Footwear brand Neeman’s has appointed Anjali Sachdeva as its new Director of Buying and Merchandising, according to an official corporate announcement. Sachdeva will assume responsibility for the company’s retail, digital, and business-to-business (B2B) product pipelines as the startup attempts to scale its physical market footprint and expand its existing product categories.
Sachdeva brings over 15 years of institutional experience across retail strategy, buying, assortment planning, and category management. Her appointment comes at a time when direct-to-consumer (D2C) footwear brands are increasingly shifting focus from pure-play e-commerce to multi-channel distribution networks, a transition that requires sophisticated inventory control and corporate supply chain management.
Corporate Background
Prior to joining Neeman's, Sachdeva served as the Senior Manager of Buying and Merchandising at adidas India. During her tenure at the multinational sportswear corporation, she managed core retail, franchise networks, and digital commerce pipelines. Her broader career in the Indian retail sector includes foundational and leadership roles at established consumer companies such as Bata India and Koutons Retail India.
At Neeman's, her operational mandate will include structuring merchandise planning frameworks, designing assortment architectures, managing vendor sourcing, and optimizing localized inventory cycles. She will also be tasked with bridging the gap between design teams and the physical supply chain to minimize dead stock across brick-and-mortar storefronts.
The footwear startup sector has faced tightening margins due to rising material costs and inventory storage overheads. Building structured internal processes is seen as a prerequisite for survival as early-stage brands transition from internet-only labels into mainstream consumer staples.
“As we continue to scale our retail presence and expand categories, strengthening our buying and merchandising capability is critical,” said Taranjeet Singh Chhabra, Founder and CEO of Neeman’s. “Anjali brings extensive experience in assortment planning, category management, and consumer-centric merchandising. Her appointment reflects our commitment to building world-class capabilities that drive better product decisions, customer experience, and long-term growth.”
The strategic inclusion of a traditional retail executive is intended to bring financial discipline to the company’s volume forecasting. For premium footwear players, managing seasonal demand fluctuations across diverse geographical territories in India remains a persistent operational hurdle.
The hiring pattern reflects a broader maturity in the Indian startup ecosystem, where growth-stage consumer tech brands are routinely hiring senior management professionals from legacy multinational corporations to formalize their internal corporate governance.
“I am excited to join Neeman’s at such an important stage of its growth journey. My early days at Neeman’s have been both energizing and inspiring,” stated Anjali Sachdeva regarding her new assignment. “The openness of the culture and the willingness of teams to collaborate across functions create an environment where ideas can quickly translate into impact. The opportunity to shape merchandise strategy across Retail, Online and B2B channels while strengthening sourcing and supply chain capabilities makes this an incredibly exciting chapter.”
As consumer brands seek profitability over unbacked expansion, the utilization of data analytics in buying cycles has assumed greater significance. The integration of traditional footwear retail practices with digital-first consumer insight tools will likely determine the brand's ability to capture sustainable market share from established legacy giants.
About Neeman’s
Neeman’s is an Indian footwear brand that specializes in the design and manufacture of eco-friendly and comfortable shoes. The company utilizes sustainable natural components, such as recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton, and merino wool, to construct its product lines. Headquartered in Hyderabad, the startup operates via a multi-channel sales network comprising its proprietary website, major digital marketplaces, and a growing network of exclusive physical brand outlets.
