ITV

Category: Brands

  • Winston India records five times revenue within 12 months of Shark Tank

    Winston India records five times revenue within 12 months of Shark Tank

    Mumbai: Winston India, the innovative lifestyle brand has witnessed a remarkable five times increase in revenue and a phenomenal five times increase in both profit and sales after its appearance on Shark Tank. This outstanding success shows the brand’s commitment to excellence, strategic vision, and the invaluable mentorship received from industry leaders.

    Following Winston India’s appearance on Shark Tank, the brand successfully expanded its platform presence to Vanity Wagon, Tata 1Mg, Jio Mart, Tira Beauty, Net Mets, Ajio, BlinkIt, and Cred. Additionally, there has been a substantial increase in customer base, surging from 15,000-20,000 customers to an impressive 100,000 customers. Notably, the trimmers and skincare category has emerged as the flagship segment, demonstrating unparalleled success as the most sold product within the Winston India product portfolio.

    Winston India co-founder Himanshu Adhlaka expressed his excitement and gratitude for the incredible journey, stating, “The experience on Shark Tank and the subsequent growth have been nothing short of phenomenal. We are immensely grateful for the mentorship provided by Vineeta and Anupam, their guidance helped us strategise, plan, and network. They not only helped us with better industry insights but also suggested where we should invest, and where we should not. This has been instrumental in guiding us on the right path.”

    Sugar Cosmetics and Investing Shark co-founder & CEO Vineeta Singh in Winston India further congratulates the team, stating, “Congratulations team Winston on one year since Shark Tank. It was amazing to collaborate with Winston India and bring the brand from 5 cr to 15 cr, and I am sure 100 cr is not far away. Good Luck!”

    Shaadi.com founder and investing shark Anupam Mittal, Winston India congratulates the team, stating, “Congratulations Winston India on this epic journey from Shark Tank and beyond. We are very proud to see how much your brand has grown and can’t wait to see it dominate the personal care market in the country.”

    Additionally, to celebrate this milestone and express gratitude to its loyal customers, Winston India is currently hosting the Winston Shark Tank Sale on its website (www.winstonindia.com) where customers can enjoy discounts of up to 70 per cent off on singles, up to Rs 4000 off on combos, and uncover unlimited hidden freebies.

    Looking ahead, Winston India aims to enhance customer satisfaction, drive continuous product development and expand the brand’s presence in the dynamic e-commerce landscape. The brand is additionally looking forward to exclusive launches with prominent e-commerce portals, marking the next chapter in Winston India’s success story.

  • Swiggy DineOut collaborates with DRIM Global for a social media campaign

    Swiggy DineOut collaborates with DRIM Global for a social media campaign

    Mumbai: DRIM Global, an influencer marketing platform announced the astounding success of a recent collaboration with Swiggy DineOut, the leading online restaurant booking platform. The partnership, aimed at amplifying brand awareness within Swiggy DineOut’s target audience, has achieved outstanding results, catapulting the platform to the forefront of the dining-out industry.

    Swiggy DineOut, renowned for its seamless integration of online restaurant bookings and discounts at over 18,000 restaurants across 24 cities, strategically aligned with DRIM Global to harness its unparalleled expertise in influencer marketing. Leveraging DRIM’s innovative approach, which focuses on performance-driven influencer collaborations on a CPA basis, Swiggy DineOut successfully maximized its ROI while adhering to prudent marketing budgets.

    The meticulously executed campaign by DRIM Global involved the careful curation of over 330 micro and nano influencers, carefully selected based on stringent criteria including engagement rates, relevance, and blog niche. This precision ensured the delivery of authentic brand representation and high relatability with the target audience, resulting in an exceptional level of engagement. Across various social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Meta (Facebook), and others, the campaign boasted a total of 185 publications, amassing a staggering 2383596 views, accompanied by 103045 likes and 2187 positive comments.

    DRIM Global head of Asia Yulia Aslamova talked about the strategic elements pivotal to the campaign’s success, stating, “Our focus on strategic influencer selection, compelling content creation, and exclusive customer deals played a pivotal role in driving engagement. By aligning with Swiggy DineOut’s target demographic, we ensured authenticity, while our emphasis on high-quality visuals and engaging captions effectively showcased app features and created a sense of urgency.”

