast charging, making it ideal for Samsung devices. It can charge Pixel phones to 50% in just 30 minutes and provides 33-watt charging for Nothing phones. With Power Delivery (PD) charging, our power bank ensures fast and efficient charging in both directions, making it an essential accessory for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day.
Future Roadmap
In addition to focusing on the Indian market, we are excited to announce our plans for global expansion, beginning with our entry into the Middle East. By prioritizing quality and compliance, we aim to build a strong reputation and a loyal customer base as we extend our reach beyond India. At Stuffcool, we are dedicated to enhancing convenience and utility for our consumers, striving to create solutions that truly meet their needs and elevate their everyday experiences. As we explore the capabilities of wireless charging and its potential to transform how we power our devices, we anticipate exciting developments that will redefine convenience and efficiency in our daily lives.
Covered By: Mobility India / Stuffcool
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