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Category: Brands

  • Universal Music Group acquires UK label Oriental Star Agencies’ complete catalogue

    Universal Music Group acquires UK label Oriental Star Agencies’ complete catalogue

    Mumbai:  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s one of the leaders in music-based entertainment announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase the catalogue of iconic UK-based South Asian record label Oriental Star Agencies (OSA Ltd). The deal includes all of the label’s recordings and where held, publishing rights.

    A slice of over 50 years of South Asian culture and heritage, the catalogue comprises approximately 18,000 songs, concert and video recordings, featuring legendary and genre-defining Pakistani and Indian artists. The acquisition is another demonstration of UMG’s strategy to accelerate its growth in high potential music markets around the world.  The Asian music market grew by 15.4 per cent in 2022 according to the IFPI, the record labels’ global trade body, with overall revenues from the region accounting for 22.9 per cent of the global market.

    OSA Ltd is a UK-based label with strong local and international ties and a unique history. Founded in 1966 by Muhammad Ayyub and his brothers, who moved from Pakistan to the West Midlands in 1961, the label was borne out of Ayyub’s deep love for music and nostalgia for the music of his childhood. Initially approaching EMI to stock these titles, he went on to import records from Pakistan and India, as he sought to meet the demand of his local community who also craved the authentic sound of their motherland.

    From these local community origins grew the most prominent South Asian record label in the UK. OSA Ltd can be credited with not only introducing authentic South Asian music to a British audience, but also playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the UK Bhangra genre and launching the careers of numerous significant British and South Asian artists.

    Highlights in the catalogue include Malkit Singh (who became the top-selling Bhangra artist worldwide with nearly 5 million album sales), Bally Sagoo, Attaullah Khan and legendary GRAMMY nominated artist Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who has recorded over 125 albums. In 2002, the music of OSA Ltd found a fresh audience when several label tracks were featured on the Bend It like Beckham soundtrack. In recognition of this trailblazing contribution to the South Asian music landscape, in 2014, Ayyub was awarded an MBE honour for service to broadcasting, Asian music and community services. In 2017 the OSA Ltd owners finalised a sale to Hi-Tech Music Ltd, another British record label with a strong history spanning 35 years.

    The acquisition complements UMG’s current service offering and will help drive momentum for the South Asian music market, enabling local artists to reach the largest possible audience in the global community.

    Universal Music Group executive vice president of market development Adam Granite said, “This acquisition of a hugely successful and iconic British-Asian label specialising in South Asian music will further increase Universal Music Group’s exposure to, and participation in, a fast growing and rapidly changing market. I am particularly pleased that Universal Music Group will become the next custodian of Oriental Star Agencies, a label that has played an unparalleled role in bridging the musical identities of the UK and South Asia, taking the unique sounds of its artists to a broad audience. We believe this catalogue has huge potential, and look forward to taking it to the next generation of music fans globally.”  

    (Chino) Mohammed Twaseen OSA Ltd said, “This is a momentous day for OSA and all our artists. Becoming part of the UMG family will turbo-charge our South Asian music, helping it to get in front of more music fans across the world. The past decade has seen a true global explosion of music from the region, and now, under UMG’s stewardship, the next decade promises to be even more exciting.”

  • Human bags creative design duties for SPAN Wealth

    Human bags creative design duties for SPAN Wealth

    Mumbai : Mumbai-based integrated agency Human, founded by Imran Khan and Chirag Raheja, has just signed on SPAN Wealth as their newest client.

    SPAN Wealth is a Mumbai-based wealth management company with over 500 crores of assets under management. The brand offers a gamut of solutions based on the stage of life an investor is in, and aims to partner them throughout their lifecycle of needs.

    The agency’s mandate includes creating a new identity for the brand, bringing in timeless sophistications, and creating an impactful, future-facing web presence for the brand.