    Swiggy DineOut senior marketing manager Nikhil Karunakaran expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with DRIM Global, stating, “We’re thrilled with the exceptional results achieved through our collaboration with DRIM Global for Swiggy DineOut! The campaign’s massive reach of 23 Lakh views from our target audience is a testament to its success. We are committed to further enhancing the DineOut experience for our users and offering unparalleled value through future influencer marketing campaigns.”

    The resounding success of the Swiggy DineOut influencer campaign reinforces the effectiveness of strategic influencer collaborations in driving brand awareness and engagement. With DRIM Global’s expertise and Swiggy DineOut’s innovative offerings, the future holds boundless opportunities for continued growth and engagement within the dining-out landscape.

  • The Raymond Shop partners with Aparshakti Khurrana

    The Raymond Shop partners with Aparshakti Khurrana

    Mumbai: The Raymond Shop partners with renowned B-town celebrity couple, Aparshakti Khurrana and Aakriti Ahuja exemplifying a shared commitment to style, elegance, and sartorial excellence. This partnership highlights Raymond’s men’s wardrobe offering as a preferred destination for people who know their style. The Raymond Shop has 1000 plus outposts across 600 towns and cities in India, spreading across the length and breadth of the country.

    Aparshakti and Aakriti love The Raymond Shop’s wide range of men’s fashion and the unparalleled shopping experience it provides to all its customers alike. The premium fashion destination also caters to a diverse brand offering such as Raymond Fine Fabrics, Raymond Ready to Wear, Park Avenue, Parx, and Colorplus; each brand offering a seamless experience to all its customers.

    Raymond has been around for 99 years and is known for its excellence in designs offering the best in menswear fashion. Whether you need an outfit in casual, semi-formal, formal, or Indian wear, Raymond has got you covered from fine fabrics tailored into custom suits to ready-to-wear formal and casual wear. The custom tailoring services ensure every fabric is meticulously crafted to give you a perfectly fitted ensemble.

    Aparshakti Khurrana and Aakriti Ahuja partnering up with The Raymond Shop exhibit their affinity for the brand’s classic style and commitment to quality. Their love for classy and elegant fashion aligns perfectly with what Raymond as a premium menswear brand truly stands for.

    The Raymond Shop is like a symbol of excellence in men’s fashion, a one-stop fashion destination for a full wardrobe dressing solution. It’s all about premium, personalised services, timeless designs, and exceptional craftsmanship that stand as a beacon of perfection. By partnering with The Raymond Shop, Aparshakti, and Aakriti are strengthening the ties that appreciate and value both great quality and timeless attire.

     

     

  • JBL’s splash of sound: Unveils Holi-ready speaker lineup

    JBL’s splash of sound: Unveils Holi-ready speaker lineup

    Mumbai: JBL gears up for Holi with its latest lineup of eco-friendly speakers, embodying the festive energy while simultaneously taking steps to minimize its carbon footprint. Get ready to drench yourself in music with the compact, easy-to-carry eco-friendly JBL CLIP 4 Eco and JBL Go 3 Eco, on-the-go speakers. Or add more to your terrace and rooftop parties with the powerful and waterproof PartyBox Club 120 and PartyBox Stage 320 speakers. With a replaceable battery option, not only do you get extended years of life but also positively contribute to reducing electronic waste.  Powered with JBL Pro sound and upgraded Bluetooth capabilities, JBL reaffirms its position as the global leader in portable audio, raising the bar for every occasion and continuing to be a part of fans’ most memorable moments.

    The JBL Go 3 Eco ensures five hours of non-stop festive beats, with its IP67 waterproof and dustproof features offering great durability, while the JBL Clip 4 Eco, offers 10 hours of playtime into your on-the-go Holi adventures. Created using 90 per cent PCR plastic (Post Consumer Recycled) with 100 per cent recycled fabric on the speaker grille, the new portables also arrive in JBL’s most sustainable packaging yet. The new innovative eco-friendly design significantly reduces the amount of virgin plastic being used, which not only recycles waste plastic but also reduces the overall carbon footprint of the product.

    In addition to the Clip and Go series, JBL is excited to introduce PartyBox Club 120 and PartyBox Stage 320 with powerful sound and enhanced bass to its already existing best-seller range of PartyBoxes. These PartyBoxes will set the stage for unforgettable moments this Holi with their splashproof and dust/colour-proof technology, ensuring that the spirit of Holi doesn’t stop the music and revelry.

