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Origin | Example of Dedication | Pioneering Retail Revolution | Activities over the years | CSD at a Glance | Growth | Clientele | Areas of improvement | Future plans
History
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PIONEERING RETAIL REVOLUTION BY CSDPre partition group photograph of Rawalpindi CSD depot

CSD pioneered the retail revolution, even before the advent of modern retail trade format in vogue today. In order to live up to the motto of CSD “ Service to the Services” wherever Jawans required products, the same was positioned through 34 CSD depots all over the country. It appears that in recognition of these continued efforts in India, a retired Pakistani Officer who worked in undivided CSD prior to partition of India, presented a pre partition group photograph of Rawalpindi CSD depot staff, to the General Manager in 2007, having felt that the same will be better utilized by CSD in India. This photograph finds its pride of place in the ‘ Coffee Table Book’ of CSD released during Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2008.

The changes in the retail market in India post 2000 have been rapid. New goods and services were launched at a pace never seen before. CSD, adopted itself and changed many of its practices despite being a Government organization and enlisted such new goods in CSD inventory by proactive measures. The white goods market underwent dramatic changes, due to higher purchasing power of consumers, with advanced technological models replacing the older ones at a faster pace. This trend was noticeable in CARS, Electronic items, etc. The models of such products were changing rapidly. CSD, by constant interaction with MNCs, large business houses successfully enlisted such products at the same pace that of the civil market. Thus Armed Forces personnel could also get these products in line with the trend in the civil market, through CSD Depots also thereby enhancing the image of CSD.

CSD with its vast experience of managing the supply chain and retail management for over 6 decades have a head start over other modern retail format. However, constant refinements in the systems and procedures, ensures that CSD have cutting edge over others despite the fact that it is a Welfare Organisation committed to the service of Jawans, Airmen and Sailors wherever they are. The surpluses of CSD, unlike a civil dealer, are ploughed back to the various welfare activities of the Army, Air force, and Navy for supporting the Hospitals, War Widows, schools, paraplegic homes etc.


COMMUNICATION WITH PARTNERS IN CSD BUSINESS

CSD is alive to the need for constant interaction with various firms supplying their products. An annual meet with the firms called ‘ CANSUP’ is in vogue for the past 2 decades. During 2009, in recognition of the firms as partners in CSD business, the name of the annual event was changed to ‘ CANPART’ and efforts are constantly underway to keep the views of the firms as far as possible, within the domain of Government policies, for better business relationship.


CONSUMER FORUM

The consumer views are constantly sought through quarterly meetings at each CSD Depot. The forum was further expanded PAN INDIA in the past decade. Bi Annual Consumer forum meet are organized by Army Hq in which senior officials of all related agencies interact in the larger interest of the clientale.


ALL INDIA CSD OFFICERS CONFERENCE

CSD also organizes an annual All India CSD Officers Conference, to review policies, practices and procedures keeping in view the increasing aspirations of CSD clientale across PAN INDIA. CSD Officers commanding various depots and Regional Managers of CSD share the expectations of the clientale and business partners for enhancing the performance of CSD in the years to come.