    Commenting on the partnership, SPAN Wealth founder director Anish Vora said “I have known Chirag for a long time and have followed his work extensively. When he informed me that he is starting his own agency, I knew that there would be no one better to entrust with our rebranding needs. Both our companies, SPAN and Human, believe in keeping people at the heart of everything we do – so I hope that this is a long and fruitful relationship which will be beneficial for both parties.”

    Human co-founders and directors Raheja and Khan said “SPAN’s approach to wealth management is very refreshing, and their clients are testament to their abilities. More than product pushers, they are guardians of their clients’ wealth. They’re an idea whose time has come. So when Anish reached out to us with a brief, he really put the ‘happy’ in our new year wishes! We’re stoked to partner with SPAN, and can’t wait to deliver beyond their expectations.”

  • These five Indian startups are at forefront of innovation

    These five Indian startups are at forefront of innovation

    Mumbai: India’s thriving startup ecosystem has gained the trust of investors, customers and employees alike. Entrepreneurs from various parts of the country have come up with innovative solutions and profitable businesses that are no less than a Silicon Valley company. Let’s take a look at give such Indian startups which are at the forefront of innovation:
    paytm

    1. Paytm

    Paytm has been at the forefront of UPI and payments innovation in the country. It was among the first to introduce QR codes for UPI payments, way back in 2015. In a country dependent on either cash transactions or expensive debit or credit card transactions, the QR codes made it easy to receive payments from customers seamlessly and instantly and at minimal cost. Since then, the company has branched out into becoming a full fledged fintech company. Paytm was founded by Vijay Shekhar Sharma in 2011.

    Paytm was also the company to introduce the SoundBox. This made it easy for a merchant to keep track of UPI payments, as the SoundBox would announce the payments that they received. Recently, the company has also come up with two different kinds of sound boxes – one that plays music, and another that can be carried around in the pocket.

    The company also has a widely used online payment gateway. It is also in the business of providing merchant loans, and enabling merchants to have their businesses discovered through its app.

    Wather

    2. Wahter

    Wahter, the brainchild of founders Amitt and Kashiish A Nenwani, is set to transform the packaged water industry in India. With its innovative idea of providing clean, premium-quality drinking water at an unbelievably low price of just Rs 1 per bottle, Wahter is not only addressing the need for clean water but is also making a powerful statement about fairness and accessibility.

    Additionally, the company is providing brands with an impactful advertising medium for the first time in the country – brands can actually advertise themselves on the labels of Wahter bottles.  This way, they are not only visible to a larger audience but can measure the reach and impact of their message through Wahter’s proprietary tech.

    Wahter’s MRP is just Rs 1 for a 250mL bottle, and Rs 2 for a 500mL bottle, which makes it very economical for all categories of consumers. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, Wahter uses fully recyclable bottles. Wahter will be available everywhere — from a paan shop, all the way to flights. The problem of clean accessible drinking water is very old, but Wahter will solve this once and for all.

    BLU Smart

    3. Blusmart

    BluSmart is a ride-sharing company that operates a fleet of about 5500 electric vehicles in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru. Unlike competitors, Ola or Uber, which are aggregator platforms, BluSmart, owns its own fleet of cars and employs drivers on a contract basis. This reduces the problem of cancellations and ensures uniform service. The company was started by Anmol Singh Jaggi, Punit K Goyal and Puneet Singh Jaggi in 2019.

    The company is looking to capitalise on the government’s clean energy push and rising concerns around air pollution. BluSmart has so far received around $133 million in debt and equity funding from various investors.

    The company plans to scale this to 8000 cabs by next year. The company also owns and operates over 4000 charging stations in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru. It plans to open these up for commercialisation in 2024, meaning other EV owners and fleet operators can use these for charging their vehicles.

    Tech-enabled transit retail network Yatrikart raises $450 K in the seed round of funding | Startup Story

    4. Yatrikart

    Yatrikart is a tech-enabled company that focuses on retailing-on-the-go. The company has around 40 branded roadside retail shops and carts on long-distance trains. It ties up with hawkers and vendors and provides them with inventory, training and a vending license. In exchange, the hawkers — who are called “captains” by the company — get to keep a 20 per cent commission on the products, while 20 per cent is retained by Yatrikart.