    These state-of-the-art speakers open endless possibilities for electrifying gatherings, featuring thrilling sound with its AI Sound Boost. Twelve hours of playtime plus an extended playtime powered by a replaceable battery and upgraded Bluetooth 5.4 capabilities, the JBL PartyBox Club 120 joins the lineup with two mic inputs and one guitar input. Compatible with the JBL PartyBox App this also incorporates post-consumer recycled materials for 70 per cent of its plastic and also FSC-certified paper printed with soy ink.

    With the new JBL PartyBox Stage 320 with two high-sensitivity woofers and dual tweeters, users can listen to all the details of their favourite tracks, even at the loudest volumes with the AI Sound Boost in this too. The telescopic handle and wide, sturdy wheels, unique to the JBL PartyBox 320 can be easily transported to transform any space into the ultimate party, with its multi-dimensional light show.  With an impressive 18 hours of playtime which can be doubled with a swap and go replaceable battery. The FastCharge with a 10-minute charge boost delivers 2 hours of playtime, so users won’t have to worry about the party stopping mid-song, now.  The JBL PartyBox Stage 320 incorporates post-consumer recycled materials for 60 per cent of its plastic.

    To further amplify the launch, JBL plans to organize on-site activations at key retail locations and malls spanning the North, East, and West regions, where Holi is celebrated as a community festival. Customers will get a chance to experience it firsthand and will allow them to witness the exceptional sound quality and durability that JBL brings to the table.

    HARMAN India vice president of lifestyle Vikram Kher said, “This year, the festival of colours deserves a sound that resonates with vibrancy, and JBL is here to deliver that. This new launch we’re not only bringing the party with powerful sound and immersive experiences but also doing our part for the environment with our eco-friendly options. Let this Holi be remembered not just for the colours but for the unbeatable beats that accompany them.”

    The JBL Go 3 Eco and JBL Clip 4 Eco will be available in blue, green and white on JBL.com for Rs 4,499 and Rs 5,999 respectively.

    The JBL PartyBox Club 120 and JBL PartyBox Stage 320 will be available on JBL.com for price points of Rs 39,999 and Rs 54,999 respectively.

  • “We wanted to create a brand for Indian body skin concerns”: Boddess Beauty’s Mansi Sharma

    “We wanted to create a brand for Indian body skin concerns”: Boddess Beauty’s Mansi Sharma

    Mumbai: Born during the pandemic, Boddess Beauty has emerged as a dynamic force in the beauty and wellness industry. Founded by entrepreneurs Mansi and Ritika Sharma, this beauty and wellness platform boasts a diverse portfolio of 100 plus renowned brands. Committed to empowering every woman, they recently introduced their own label ‘The Honest Tree,’ a clean and vegan bath & body brand.

    With a blend of curated products, offline & online platforms, and strategic collaborations, Boddess emerges as a beacon of resilience, with Mansi Sharma leading creative endeavors, setting new benchmarks in the ever-evolving beauty landscape.

    Indian Television caught up Boddess Beauty co-founder and creative director Mansi Sharma to gain insights into her entrepreneurial journey, on the launch of ‘The Honest Tree’, AR/VR playing a role in enhancing the beauty shopping experience, and much more…

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the inspiration behind embarking on the entrepreneurial journey of creating Boddess Beauty

    Boddess was the product of a deep love for beauty technology and a passion for making beauty brands available to a pan-India audience; not just in major tier one cities. Back when we started we realised that the Indian consumer has both the appetite and the curiosity for experiencing world-class beauty products and brands, but insufficient access. Through our years of experience in the industry, we curated a collection of top skincare, makeup, body care, fragrance & accessories brands to bring to the Indian consumer.

    On the key challenges Boddess faced during its launch in the pandemic, especially in the beauty and wellness industry, and how did the brand successfully overcome them

    As an omnichannel platform we were lucky to be able to tap into our online community when malls and public spaces were shut down. We also noticed a shift from makeup to a deeper penetration in skincare, hair care and eye makeup as growing categories as they catered to demands of the time. Every crisis brings with it an opportunity; these were just a few of the many opportunities we were presented with during the pandemic.

