ITV

Category: Brands

  • Just Watches opens luxury timepiece store in Whitefield’s buzzing Nexus Mall

    Just Watches opens luxury timepiece store in Whitefield’s buzzing Nexus Mall

    MUMBAI: If time is money, Whitefield just got a little richer. Just Watches, the luxury multi-brand retail chain from Timex Group India Ltd, has launched its second Bengaluru store at Nexus Neighbourhood Mall, bringing a curated selection of world-class timepieces to one of the city’s most upscale neighbourhoods.

    Covering 529 square feet, the store houses a sleek blend of fashion and horology, displaying iconic labels such as Timex, Daniel Wellington, Versace, Philipp Plein, Plein Sport, Guess, and GC. The layout promises an immersive retail experience tailored to the tastes of Bengaluru’s discerning watch lovers.

    “India’s premium watch market is on an exciting upward trajectory, shaped by a new generation of consumers who view watches as an extension of personal style and identity”, said Timex India MD Deepak Chhabra. “Our second Just Watches store in the city caters to those who seek a blend of global design, premium craftsmanship, and everyday versatility in their timepieces”.

    With this expansion, Timex Group is continuing its march towards premiumisation, tapping into India’s growing appetite for luxury with new retail outlets in high-footfall zones. The move aligns with the brand’s national rollout strategy to offer a diverse selection of international watch brands in a one-stop destination.

    As the premiumisation trend continues to tick upward, Just Watches is positioning itself as the go-to address for timepiece connoisseurs. The Whitefield launch isn’t just about selling watches — it’s about selling time well spent.

     

  • Schaeffler India shifts gears with fifth manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu

    Schaeffler India shifts gears with fifth manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu

    MUMBAI: Schaeffler India has added another cog to its Indian manufacturing playbook with the inauguration of its fifth production facility, this time in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu. Spread across 108,000 square metres, the first phase covers 16,500 sqm and is projected to reach full production by Q4 of calendar year 2025. The new facility will manufacture powertrain and chassis components for both conventional and hybrid vehicles, with a strong nod to emerging e-mobility demand.

    The ribbon-cutting was led by top brass from Germany and India, including Georg F. W Schaeffler, Matthias Zink, Eranti Sumithasri, and Harsha Kadam. The move underscores the company’s bullishness on India’s auto sector and aligns with its long-term localisation and growth strategy.

    Powertrain CEO & Schaeffler AG chassis, Matthias Zink called the Indian market “a key growth engine”, adding, “The new facility is a significant step in our efforts to expand our global manufacturing footprint and further localisation in the region”.

    The Shoolagiri unit will roll out key systems like planetary gears and hybrid transmission components. According to Schaeffler India MD & CEO Harsha Kadam, “This expansion enables us to cater not just to today’s local markets but also to future needs as we transition towards E-mobility”. He noted that the plant will play a critical role in the company’s ‘Make in India’ commitment and sustainable operations model.

    Over the past three years (2022–2024), Schaeffler India has invested Rs 1,700 crore—exceeding its original commitment of Rs 1,500 crore—to scale local operations. This includes manufacturing capabilities for e-mobility and large bearings for industrial use. The new facility joins four existing plants and three R&D centres in India.

    Schaeffler has also made inroads into the digital aftermarket. In 2023, it acquired KRSV Innovative Auto Solutions Pvt Ltd (Koovers), a B2B e-commerce platform, strengthening its digital footprint in automotive parts.

    Sustainability has been baked into the factory’s design. The Shoolagiri plant features rainwater harvesting, zero liquid discharge, natural lighting, battery-powered equipment, and LED lighting. It also integrates ergonomic workspaces and aims to foster a diverse workforce under a broader green manufacturing vision.

    Kadam added, “We remain committed to strengthening capabilities in India with our ever-evolving motion technology portfolio to seize emerging opportunities and retain our competitive edge”.

  • Tohands unveils AI-powered calculator to digitise 1.5 lakh kirana stores in Maharashtra

    Tohands unveils AI-powered calculator to digitise 1.5 lakh kirana stores in Maharashtra

    MUMBAI: In the bustling bylanes of India, where kirana stores are the beating heart of daily commerce, Tohands is quietly sparking a retail revolution. The Mumbai-based fintech startup has launched the Tohands Smart Calculator V5 Silver—an AI-enabled tool designed not just to crunch numbers but to change the way India’s small retailers do business.

    Unveiled on 28 May 2025 in Mumbai, the device marks a pivotal moment in Tohands’ mission to bring digital equity to grassroots retail. The company plans to digitise 1.5 lakh kirana stores across Maharashtra in the coming year, targeting key regions including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Vasai. Nationwide, it aims to reach one million shops by year-end.