    The company has raised Rs 450,000 in seed funding so far. Founded by Gaurav Rana and Shivangee Sharma, Yatrikart is a tech-enabled transit retail chain, enabling micro-entrepreneurship by empowering hawkers and retailers who sell to those traveling by road or train. These hawkers and retailers get the advantage of not being harassed by the police for illegal vending and gain respectability. The company has partnered with brands such as Dove, Colgate, Colorbar, Pepsi, PeeSafe, Unilever and ITC. In addition, the startup offers channel partnerships to help small businesses get higher profit margins and foster growth.

    Zoho

    5. Zoho

    Zoho is an Indian multinational software-as-a-service company that was started by Sridhar Vembu in 1996. Zoho is popular for its product Zoho Office Suite, and serves over 100mn customers worldwide.

    Recently, Zoho made news when it revealed that it is in the process of developing its own large language model (LLM), although this will be smaller than existing ones like GPT by OpenAI and Gemini by Google. While Zoho recently integrated several generative AI tools including ChatGPT into its products, its long-term intent is to develop its own LLM based on 7 million to 20 million parameters. For context, GPT 4 has 1.76 trillion parameters. The project is being supervised by Vembu, who is also the CEO of the company. The company also intends to have its own GPU (graphics processing infrastructure) to save on long-term costs.

    Zoho’s focus is on getting talent from rural India, and focusing on building innovation ecosystems in rural India. Vembu himself operates out of the company’s office in Tenkasi, a village in Tamil Nadu.

  • The Body Shop becomes the first global beauty brand with 100% Vegan Society-certified formulations

    The Body Shop becomes the first global beauty brand with 100% Vegan Society-certified formulations

    Mumbai: The Body Shop, the pioneering British-born ethical beauty brand announces a significant milestone: it has become the world’s first global beauty brand* to achieve 100 per cent vegan product formulations across all ranges including skincare, body care, haircare, makeup and fragrance. The entire product formulations portfolio has been certified by the Vegan Society**. The trailblazing beauty retailer has achieved the ambitious target it set itself in 2021, when 60 per cent of its products already carried the Vegan Society trademark.

    Globally, the vegan cosmetics industry is predicted to grow with 6.31 per cent compound annual growth rate between 2023-28 and reach $24 billion by 20281. In nations like India, there is a growing demand for vegan cosmetics as a result of increased awareness of animal abuse. The Vegan Society represents the global gold standard in vegan certification across multiple industries, providing a trusted trademark for The Body Shop products. The certification process is extremely thorough, with a meticulous assessment of every supplier and manufacturer of raw materials within the product catalogue. For The Body Shop, this meant over 4000 ingredients had to be validated for over 1000 products to carry the stamp.

    The Body Shop VP of marketing e-commerce & product, Asia South Harmeet Singh commented: “Achieving 100 per cent of our products formulations being vegan has been a massive project for The Body Shop.  This commitment reflects our deep understanding of the growing importance of vegan beauty for our customers, especially in India. Now, more than ever, shopping at The Body Shop means being part of a movement towards a more sustainable vision of beauty.”

    The Body Shop was also the first beauty retailer to campaign against animal testing in cosmetics in 1989, with a fundamental belief that animals should not be harmed in the pursuit of beauty. While the fight continues for a worldwide ban on animal testing in cosmetics, for The Body Shop, a fully vegan product range is the next milestone in cruelty-free beauty.

    * As of December 2023, The Vegan Society has named The Body Shop as the first global beauty brand to achieve 100 per cent vegan product formulations, certified by The Vegan Society.

    **As of December 2023, all of The Body Shop’s current product formulas have been certified by The Vegan Society. It is possible that old, discontinued formulations which have not been certified by The Vegan Society are still present in the market, as they are being sold through.

    Research and Markets, Global Vegan Cosmetics Market Outlook, 2028, (May 2023).

