-- New “World of Hayleys” outlet opened in Colombo --

U nique Sri Lankan products that have penetrated markets around the globe, but have not been accessible locally, are among a multifaceted collection of products and services from the Hayleys Group’s extensive portfolio now available at an inimitable showroom opened by the 132 year old business group in Colombo this week.

The World of Hayleys is a new-concept retail outlet designed to be a representative window that showcases what this widely respected blue chip conglomerate offers consumers and businesses in Sri Lanka and around the world, in a compact yet comprehensive one-stop browsing and shopping experience.

Located at the Deans Road headquarters complex of Hayleys, the World of Hayleys outlet which opened its doors to the public on Friday, 19 th February is conceptually linked to the prototype outlet opened by the Group in Jaffna in December, but utilises a futuristic pod-style presentation inside and outside that is unique to it.

“Hayleys products utilising Sri Lankan raw material and harnessing local ingenuity are on the shelves of some of the world’s leading retail stores and in homes in some of the most affluent nations,” Hayleys Chairman Mohan Pandithage said. “The World of Hayleys is intended to offer these and other products and services to our own consumers, and to be a unique anthology of our Group for potential investors and others who would like to know more about Hayleys.”

Multiplicity in an easily accessible compact space is the key feature of the World of Hayleys showroom. From pickled gherkins to travel and transportation solutions,    light bulbs to digital cameras, mattresses and floor mats to generators and agri-equipment, shampoos and razors to potted flower plants, the 1,200 square-foot space accommodates myriad products and services that represent the panoramic Hayleys offering.

“The World of Hayleys is also a tribute to the distinguishing Hayleys philosophy of innovation and value addition to indigenous raw materials, and to the pioneering spirit that has powered more than a century of diversification,” Mr. Pandithage said.

The new showroom also presents another Hayleys innovation: more than half the customer space is provided by the conversion of two 40-foot containers into a sleek showroom by the Group company Logiventures, which offers among other services, convertainer engineering to those seeking speedy space solutions.

Behind the showroom is a 300-foot Greenhouse accommodating flowering plants, other flora and agri inputs for home gardening enthusiasts. A qualified agriculture specialist will be on hand to provide advice and guidance on planting and plant care.

For those seeking information, contacts or facilitation of business with any of the Hayleys Group’s companies, the World of Hayleys will also be a point of contact and staff at the outlet will respond to all inquiries. The showroom will be open from 9 am to 7 pm Monday to Sunday.

Hayleys Director Rizvi Zaheed said: “Besides functioning as a showroom, the World of Hayleys will also be a physical representation of everything the Group stands for -- products of world class quality, knowledge that is shared freely, innovation, domestic value-addition and best practices in sustainability and eco-friendliness. Our challenge was to showcase all of this in a small and non-intimidating space that encourages a visit.”

Rated a Business-to-Business (B2B) Superbrand among Sri Lanka’s diversified conglomerates and thrice adjudged Sri Lanka’s best corporate citizen, the Hayleys Group employs more than 33,000 people and accounts for 2.3 per cent of Sri Lanka’s export income. Starting business as Chas P. Hayley & Company in Galle in 1878, Hayleys has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most diversified business groups today and owns manufacturing facilities and marketing companies in several overseas locations.