Go Trotting! with Yuktie Jhangiani

Go Trotting! with Yuktie Jhangiani

Yuktie is a partner at Prrem’s – India’s premier Winter Wear and Outdoor Multi-Brand Outlet. Prrem’s has been keeping Indian Travelers stylish and warm since 1996.

What is the story behind Prrem’s?

Prrem’s is named after my Grandmother, who loved to travel. She went alone to the United States in the 1970s. Both my grandparents enjoyed the mountains, they shared their experiences of their visits to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath with me and my sister. As a school kid, I always remember her passionately reading the National Geographic magazine.

The business was started by my grandmother and mother in 1996 since they realized the increasing interest in travel and the gap in the market with regards seasonal clothing. My grandfather’s experience in retail, in customized tailoring of men’s suitings through his store Davysons, helped Prrem’s in the initial years.

I joined the company in 2010 after completing my CA and MBA (Finance). Over the last 4 years, the focus has been on new product development, setting up the e-commerce website, an inventory management system and reaching out to the travel community.

What is your inspiration to travel

Stories of yore, art and textile heritage, adventure sports inspire me to travel.

I am planning a long road trip to the countries that form part of the Silk Route where I get to see and hopefully visit the source of their handicrafts. My research has shortlisted seeing carpets in Iran, blue pottery in Uzbekistan, the beautiful Yurts in Afghanistan. I am still building on the itinerary for this trip. Turkey has been on my list for a while to visit Iznik for their attractive tiles.

My clients also inspire me to explore new places. When someone visits us before going to New York to run the marathon or before they go cross country cycling from Sikkim to Bhutan, I am amazed and inspired to pursue fitness and adventure. Next on my travel calendar is Gulmarg; planning to go in February to learn skiing.

What is Prrems’ role as part of the travel community

Prrem’s helps provide accurate information to follow travelers about the clothing required for places they want to travel. We also help connect fellow travelers and share travel experiences on our blog.

Being passionate travelers ourselves, mountains and waterfalls are my favorite. The wonder and sheer beauty of the snow capped mountains doesn’t cease.

Tell us a bit more about the products one might find @ Prrems

When one travels to a cold place, it is important to layer themselves, depending on their resistance to cold. All the layers required i.e. Base thermals, mid layers like fleece jackets and sweaters, shell layer like all weather jackets and winter accessories are available at Prrem’s. Anything you require for temperatures from 15 degrees upto -30 degrees centigrade is available at one place.

98% of our products are made in India. Incase of pure wool thermals and sweaters, they come with a Woolmark certification.

Apart from this, for travel and outdoor clothing we also have specialized products like reversible ski pants, waterproof gloves, cotton tees and quick dry track pants.

How are you using social media to promote Prrems?

Social media platforms like Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram have helped us in two ways. One is to reach out to a wider audience base. The second advantage is that our existing clients can order from us from any destination of the world.

It also helps engage with the travel community through initiatives like the Featured Traveller on our blog. We showcase a person who travels to explore, to get to know themselves. Wherever possible, I interview the traveller in person. The experiences they share are showcased in the blog post. It has been amazing to talk to Jayesh Morvankar, Founder of Odati Adventures who has completed the Everest Base Camp trek and is preparing for the summit.

Your thoughts on Sustainable Travel ?

Nature has blessed us with so much beauty around in the form of beaches, mountains, the underwater life, forests and more. It is important to respect Mother Nature and maintain the sanctity of the places we visit.

On my recent visit to the Patagonia store in Munich, the manager shared with us how serious the company is about maintaining the eco-system. The founder, Yvon Chouinard, was a Black Smith and they made pitons used for climbing mountains. When he realized that these pitons were damaging the rock, he closed his business altogether till he found an environment friendly alternative. This was truly inspirational.

Any advice for fellow travelers on what they can do to take care of the environment?

• Any wrappers used in the course of travel should be put in a bin or carried in your pocket/bag to be discarded later incase there is no trash can.
• Be sensitive to leave the place as it was for you to let other travelers enjoy it as well.
• Follow instructions on the sign boards or those given by authorities.

Contact Info for Premm’s