  • Havas India companies are a Great Place To Work Certified, second year in a row

    Havas India companies are a Great Place To Work Certified, second year in a row

    Mumbai: All companies under Havas India (creative, media and health), part of Paris-headquartered Havas, are now Great Place To Work Certified in India from December 2023 to December 2024. The certificate is also applicable to Havas India’s newly acquired digital agency, PivotRoots. This is a testament to Havas India’s enhancing culture as the network has received this certification for the second consecutive year.

    Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. In India, the Great Place To Work Institute partners with more than 1400 organisations annually across over 22 industries to help them build High-Trust, High-Performance Cultures designed to deliver sustained business results. The Institute’s research shows that great workplaces are characterized by great leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organizations can deliver a consistent experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level. Their leaders believe in the vision of creating and sustaining a great place to work for all and role models for all leaders.

    As the country’s fastest-growing advertising conglomerate, Havas India has undergone an unparalleled transformation over the last five years. The network grew from 3 to 18 companies and 200 to 2000 employees through global launches, joint ventures, acquisitions and strategic tie-ups. But despite this massive growth in scale and size, the network is deeply invested in its biggest asset – its people.

    As per the Great Place to Work Trust Index Model, Havas India scored high on the following parameters: Credibility of management, Respect for people, Fairness at the workplace, Pride, Camaraderie between people, Equity, Competence and integrity.  

    Havas India CHRO Vandana Tilwani said, “Being Great Place To Work Certified™ is a very significant step for us in understanding how our employees perceive the culture we have built over the years at Havas India. I am immensely proud that our efforts at building a workplace where each person at Havas India feels valued has borne fruit. This Certification for the second time in a row comes as an added source of encouragement not just for our past efforts but also for our future endeavours. I look forward to a year where we can strengthen the foundations we have laid and be consistently recognized as a workplace that is equitable and growth-oriented for all involved.”

    In an industry as dynamic as advertising, where people movement is rampant, Havas India has over the years taken concrete steps to ensure talent retention and development across the various stages of one’s professional journey, resulting in a refreshing cultural transformation. The holistic and customised initiatives of Havas India including Havas BOLT, Havas SPARK, EmpowHers, Women Who Inspire committee, Flex Your Lexi, and Bounce Back program, ensure the development, progression and well-being of all its people. These sustained efforts have resulted in improving the gender ratio from 19 per cent to 41 per cent (as of November 2023), with strong visibility of female leaders in the C-suite.

  • Crafting timeless elegance: The journey of Chandrika Raamz

    Crafting timeless elegance: The journey of Chandrika Raamz

    Mumbai: In the vibrant heart of Hyderabad, emerges Chandrika Raamz, weaving tradition with innovation. Established in 2013 by the dynamic duo, Chandrika and Raamz, this fashion powerhouse is not just a brand but a celebration of their cinematic journey in Tollywood, envisioning a global redefinition of men’s fashion. The duo infuses narratives of craftsmanship and artistry into each piece, reflecting a love for heritage, modernity, and individuality.

    Ushering sartorial elegance in their silhouettes, Chandrika Raamz embodies an amalgamation of class and sophistication, rooted in the co-founders’ global aspirations and rich experiences in Tollywood costume designing. Having graced two consecutive seasons of the prestigious ‘Lakme Fashion Week,’ the brand boasts a clientele resembling a constellation of stars—Rajnikanth, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Rana Daggubati, Vijay Deverkonda, and Vikram. This portfolio echoes their prowess in the corridors of the fashion elite.

    Indiantelevision.com in an interview with Chandrika Raamz gained insights on their brands’ inception, their stand-out aspect, and more.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the inspiration behind the establishment of Chandrika Raamz in 2013 and how has it evolved since its inception

    Founded in 2013, we emerged from a rich experience in Tollywood industry, envisioning a global redefinition of men’s fashion. Together, we merged our individual inspirations – one rooted in childhood memories and color aesthetics, the other in the beauty of natural landscapes and human interactions. This harmonious fusion is evident in our brand’s evolution over the years, from our flagship store’s inauguration in 2013 to the diverse collections, iconic collaborations, and social causes we champion today. Our brand was born from childhood dreams and a passion for design, and it has now become a beacon of luxury menswear, celebrating tradition, individuality, and the vibrant colors of life.