    Unlike conventional billing systems or ERP software, the V5 Silver keeps things simple. Built for shopkeepers with limited digital literacy, the calculator works both offline and online. It manages inventory, tracks expenses, integrates with barcode scanners and printers, and generates remote reports. Most importantly, it delivers AI-driven insights to help owners identify sales trends, curb losses, and improve cash flow.

    “In every narrow bylane of this country, there’s a kirana store operating on trust and hustle, but without the tools that modern retail enjoys”, said Tohands founder & CEO Praveen Mishra. “The Tohands Smart Calculator V5 Silver is not just about smarter transactions—it’s about enabling these shopkeepers to save time, reduce loss, and gain control over their business”.

    Built on the ‘MAYA’ principle—Most Advanced Yet Acceptable—the device is affordable, user-friendly, and designed for the realities of India’s informal retail sector. It supports integration with essential peripherals and maintains a low learning curve, making it a plug-and-play option for store owners previously alienated by complex POS systems.

    Tohands, which shot to prominence after a feature on Shark Tank India, has already onboarded thousands of kirana stores over four years. It raised Rs. 3.5 crore from investors Radhika Gupta and Varun Dua on the show, along with Rs. 50 lakhs from the Startup India Seed Fund and support from Turbostart.

    As Maharashtra prepares for a new wave of digital kiranas, the calculator may just become the unsung hero behind India’s next chapter of retail transformation.

  • Simply Nam secures fresh funding to scale up beauty play for Indian women

    Simply Nam secures fresh funding to scale up beauty play for Indian women

    MUMBAI: Simply Nam, the homegrown beauty brand led by celebrity makeup artist Namrata Soni and entrepreneur Hanna Stromgren Khan, has secured a strategic investment from the Bhaane Group to power its next phase of growth. The fundraise will enable the company to double its monthly recurring revenue (MRR), expand its product portfolio and grow its omnichannel presence across India.

    Founded in 2020, Simply Nam has doubled its customer base in the past year and clocked a 40 per cent returning customer rate, with its current MRR averaging Rs 2 crore. The brand is currently live across platforms including Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Tira Beauty, Zepto and Blinkit.

    What sets Simply Nam apart is its founder-led formulation approach: no off-the-shelf white-labelling, no shortcuts. Namrata Soni brings over 25 years of hands-on experience to the lab, combining her deep understanding of Indian skin tones, textures and climates with skincare-forward, vegan and cruelty-free innovation.

    “Simply Nam is more than just a makeup brand — it’s a reflection of my life’s work and a deep understanding of the beauty needs of Indian women”, said Simply Nam co-founder Soni. “Having worked with Sonam for over 17 years, it’s incredibly meaningful to now build this brand alongside her and Anand… Their trust at such a pivotal stage fills me with renewed confidence”.

    The Bhaane Group’s investment signals confidence in Simply Nam’s vision of clean, inclusive and professional-grade beauty. The partnership also reflects a commitment to scaling quality-first Indian beauty brands. “With Bhaane Group, we’ve found that rare alignment. This strategic investment is a launchpad for what comes next”, added CEO & co-founder Khan.

    The brand’s hero products, like the Ultimate Kajal (with 100,000 units sold in just three months), the Sweet Kisses Lip Balm, and the Magic Tinted Lip Oil, have already found favour with Indian consumers and influencers alike. Simply Nam has also bagged accolades at the Elle Beauty Awards 2023 and the Grazia Indie Beauty Superstars 2024, with nominations at the upcoming Vogue Beauty & Wellness Awards 2025.

    Bhaane Group CEO Anand S Ahuja remarked, “Simply Nam represents the next chapter in clean, inclusive beauty for India, and we’re incredibly proud to support their journey”.

    The funding will be used to:

    ●    Launch new, innovative product lines

    ●    Expand its educational content

    ●    Strengthen physical and digital reach

    ●    Reinforce its made-in-India ethos across all touchpoints

    As India’s first celebrity makeup artist-owned beauty brand, Simply Nam now sets its sights on building a globally resonant identity that remains proudly Indian at its core.

  • Plush and Blinkit deliver pads with a purpose this Menstrual Hygiene Day

    Plush and Blinkit deliver pads with a purpose this Menstrual Hygiene Day

    MUMBAI: Most people dread a legal-looking envelope but this one holds no fines, just facts. In a bold, attention-grabbing move for Menstrual Hygiene Day, femcare brand Plush has teamed up with quick commerce platform Blinkit to deliver more than just products, they’re delivering a cultural reckoning. In five Indian cities, over 25,000 homes received what appeared to be formal legal notices. But instead of summons, the sleek envelope bore a blazing message: “This is your final notice to put your comfort first.” Inside? A Plush 100 per cent rash-free pad and a mission to challenge the silence around periods.

    As part of its larger PeriodFriendlyWorld campaign, the activation brought period care straight into the spotlight (and the living room), removing the metaphorical brown bag from sanitary pads and giving menstruators permission to expect dignity, comfort and normalcy.