    On the creation of your private label, ‘The Honest Tree,’ and its differentiating aspect in the market

    With a deeply entrenched philosophy of growing premiumisation and more importantly personalisation, we wanted to create a brand for Indian body skin concerns, based on the reality of India’s extreme climates, pollution levels and harsh sun exposure. After studying the market, we realised a lot of local Indian brands focused solely on face care, and most highly efficacious body care products came from abroad and at a high price. After almost a year of experimentation, studies, and trials we came out with a line that provides a luxurious body care experience, catering to Indian/South Asian skin concerns at an attractive price point. Our first-of-its-kind back-acne lotion targets a niche but widely experienced concern of body/back acne that prevents consumers from exposing their body skin confidently. The response we’ve gotten is extremely gratifying for it, and this is just one of twenty-one state-of-the-art SKUs in our collection.

    On the collaboration with Netflix’s “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” and partnerships with entertainment industry projects aligning with Boddess’ brand strategy

    The collaboration has a very interesting story – I had a brief stint working with Tiger Baby Films during which I came across the script of KGHK and heard that the film was looking for a beauty brand partner. I felt that the film’s characters were a perfect match to our target consumer and introductions were made. The rest as they say is history.

    On seeing technology, such as augmented reality or virtual try-ons, playing a role in enhancing the beauty shopping experience

    It has gone from a ‘good to have’ to a ‘must have’ status among retailers at this point. With the advent of e-commerce and online shopping having means of experiencing products and brands without having to physically be present is becoming increasingly important whether that is in fashion or beauty. However, one must note that by no means do these technological advances replace the in-person shopping experience completely. Our loyal e-commerce customers still love swatching, trying and playing with our products before they purchase. Virtual try-ons and augmented reality exist to complement the overall 360-degree retail experience instead of replacing any format.

    On Boddess Beauty maintaining a balance between offering a diverse range of beauty products from renowned brands while ensuring affordability for a wider consumer base

    Our selection of brands and products extend themselves right from premium to masstige and mass, but we are very selective based on product efficacy, brand ethos and consumer demand. We understand that India, being an extremely price-sensitive market is also an extremely aspirational market, with every consumer having the desire for premiumisation as well as personalisation. Therefore, it’s essential to provide a brand curation that leaves the customer inspired.

    On your role as creative director at Boddess Beauty, shaped by international experience, contributing to reshaping beauty standards, combating ageism and colorism, and promoting inclusivity in the Indian beauty industry

    I don’t think a world of beauty exists for us in which we are not redefining what it means to be beautiful, feel beautiful and look beautiful. From a very young age beauty has meant happiness for me. I want women and men alike to feel happy in their own skin, with makeup and skincare available as tools for them to enhance that happiness. Our campaigns with female doctors, technicians and several other inspiring figures have shed light on the beauty that comes with empathy, service and empowerment.

    On Boddess Beauty’s future expansion plans, both in terms of product offerings and market reach

    We have just launched two exciting new brands – Max Factor and The Honest Tree (our own body care label) with a few other major international brand launches in the pipeline. Stay tuned for brand announcements in the near future. In terms of our physical expansion, given the roaring response to our Itanagar store, we endeavour to be present in tier 2 and 3 cities wherein a large beauty footprint is still missing.

  • Decathlon’s next frontier

    Decathlon’s next frontier

    Mumbai: Decathlon, a multi-specialist sports brand, is revealing its new purpose, to “Move People Through the Wonders of Sport,” and the strategy behind this bold new ambition to bring innovative and sustainable sport to everyone. As part of this evolution, Decathlon is unveiling its new brand, which includes a dynamic and forward-looking identity and the new “orbit” logo.

    Since the beginning of its journey in 1976, Decathlon has always believed in sports’ vital role in helping societies to be healthier and happier. And today, people need sport more than ever.

    At the beginning of this transformation journey, Decathlon wrote its “North Star”, a long-term ambition to accelerate its mission for the good of societies and the planet. Guided by the North Star, a new purpose was born: Move People Through the Wonders of Sport.

    Anchored to this purpose, Decathlon is adopting an ambitious global strategy, which encompasses an enhanced customer experience, a strong commitment to sustainability and an overall modernisation of the company. Core to the customer experience is an evolved brand introduced today.