    On the stand-out aspect of Chandrika Raamz, amidst a sea of fashion brands

    The brand stands out with our unique and meticulous use of raw materials, crafted by skilled artisans, transcending each piece into a testament of heritage, craftsmanship, and individuality. Both of us brought in our diverse expertise to create clothing that redefines classic silhouettes with vibrant prints.

    On Chandrika Raamz’s collaboration with several iconic brands and celebrities influencing their design process and brand narrative

    We have gotten a lot of creative inspiration from working with well-known brands and celebrities. Our design approach has become more innovative as a result of working with people who bring different viewpoints and special talents. Products that surpass traditional design norms while adhering to high standards have been produced as a result of this collaborative effort.

    On maintaining a balance between creating pieces that are trendy yet timeless

    To strike the correct mix between modernity and traditionalism takes time and effort. To make sure the designs are timeless and relevant, we review our approach on a regular basis in light of changing consumer demands and market trends.

    On the inspiration behind the creation of “Raamz Junior”  its contribution to the overall vision of Chandrika Raamz

    The inception of “Raamz Junior” by Chandrika Raamz was driven by our desire to meet the needs of a younger demographic aged 0-14. This new line not only provides stylish and comfortable clothing for children but also addresses the concerns of mothers searching for designer ethnic wear for their little ones, transforming each occasion into a blend of joy and style. This strategic expansion aligns seamlessly with our commitment to offering elegance and comfort, creating a holistic brand experience that resonates with the discerning consumer, both online and offline.

    On your future expansion plans regarding geographical reach and potential new lines or collaborations on the horizon

    We are looking at a future geographical expansion, aiming to reach a global audience with our luxury menswear collections. We will also be exploring new collaborations to diversify our offerings while staying true to our commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and individuality. With a strong foundation in Hyderabad and many notable collaborations, we seek to continue our journey of redefining men’s fashion in different parts of India starting from the North Indian market and then expanding to other markets as well.

  • CLEAR Premium Water set to undertake majority stake in KELZAI Volcanic Water

    CLEAR Premium Water set to undertake majority stake in KELZAI Volcanic Water

    Mumbai: In a ground-breaking strategic move, CLEAR Premium Water announced undertaking a majority stake in KELZAI Volcanic Water, celebrated for its distinctive natural mineral water sourced from volcanic springs.

    This acquisition marks a milestone for CLEAR Premium Water as it boldly charts its course toward expanding its product portfolio and pioneering innovation in the bottled water industry.

    KELZAI Volcanic water is a testament to the ancient tale of a million years ago when the supercontinent of pangaea tore itself apart, which led to the formation of the mighty Indian subcontinent. The interaction of the rigid lithospheric plates led to volcanic activity that led to lava oozing out and creating layers of mineral-rich volcanic rock basalt. This basalt then piled into sheets giving rise to the mighty Sahyadri ranges, even older than the Himalayas.

    The rainwater that penetrates the mountains and the rocks gets naturally purified drop-by-drop embodying the purity of essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sodium. This process along the way balances the PH levels ranging from 7.5 to 8.2

    CLEAR Premium Water Founder & CEO Nayan Shah expresses his excitement stating, “Our association with KELZAI Volcanic Water underscores our dedication to meeting the increasing demand for natural mineral water. With the strategic plant location, we aim to reach a broader audience, leveraging Clear’s expertise, extensive network, and KELZAI’s established brand identity. This alliance is set to transform KELZAI’s market presence, ensuring remarkable growth and establishing dominance in the luxury water segment. This partnership enhances our natural mineral water offerings, positioning us to deliver exceptional value and impeccable service to our customers.”

    In recent years, the surge in fine dining and the emergence of niche culinary experiences have heightened the demand for natural mineral water. KELZAI is poised to seamlessly elevate the overall dining experience in these establishments, while also meeting the needs of a broader luxury audience in various settings such as cafes, restaurants, institutions, multiplexes, hotels, and more.

