Odel | chic fashion | about Odel | Sri Lanka
About Us
The Early Beginnings
The concept of Odel began to take shape in 1989. It was when Otara Gunewardene started selling clothes to her family and friends, from the boot of her own car. Although she stumbled across the fashion retail industry quite by chance, Otara saw something only a few could see – the immense potential for retailing a range of stylish clothing to the fashion-conscious Sri Lankan.
And then it happened in 1990. The launch of Sri Lanka’s most innovative brand – Odel.
At Odel, we focus. On a lot of things, in fact. We believe in and work consistently towards ensuring that the merchandise, ambiance and management are not only effective, but also evolving. In every aspect and every step of the way. And this has and continues to be the driving force behind our success. The Company revolves around a simple, yet winning philosophy: a relentless search for the highest quality products and services at affordable prices, together with superior customer service that ensures consumer satisfaction and loyalty.
Gathering Momentum
The flagship store at No. 5 Alexandra Place, Colombo 7, was launched in 1999. The splendid colonial architecture spans across 33,000 sq ft, and its modern glass and metal extensions only add to the grandeur of the building. An open, central atrium provides the ambience of light and space. The result is a seamless and eclectic fusion of culture. Tired feet and hungry tummies can treat themselves to a host of refreshing goodies located around the store, as well as at the food court, Boulevard.
Store Layout
- Ladieswear
- Menswear
- Kidswear
- Homeware
- Delight - Sweet indulgences from chocolates to exotic nuts
- Perfume & Cosmetics
- Books & Music
- Shoes & Handbags
- Jewellery & Accessories
- Luggage
- Food
- Stationery, Gift Wrap & Souvenirs
For more information on our outlets, click here.
Moving to Greater Heights
From the onset, the Odel brand has grown alongside the business. The initial staff of 2 has now expanded to over 430, and we provide indirect employment to more than 500 individuals. Over 1000 suppliers and 200 plus factories locally and globally supply Odel with the incredible range of products we are now renowned for.
Iconic Brands
Odel SELECT is a department devoted to dressing customers with a taste for high fashion. It displays international designer wear by world renowned fashion icons. This is keeping with the fact that the Odel brand itself is representative of contemporary international style, as exemplified by it’s founder, Otara Gunewardene. In the eyes of our customers, the brand conveys matchless quality, exclusivity, international aura and of course, sophisticated style.
Meticulous attention is paid to every item we sell at all our outlets. Our reputation as a revolutionary, trend-setting department store has made Odel the quintessential shopping destination – for many, both local and foreign. We continue to be distinctive by designing our own branded merchandise – from famed wildlife t-shirts to crockery.
Our Identity
With the re-launch of the store in 2004, Odel revealed its new brand identity based on the theme – Mind, Body & Soul. It is a concept that has fashioned the evolution of the brand’s philosophy – gearing Odel to the status of international superstore. This identity also encapsulates the functionality of the brand in a very effective manner. It shows that Odel caters to; inspiration for the Mind, stimulation for the Body and aspiration for the Soul. In the future, the Odel brand will be developed as a mnemonic – represented by the three horizontal bars that form the graphical illustration of the letter E in Odel.
Our Virtual Store
With the launch of our website - www.odel.lk, we now provide an array of choice for our valued consumers. Odel customers can now shop online, choosing from a vast collection of products in our virtual store, without stepping out of the comfort of their home.
Winning Away
Numerous organisations have honoured Otara Gunewardene with coveted awards over the past few years. She has won the SAARC Woman of Achievement Award (2000), Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) of Sri Lanka (2000) Award, Entrepreneur of the Year (2000) and the Zonta Award for "Woman of Achievement" (2002).
For more information on Otara Gunewardene please click here.
Mind, Body & Soul
It is the lifestyle of our customers that we value. Today, the Odel department store has been transformed into a living representation of its brand ideals: 'Mind, Body & Soul'. The department structure retains the brand's stylish, simple and elegant interiors and exteriors. At the same time, it alters the dynamics of the shopping and sitting areas, allowing customers to relax and unwind while shopping to their heart's content.
Odel continually enhances its consumers' experience by always setting the trend, and offering stylish merchandise. Our store will persistently reflect the ambience of an international fashion house and present an innovative product range, focusing on simplicity, style and sophistication – that is uniquely Odel.