    Barbara Martin-Coppola, Decathlon’s Global Chief Executive Officer: “Today marks a very special moment in both the history and future of Decathlon. Now more than ever, the world needs sport. It has a unifying power and can improve both physical and mental health. At Decathlon, we want to have a greater positive impact on humans, society and the planet by Moving People Through the Wonders of Sport. I am proud to be working towards the North Star – our guiding light and ambition – with our teammates. It’s been incredible to see our diverse community come together to celebrate what makes us special: enabling everyone to practise sport on their own terms. I am confident that our ambitious strategy, evolving our way of doing business, will ensure Decathlon leads the sector as a unique and trusted sports brand.”

    A New Brand Identity and Portfolio

    Decathlon’s striking new brand identity reflects the brand’s ambition while celebrating its past. Along with a dynamic blue, it now welcomes a new brand icon – “the Orbit” – expressing movement, the ambition to reach new heights, and circularity, at the heart of Decathlon’s sustainable business model.

    Decathlon is unleashing the full potential of the brand to bring sport to everyone through a new and simplified brand portfolio with 9 category specialists: Quechua (mountain), Tribord (water and wind), Rockrider (outdoor cycling), Domyos (fitness), Kuikma (racket), Kipsta (team sports), Caperlan (wildlife), Btwin (urban gliding and mobility) and Inesis (target), and 4 expert brands: Van Rysel, Simond, Kiprun and Solognac.

    A Business Model Based on Sustainability

    All the good that sports can do for people’s lives and societies cannot be at the expense of the planet.

    Decathlon aims to be a driving force and has committed to becoming Net Zero by 2050.

    DECATHLON’s decarbonization targets are (scopes 1, 2 & 3):

      . 20 per cent reduction in absolute CO2 emissions in 2026.

     .  42 per cent reduction in absolute CO2 emissions in 2030 and net zero by 2050.

    Strongly engaged in reaching its ambition, Decathlon has, for the second year in a row in 2023, decoupled its growth and its CO2 emissions.

    Decathlon is working hand in hand with suppliers and partners to unlock sustainability all across the supply chain. With this collaborative approach, Decathlon has been working with suppliers to decarbonise processes and pave the way for new business models based on circularity and increased product life cycles.

    This also means that across the product range, Decathlon is increasing product lifespans and enabling customers to reuse, repair and recycle their products.

    A New Customer Experience Shaped by a Digital-First Mindset

    Decathlon is harnessing the power of digital with a global revamp of the e-commerce website to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers anytime, anywhere.

    Decathlon’s digital supply chain has been rethought with best-in-class tools and AI algorithms to enable accurate forecasting, assortment planning and stock parameters. This has already led to significant reductions in stock levels and many improvements, including decreasing transportation costs, carbon footprint and delivery time.

    Decathlon is also breaking ground with new ways to embark its customers on an immersive experience, including its 3D Shopping App on Apple Vision Pro in the U.S.

    In the coming months, more than 1,700 stores around the world will be refurbished with a whole new setup, offering customers intuitive navigation, increased product visibility, engaging physical and digital displays, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

    Innovation at the Heart of a Multi-Specialist Sports Brand

    Every day, over 850 engineers and 400 designers at Decathlon relentlessly invent, create, design, and try and test new materials and products. The result is a set of groundbreaking sporting solutions, underpinned by 900 patents.

    Decathlon’s organisation is shaped by this culture and includes expert teams such as Booster Innovation – supporting local teams, Sports Lab – dedicated to the study of sports and dynamics of the human body, AddLab- a 3D prototyping centre and Advanced Design – designing the sports and experiences of the future.

    Looking to the Future as One

    Decathlon aims to become one of the most Inclusive organisations in the world.

    In 2023, Decathlon’s Executive team reached parity for the first time in its history, and the company has made unprecedented commitments for 2026, including measuring representation, inclusion and belonging, acting on it, and setting global standards and best-in-class performance in DEI.

    Decathlon is building and strengthening communities such as women in leadership and associated programmes, forging external partnerships with DEI experts. In 2023, Decathlon received several industry recognitions including tenth place in Forbes’ Retail & Wholesale category for the world’s “Best employer for Women”.

  • Joy Personal Care onboards Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador for face wash category

    Joy Personal Care onboards Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador for face wash category

    Mumbai: Joy Personal Care, the Indian home-grown personal care brand, under the aegis of RSH Global,proudly announces its collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador for the face wash category of Joy Personal Care.