    Under the terms of this acquisition, KELZAI Volcanic Water will be exclusively distributed and marketed by CLEAR Premium Water’s parent company, Energy Beverages Private Limited, leveraging its robust network and Pan India Presence. This association underscores a shared dedication to delivering the highest quality natural mineral water, promising exceptional service, and an augmented market share for both CLEAR Premium Water and KELZAI Volcanic Water.

    The synergy between CLEAR Premium Water and KELZAI Volcanic Water heralds a new era in the industry, promising a dynamic combination of expertise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to sustainability and quality. This strategic alliance is set to captivate the market and reinforce CLEAR Premium Water’s position as a prominent player in the bottled water industry.

    KELZAI Volcanic Water is available in 200 ml, 500 ml, and 1 litre biodegradable PET bottles, as well as available in 300 ml, 500 ml, and 750 ml glass bottles (Still & Sparkling)

  • Timex launches “iConnect Calling” with Aashim Gulati as the brand face

    Timex launches “iConnect Calling” with Aashim Gulati as the brand face

    Mumbai: Timex global brand in watchmaking, is excited to launch its newest creation, the iConnect Calling smartwatch range, further diversifying its smartwatches line up that effortlessly combines style and functionality. iConnect Calling allows users to answer calls from their wrist and keeps a detailed record of important health data, making it a perfect blend of fashion and fitness.

    Actor Aashim Gulati, known for his fitness, timeliness and signature fashion style is the face of the latest collection and resonates perfectly with what the collection has to offer.

    Commencing at an enticing price, the watch is available online and offline across 8 SKU’s and equipped with features such as smart notifications, a full-color touch screen display, activity tracking, water resistance and more. Enabling multi-day battery life, one full charge lasts for 7 days on normal usage.

    iConnect Calling Fact Sheet-

    Bluetooth calling

    changeable watch face – more than 100+ watch faces available on the app cloud

    100+ sports modes to measure key data (heart Rate, Blood pressure, sleep Tracker)

    AI Voice for intelligent dialogue and QnA

    8 SKU’s

    240*284 screen resolution

    TFT screen provides a crystal-clear image that is viewable even in bright sunlight

    4 Games

    The new range also has more than 100 sports modes to measure every vitals, be it heart rate or calories burned with the feasibility of saving data on the Timex Fit 2.0 app. Every watch comes with a one-click AI VOICE interconnection to be paired with a mobile phone voice assistant for intelligent interaction and instant question and answer. Available in contemporary colours such as rose gold, gun-metal blue and many more. The latest collection features easily detachable straps for added convenience

    Speaking on announcement, Timex India managing director Deepak Chhabra said, “We are very excited about our latest iConnect Calling smart watch range. In recent years, watches are no longer seen as a mere timekeeping device but also a distinctive fashionable accessory with functionality. We are thrilled to have Aashim Gulati as the face for our new range as he reflects the perfect combination of fashion and fitness. His impressive work has earned him widespread recognition, particularly among the youth, who constitute our target consumers. We know we’ve made a ‘smart’ choice’.”  

    Online availability: https://shop.timexindia.com/collections/men-smartwatches 

  • Maruti Suzuki’s Hisashi Takeuchi named Autocar Professional’s Man of the Year 2023

    Maruti Suzuki’s Hisashi Takeuchi named Autocar Professional’s Man of the Year 2023

    Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki MD & CEO Hisashi Takeuchi is Autocar Professional’s ‘Man of the Year’ for 2023.

    The Autocar Professional Man of the Year has been a person whose singular influence has shaped automotive headlines for the year, with a larger vision that has transformative potential. Takeuchi typifies that person, said Autocar Professional editor Ketan Thakkar.

    Takeuchi, who took over the reins in April 2022, has accelerated decision-making at the carmaker and put Maruti Suzuki back in the reckoning in the lucrative and popular SUV segment. On the back of new SUV launches such as the Grand Vitara, Fronx and Jimny, the company has become the segment leader and appears on course to comfortably hold onto that position for the rest of FY 2024.

