Introduction:
Consider upgrading your shave from a dull routine to a boring ritual to a moment of care—Bombay Shaving Company allowed millions of people to do just that. Back in 2016, 80% of Indian men were still using the cheap, double-edged razors that often resulted in cuts and difficulty. A startup asked, What if shaving could be more than just a task? Could it transform into a luxurious, self-affirming ritual? That’s when Bombay Shaving Company was founded in 2016 by Shantanu Deshpande and his team, turning this new idea into a Rs 300 crore company by 2023. In less than a decade, Bombay Shaving Company transformed India’s grooming industry. In 2023, Bombay Shaving Company achieved ₹ 500 crore in revenue, holding approximately 21% of the market share in the Indian grooming industry and building a strong community of more than 1 million engaging followers. The Bombay Shaving Company launched affordable luxury grooming products that fit busy schedules by appealing to those individuals who are frustrated with their basic grooming options or quick barber visits. These products are designed to make shaving, beard care, or hair removal feel pleasant rather than just doing the job. With their focus on providing quality, which included natural ingredients and well-planned design, they grew from an online store to more than 65,000 outlets across the country. This post walks you through their story, including how they made a unique product, which helped them to strategically scale to a wider audience and leverage marketing that attracts consumers wanting value and quality. The Bombay Shaving Company story will provide you with insight into what happens when a brand focuses on regular customers, whether you’re interested in its success journey or considering upgrading your grooming.
The Founding Vision: Solving India’s Shaving Problems
Every brilliant idea begins with a spark, and Bombay Shaving Company Bombay Shaving Company came from Shantanu Deshpande, a former McKinsey analyst who saw and grabbed the untapped opportunity in the men’s grooming market. For many years, the Indian men’s grooming industry was dominated by cheap, poor razors, which Indian men viewed shaving as a boring task rather than a moment of self-care. The majority of Indians used old double-edged razors or disposable ones, which often resulted in cuts, burns, and skin irritation—issues so frequent that they were just taken for granted. Customers were forced to choose between expensive imported brands that didn’t suit Indian skin and hair types or inexpensive yet ineffective products due to a lack of high-quality yet cost-effective grooming options available in the market. Many men were hesitant to try quality skincare or high-end shaving techniques because self-care was often dismissed as vanity. With limited innovation and a lack of focus on consumer experience, the sector was becoming stagnant. After identifying the gaps, Bombay Shaving Company recognized an opportunity to transform the industry.” He launched Bombay Shaving Company in the year 2016 by developing a single, unique product: a luxurious grooming kit. In 2016, along with a team of peers skilled in branding, technology, and fast-moving consumer goods, he launched Bombay Shaving Company with one standout product: a high-end shaving kit. Think of innovative thinkers like Raunak Munot and tech-savvy Deepu Panicker. Their vision was clear: to transform shaving into an enjoyable routine for men who were often frustrated with outdated options. With a fresh perspective and a blend of business knowledge, their goal was to provide both ease and quality through innovative yet accessible solutions.What started as a simple idea grew into a well-known brand in India, showing how one innovative spark, backed by a dedicated team, can make a real impact in a crowded market.
The Founding Vision: Solving India’s Shaving Problems
By integrating innovative design with a focus on daily needs, Bombay Shaving Company has established a unique position in the Indian grooming industry. German-engineered razors designed for Indian hair density are the first example of Bombay Shaving Company product innovation, allowing for an important part of its competitive edge. These are designed to manage the thicker hair that is typical of Indian men, so they’re not simply sharp; they also provide a smoother shave with less irritation. Over the years, Bombay Shaving Company has extended its product category by rolling out products like beard oil, hair care, perfumes, and skin care products. This impressive growth reflects how they’ve consistently offered products that are both practical and gentle on the skin, especially for facial shaving.
They also have a strong consumer focus. Bombay Shaving Company puts accessibility first by offering reasonably priced products like the Sensi range, providing the best grooming to a wider audience without sacrificing performance. With its focus on providing the best shaving experience, it has led to improvement and provides a wide range of products, from shaving to skin care products. As a result, they’ve earned the trust of people who value care over flash, proving that they’re doing more than just filling shelves—they’re building real connections with their customers.
The branding of Bombay Shaving Company keeps it relevant and effective. They marketed grooming as an encouraging practice throughout the pandemic, urging men to look their best even in difficult times—think polished Zoom conversations versus sloppy lockdowns. Their blog and social media combine guidance with a casual, relatable tone by sharing useful advice on topics like growing a bigger beard or creating lather foam. This style resonates with urban shoppers who look for brands that make them feel both relevant and authentic.
What connects them all? Connection and quality come together. Bombay Shaving Company, from razors to precise cutting razors to affordable options, promotes their brand as if it is advice from a friend. Their blend of attention to detail and creativity sets them apart from competitors who are simply seeking a routine upgrade.
Marketing Genius: Building a Strong Community
The bombay shaving compnay provides a memorable experience for customers in addition to selling grooming products. The Bombay Shaving Company (BSC) offers memorable experiences for customers in addition to selling grooming products. Consider their packaging: sleek, visually appealing boxes that enhance simple unboxing to something worth sharing.