    JOY Lemon Face Wash, amongst the flagship products of the company, will be endorsed by Khan, alongside Sanya Malhotra, who has been the brand’s ambassador since the past year. The star duo, Shah Rukh Khan and Sanya Malhotra, will be featured in the upcoming commercial of the brand that is set to be launched during the IPL 2024. Leveraging its two-year partnership as an associate sponsor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Joy Personal Care aims to maximise visibility and impact during this high-profile event.

    Joy Personal Care’s dedication to gender equality and inclusivity perfectly mirrors the values upheld by its brand ambassador, Khan. Renowned for his vocal support of women’s empowerment, Shah Rukh Khan has captured the hearts of women across generations. This shared ethos makes this collaboration a powerful conduit for spreading the brand’s message far and wide.

    Commenting about the association, Joy Personal Care (RSH Global) founder & chairman Sunil Agarwal expressed, “With the face wash category accounting for approximately 2500 crore, this collaboration signifies our commitment to making a measurable impact by expanding our market share within the category. Moreover, Shah Rukh Khan’s influential presence in our nation will enable us to connect with audiences across the length and breadth of the country.”

    Joy Personal Care (RSH Global) CMO Poulomi Roy further commented, “Mr.Khan is an iconic figure renowned for his vocal advocacy for gender equality and inclusivity. He shares a synergy in his values with our brand. Furthermore, we have been associated with KKR for the past two years and this year, with Mr.Khan coming on board for our face wash category, we will be launching a high-voltage campaign featuring him.The campaign will be leveraged through both TV and digital media, ensuring maximum reach and engagement.”

    Commenting on the association, Khan said, “I am delighted to partner with Joy Personal Care as the brand ambassador of the facewash category. It’s a progressive brand, with a refreshing approach that shuns unrealistic beauty ideals and prioritizes inclusivity in its thoughtfully crafted campaigns. I’m eager to embark on this exciting journey with them.”

    Joy has persistently been an advocate for social causes and inclusiveness, evident in their impactful campaign, “#JustEmpowerOne,” which aims to raise awareness and empower survivors of acid attacks. The brand has also partnered with Gujarat Giants this year, as an associate sponsor for the Women Premier League series. Through the collaboration with the Gujarat Giants, Joy is not just endorsing a sports team but actively engaging in a cultural dialogue, challenging outdated perceptions where individuals are free to pursue their interests, whether in beauty or sports, without conforming to limiting stereotypes.

    Additionally an exciting rap music video featuring the celebrity women cricketersMithali Raj, Harleen Deol, Sneh Rana, and Shabnam Shakil and penned by Shikha Makan.

     

     

  • AIWA India unveils new sound bar range

    AIWA India unveils new sound bar range

    Mumbai: The newest sound bar range from audio technology pioneer AIWA India is here to improve the quality of your home theater experience. The new soundbars offer unparalleled audio performance and versatility to satisfy a broad range of customer needs. They are available in three different SKUs: KANDO, KABUKI, SATORI.

    Let’s dive into the features of each model:

    KANDO (AW-SSB120): This soundbar brings listeners to a world of immersive music that incites powerful emotions. It is named after the Japanese word meaning deep emotional connection and appreciation.

    The 120W output power and 2.1 channel design of the KANDO soundbar allow it to be used with a wide range of devices, including TVs, DVD players, PCs, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.

    Users may effortlessly connect their preferred audio sources for a flawless listening experience with USB, Bluetooth, AUX, and HDMI interfaces.

    KABUKI (AW-SSB180): The immersive audio experience of the AW-SSB180 KABUKI sound bar transports listeners to a different universe, reminiscent of the fascinating setting of Kabuki performances.

    This soundbar is compatible with many devices, such as TVs, DVD players, PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and MP3 players. It has a 2.1 channel setup with a strong 180W output.

    With its USB, SD, Bluetooth, AUX, OPTICAL, and HDMI(ARC) connections, the KABUKI guarantees flexible music playback and smooth connectivity.

    SATORI (AW-SSB240):  Named after the Japanese word representing a state of pure awareness, the AW-SSB240 SATORI sound bar eliminates sonic distractions to deliver exceptional audio fidelity that immerses listeners in every detail of their favorite music, movies, and games.

    Boasting a powerful output of 240W and a 2.1 channel configuration, the SATORI sound bar offers compatibility with TV, DVD, PC, laptop, tablet, mobile, and MP3 players.