    Takeuchi is also the prime architect of the company’s Vision 3.0 program. In Autocar Professional’s cover story, which also features an exclusive interview with Maruti Suzuki’s top boss, Thakkar writes: “Vision 3.0 is by far the most audacious mid-term goal set by the company. The plan envisages Maruti Suzuki doubling production capacity and revenues in eight years; tripling exports from India and expanding its product portfolio to 28 models from 17 at present.” Vision 3.0 could well be Takeuchi’s enduring legacy, said Thakkar.

  • What India shopped from D2C brands in 2023

    What India shopped from D2C brands in 2023

    Mumbai:  Beauty and personal care (BPC) products in the burgeoning D2C segment emerged as the largest selling category in India after about 3.7 lakh packs of Vitamin C Serum were sold during 2023, according to GoKwik’s network data report.

    The highest repeat rate was also observed in BPC at 30 per cent, followed by fashion at 28 per cent. The electronics category saw one of the lowest repeat rates, at 14 per cent.

    “D2C brands are increasingly becoming shopper favourites. Shoppers are consistently finding value in shopping from these brands. As a result, the repeat order rate of the most shopped categories has also seen a significant increase. With exclusive deals, loyalty points and offers, deepening markets and evolving trust in these brands, we can expect further growth in this industry.” Said GoKwik co-founder and CEO Chirag Taneja.

    He further added that 2023 marked another significant year for D2C brands and contributed to their growth. From obtaining funding to omnichannel expansion or becoming listed on the stock exchange, D2C brands have proved they are here to stay and grow.

    While shoppers continued to shop various products from the D2C brands, one significant product emerged as the winner, Vitamin C Serum. With over 3.7 L orders, this product clocked the most orders on GoKwik’s network of D2C brands, and emerged as a phenomenon, cementing its position in the skincare routine of Indian shoppers.

    With 3.4 L orders, sunglasses came in the second spot as one of the shoppers’ favourites on the GoKwik network while Skincare Combos ranked third with 2.1 L orders.

    Online premium memberships also seemed to be a hot favourite amongst D2C shoppers last year which could also be an indication of growing trust and loyalty for particular brands. Gift cards too had a huge demand from shoppers, possibly becoming a popular gifting option during the festive season.

    “Shoppers buying directly from a D2C brand reflects growing trust in the products available on the brand website with no risk of counterfeits, etc especially when it comes to beauty and cosmetics,” Chirag added.

    The top three products in terms of the highest orders in this category were Vitamin C Serum, closely followed by Night Cream and Hair Growth Serum.

    Fashion stood tall clocking the second-highest number of orders. This could be indicative of the individuality in the space of fashion which is leading to an increase in the number of brands in subcategories that align with shopper needs. Here, the highest-selling products were Men’s T-shirts, both in black and white and black tops for women.

    Healthcare products secured the third position in order volume, showcasing how rapidly Indian shoppers are becoming health-conscious and trusting D2C brands to cater to their needs. The top-selling products in this category were Immunity Kits and Ayurvedic Oil.

    The highest-selling items in the electronics category, as seen on the GoKwik network, were Wireless earphones followed by Smartwatches.

    Furthermore, products related to hair-related concerns have spiked, especially in metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata) as Hair Serum and Hair Gummies were the most ordered products there.

    Interestingly, one person from Gurgaon ordered SPF 50+ sunscreen 942 times last year. Onion shampoo remained the top choice of another shopper in Delhi who bought the product 514 times. Even in the cold paradise of Srinagar, De-Tan cream was ordered 44 times. In Bangalore however, scalp massager became a shopper’s favourite, as a customer ordered it over 80 times in a year.

    GoKwik houses over 1200 eCommerce brands in its network including Lenskart, Neemans, Man Matters, Purplle, Shoppers Stop, etc, ranging from fashion, beauty, health and nutrition, electronics and other key categories of the online shopping space.