Instead of simply opening a kit, buyers take pictures of beard oils and razor kits and cheerfully share them online. This innovative design creates natural buzz, allows happy customers to promote Bombay Shaving Company with Word of mouth. A small flex that also functions as a loudspeaker.
Their campaign which combined brains and emotion connected with the user. The “#DadLogic” campaign appeals to fond memories of family—imagine fathers grinning wryly while imparting shaving advice.
It is additionally about starting those “my old man did that” conversations and making grooming seem like a relationship worth preserving than it is about selling razors. Building genuine feelings rather than overly theatrical displays is how BSC builds trust.
They are brought influencers who can genuinely engages with there targeted audience. Cricket player Ravichandran Ashwin, who was signed as a brand ambassador in 2021, attracts sports enthusiasts who would rather hear grooming advice from a bowler than a billboard by combining his witty humor and professional experience. By connecting cricket enthusiasts to BSC’s attractive products, his “Shave to Shine” campaign demonstrated his grace and polish.
Who’s watching? Urban women as well as men aged 25 to 45 who browse the web in search for premium products with a dash of style make up the BSC target demographic. They are energetic, astute, and attracted to grooming that suits their style; they would prefer DM a brand than browse a catalog. Because BSC’s marketing fits premium experiences with a hint to reality, it works better than a sales presentation.
Overcoming Challenges
Bombay Shaving Company Journey wasn’t smooth when they entered the Indian grooming market; they had faced challenges along their journey. Initially they faced a problem with a concerning 10% repeat purchase rate, as consumers lacked the confidence to accept their premium pricing when well-known competitors like Gillette offered cheaper, familiar alternatives. The luxurious appeal of their kits, priced at Rs 2,995, struggled to win over budget-conscious customers accustomed to convenient, low-cost grooming options.
BSC didn’t flinch. So they introduced the sensi range basic and cost effective products that maintained quality which reduced the pain of sticker shock. They focused on logistic and addressing the Delivery issues and turning customer feedback into actionable improvements- such as offerings sharper blades, helped regain consumer confidence helping build consumer confidence. Then the pandemic struck
—a major disruption that closed salons and altered consumer needs. BSC swiftly adapted, launching Bombae in 2020 to cater to women’s grooming, seizing a ripe opportunity as DIY became the norm.
These challenges weren’t end-of-the-road scenarios but rather made a alternative paths for them. By modifying their approach balancing their premium origins realistic solution. BSC transformed rocky beginnings into consistent growth, demonstrating their ability to adapt in a competitive marketplace.
The rise of Bombay Shaving Company to a significant position in India’s grooming industry has been marked by innovations and adjustments in strategy centered around consumer needs. Initially, the brand had struggled with low repeat purchase rates and faced difficulties with premium pricing in a cost-sensitive market, which was influenced by established players like Gillette. In response, Bombay Shaving Company, while offering premium products, introduced the Sensi line of cost-effective razors and skincare products approved by dermatologists. By integrating tech-driven logistics with establishing regional distribution centers, they addressed problems in operations such as last-minute delivery. They encountered other challenges, which made them launch Bombe, a sub-brand focused on women’s grooming, to fill gaps in the market and increase revenue sources.
The results highlight the adaptability of the Bombay Shaving Company. Within six years six years, their revenue has grown from ₹2 crore in 2017 to ₹180 crore in 2023, which shows a nearly 100-fold increase. Bombay Shaving Company holds approx. 22% market share in India’s premium shaving industry. Bombay Shaving Company directly competes with international brands. The company achieves approximately 65% retention through its retention approaches, such as subscription services and loyalty programs. The brand has more than 160,000 followers on Instagram and holds an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from more than 23k reviews on Amazon, metrics accessible to any users.
What sets Bombay Shaving Company apart is its achievement in delivering premium quality and affordability. While their premium razors appeal to urban customers, the Sensi line attracts budget buyers, and Bombe promotes gender inclusivity. Non-metro areas currently account for approximately 18% of monthly growth supported by regional logistical assistance.
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs, Bombay Shaving Company valuable lessons: how to adjust price that suits and meet market diversity, use crises as opportunities for innovation, and prioritize logistics in complex market scenarios. As India’s grooming industry continues to grow. BSC’s blend of expertise and flexibility provides a model for long-term success.
Bombay Shaving Company has grown from a ₹2 crore startup into a ₹180 crore industry leader, transforming men’s grooming in India. By providing the best precision with local understanding, Bombay Shaving Company not only just sells razors but also transforms daily shaving into a ritual of confidence. The brand now holds approx. 22% market share of India’s premium shaving market and maintains around a 65% retention rate, which is more than double the industry average. With more than 163K+ followers and 4.8/5-star ratings on all platforms, Bombay Shaving Company’s success is due to addressing real problems: irritation-free shaving, access to premium products, and eliminating stereotypes about male self-care.