    With USB, SD, bluetooth, aux, optical, and HDMI(ARC) inputs, users can enjoy versatile connectivity options for an enhanced audio experience.

    “At AIWA, we are constantly working to create and redefine entertainment solutions for our valued customers. With the launch of our latest AIWA Sound Bars, we are expanding our product line to provide exceptional audio experiences. These sound bars show our unwavering commitment to perfection by combining exceptional sound quality, intelligent features, and seamless connectivity.  We’re excited to bring this new dimension of entertainment to our customers.” AIWA India MD Ajay Mehta.

  • EaseMyTrip signs a MoU with the Ministry of Rural Development

    EaseMyTrip signs a MoU with the Ministry of Rural Development

    Mumbai: EaseMyTrip.com, an online travel tech platform, signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Rural Development to train Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)‘s Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) members under the Lakhpati Didi Yojana to focus on women-led skill development allowing them to nurture their entrepreneurial skills and become financially independent. Through this strategic move, EaseMyTrip intends to empower members of SHGs in 800 districts across the country.

    The Ministry of Rural Development’s Lakhpati Didi Yojana aims to train members, affectionately called Didis. It helps rural females set up micro-enterprises in their respective villages and earn a sustainable income of at least Rs. 1 lakh annually per household by leveraging their entrepreneurial skills. As per the MoU, MoRD will mobilise the SHG members and ensure their availability for the training by EaseMyTrip for the purpose. The eligibility criteria for selection of the Didis will be basic knowledge of reading & writing English / Hindi and knowledge of using a Computer & browsing the internet. The agreement enlists that EaseMyTrip shall contribute to this initiative by training and empowering 1 SHG member per block across 800 districts in India. The members will be trained in making travel reservations across all essential segments, including trains, buses, hotels, and flights. Additionally, EaseMyTrip will provide them with the required digital tools and impart education on integral aspects like searching, booking, making payments, and printing tickets on behalf of the customers. The selected members can be called ‘Ticket Wali Didi’.

    Excited to start the project,  EaseMyTrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti said, “We strongly believe that empowering women is integral to the socio-economic growth of the country. Women’s representation is gradually taking an upturn in the entrepreneurial scenario, and they are acing the game with their multifaceted skills. However, their potential is yet to be unlocked in rural areas. Initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi Yojana empower rural women, helping them become financially independent by leveraging their inherent entrepreneurial skills. Through this historic agreement with the Ministry of Rural Development, we aim to train and equip members of Self-Help Groups and build future women entrepreneurs.

    As a part of the alliance, EaseMyTrip will conduct the Pilot project across 10 Blocks in Districts identified by the MoRD which are Patna, Begusarai, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Bhopal, Ujjain, Ayodhya and Varanasi. Initially, the trial will be conducted at the specified locations, followed by the full-scale rollout. The agreement further binds that for every booking the members complete, EaseMyTrip will share the generated revenue with them, enabling them to be financially self-reliant. Additionally, its platform will be available and accessible for the selected member. In the next 3 weeks, the remaining nine blocks will also be covered.

    Expressing his thoughts on the partnership, Minister of Rural Development Giriraj Singh stated; “We are committed to ensuring the holistic development of women in rural areas. The Lakhpati Didi Yojana is a testament to our dedication to empowering women and fostering entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. This strategic partnership with EaseMyTrip will provide invaluable training and opportunities for women’s self-help groups across the nation, enabling them to become financially independent and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

    Currently, 83 lakh SHGs with nine crore women are transforming the rural socio-economic landscape and have trained one crore females to become lakhpati didis. Through this MoU, EaseMyTrip intends to contribute to this cause and help rural females become financially independent. 

  • “We believe that customers globally are naturally shifting to products that are better for the environment”: Dhvanil Sheth

    “We believe that customers globally are naturally shifting to products that are better for the environment”: Dhvanil Sheth

    Mumbai: Skillmatics, founded in 2017 by Dhvanil Sheth, has redefined play-based learning for children and families worldwide.

    Standing out in the world of play-based learning Skillmatics offers innovative products designed to build core skills joyfully. The best-selling Guess in Ten games enhances problem-solving while exploring topics like animals and geography. The Foil Fun art kit offers mess-free creativity, meeting the needs of modern families. With versatile themed variations, Skillmatics leads by blending education and fun, stimulating cognitive development in young minds.

    Indiantelevision caught up with Skillmatics founder and CEO Dhvanil Sheth to learn more about their brand, USP and more…

    On the Skillmatics launch and challenges that you have faced

    Skillmatics was launched in 2017 and has been a pioneer in providing enriching play-based learning experiences for children and families. Our journey has had its fair share of challenges as we have grown from a two-member team to a global business with offices in four countries. The initial years were the hardest as no investor was willing to back our vision of building a global consumer brand from India. Such an endeavour had never been attempted or achieved by a start-up and as a result, we faced a lot of difficulty raising financing. In hindsight, this was a blessing in disguise as we learnt how to be frugal from day One and grow our business profitably. The other key challenge we faced was despite having very innovative products, we were unable to get large global retailers to launch our products in their stores. However, once we demonstrated success online, this barrier was overcome, and we are now present in over 30,000 retail locations globally.

    On unique features or innovations in Skillmatics’ products that set them apart in the industry

    At Skillmatics, we pride ourselves on the innovativeness of our products. We thoughtfully design our products to ensure they build core skills in children through the joy of play. Our best-selling product, Guess in 10, is a super fun game designed to build problem-solving skills in children while simultaneously helping them learn about key topics like animals, geography, space etc. Another leading innovation from Skillmatics has been our Foil Fun product. This mess-free art kit empowers children with independent creative play. Foil Fun meets the needs of modern families seeking engaging solutions that enable creative expression in their children. What truly distinguishes Skillmatics is our commitment to crafting original content, protected by trademarks and copyrights, ensuring unparalleled originality. Our products offer versatile themed variations, appealing to a diverse range of interests. By going beyond conventional educational games, Skillmatics establishes itself as an industry leader, blending learning and fun through a content-driven strategy that stimulates cognitive development in young minds.

    On the breakdown of Skillmatics’ revenue by different regions or countries

    Skillmatics is a global business with a presence in 20 countries across both online and offline retail. Our core markets are North America, the UK and India. North America accounts for ~70 per cent of revenues, India is ~10-15 per cent of revenues and UK is ~10 per cent of revenues. We have offices in Mumbai, Palo Alto, Dallas, and Manchester.

    On new markets or countries that Skillmatics is particularly interested in entering

    Skillmatics is strategically poised to expand its global footprint by venturing into new markets. We are looking to deepen our presence in Canada, Australia, Germany, and the Middle East in the coming year.

    On the next three-year plans, and upcoming initiatives for additional fundraising or partnerships to support Skillmatics’ expansion and growth

    Our core focus over the next three years is to establish Skillmatics as a dominant brand globally that is synonymous with “learn through play”. We plan to significantly expand our product assortment by entering newer categories while simultaneously deepening our distribution globally across both online and offline retail. Over the last seven years, we have built an intrinsic understanding of how to build brands and products that address the needs of parents. We intend to leverage this capability along with our global operating infrastructure and distribution to build new brands in adjacent categories. India is our fastest-growing market, and we believe the market has reached an inflection point. We will be investing heavily in India in the near term. We plan to launch India-specific products that are tailored to local preferences, and dial-up marketing to increase brand awareness and deepen our distribution and reach.

    We are a profitable business with large cash reserves, so there is no need to fundraise currently. That being said, we will require additional capital sometime in the next three years to support the increased scale of the business, grow our teams internationally and scale up our newer initiatives which are currently being incubated.

    On the company’s commitment to sustainability and any specific initiatives

    We take sustainability very seriously at Skillmatics. We are walking the talk and have partnered with a leading global climate agency to implement a model of offsetting the carbon consumed per unit sold by making an equivalent financial contribution to a renewable energy project. As a result, 60 per cent of our sales are carbon neutral today and we intend to cross the 75 per cent threshold soon. We also have a strong focus on using sustainable materials in all products. For instance, we only use wooden dice in our games while all other companies use plastic dice. Another example is that we use FSC-certified paper in our products.  

    On the strategies that Skillmatics employs to influence consumer behaviour towards choosing eco-friendly options

    We believe that customers globally are naturally shifting to products that are better for the environment. Our focus is to provide customers with sustainable, carbon-neutral products at competitive price points. If we can achieve this, we believe customers will always pick us.