    The campaign ties into Plush’s wider digital movement, “Volume Up. Period.” which addresses a quiet truth: most menstruators instinctively lower their voices when talking about periods, not out of choice but conditioning. Plush is on a mission to unlearn that silence.

    “Periods have been tiptoed around for too long inside homes, offices, and even marketing boardrooms,” said Plush co-founder Prince Kapoor. “This campaign isn’t just about delivering pads, it’s about speaking up. To expect better. To demand comfort. To turn the Volume Up. Period. We’re proud to do it in partnership with Blinkit, who help us take this message straight into the homes where it matters most.”

    Blinkit Senior vice president for revenue Anish Shrivastava added, “This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we’re proud to collaborate with a femcare brand like Plush to support a cause that underscores the need for period care to be seen, respected, and prioritised. It’s about making room for honest conversations, and ensuring that something so fundamental is never out of reach.”

    The campaign ran across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai on May 27 and 28, making a case for how direct-to-home marketing can become a megaphone for cultural change. And while the pads were soft, the message was loud and clear: periods aren’t taboo, they’re part of life and they deserve to be treated that way.

    Because building a PeriodFriendlyWorld doesn’t start with a billboard, it starts at your doorstep.

  • Sip happens as TOVA gets a wellness boost from the Poonawallas

    Sip happens as TOVA gets a wellness boost from the Poonawallas

    MUMBAI: When heritage meets herb, the result is a wellness wave in a bottle. In a move that blends Ayurvedic wisdom with cutting-edge consumer health innovation, Yohan and Michelle Poonawalla have poured capital and confidence into TOVA, a mass-premium beverage brand known for its immunity-boosting, herb-infused packaged water. The strategic investment by the Poonawalla Group signals a bold endorsement of India’s evolving wellness market, where ancient traditions are being smartly reimagined for modern palates.

    Founded in 2022 by Lakshmi and PS Srinivasan under Ayushkalki Wellness, TOVA has been bottling centuries of Ayurvedic knowledge into light, flavourful sips aimed at daily immunity and wellbeing. With formulas backed by R&D from top Indian food tech institutes, the brand champions a more inclusive, mass-premium approach to healthy hydration without the synthetic buzzwords or elitist price tags.

    “Investing in TOVA is an extension of our belief in promoting a healthier future,” said Poonawalla Group chairman Yohan Poonawalla. “We are excited to support ventures that combine traditional wisdom with modern innovation. TOVA’s vision of bottling the benefits of Ayurveda in a convenient and appealing form is perfectly aligned with today’s wellness-conscious consumer, and we look forward to mentoring and supporting their journey towards becoming a household name.”

    The Poonawallas’ interest in health, sustainability and innovation is well documented spanning sectors from engineering to green energy. With this new backing, TOVA is poised to scale up R&D, expand its distribution, and step more confidently into India’s health-forward mainstream.

    “We see immense potential in TOVA’s unique approach to health and wellness. Their focus on research, quality, and innovation resonates with our values. This partnership not only aligns with our broader commitment to sustainability and wellness but also provides an opportunity to impact lives positively on a mass scale,” said Poonawalla Group director Michelle Poonawalla.

    From school runs to boardrooms, wellness is no longer niche and TOVA taps directly into that shift. Whether it’s Ashwagandha-infused water for calm or Tulsi-laced hydration for immunity, the brand offers functional, natural solutions in a form that fits busy, urban lives.

    “We are deeply honoured to have the support of the Poonawalla Group,” said TOVA co-founders Lakshmi and PS Srinivasan. “Their belief in our vision and commitment to nurturing innovation will play a critical role in accelerating TOVA’s growth. This partnership empowers us to strengthen our R&D, expand our distribution, and deepen our impact on promoting everyday wellness.”

    With 14 million households now actively seeking Ayurvedic solutions, the timing couldn’t be better. And with the Poonawallas on board, TOVA isn’t just riding the wellness trend, it’s bottling a movement.

    Wellness just got a new signature flavour and it’s Poonawalla-approved.

  • LS Digital reshuffles deck with three CXO elevations to power global growth and strategy

    LS Digital reshuffles deck with three CXO elevations to power global growth and strategy

    MUMBAI: LS Digital has pressed the accelerator on leadership transformation. The integrated digital business transformation (DBT) company has elevated three of its senior leaders—Anuraj Gupta as chief growth officer for India and MEA, Shantanu Bhattacharyya as chief client officer – media, and Sudhindra CN as chief strategy officer.

    The move underscores LS Digital’s global ambitions, with the trio now steering growth, client success, and strategic direction across India, MEA, the UK, and the US.

    “The elevation of Anuraj, Shantanu & Sudhindra marks a significant step forward in our mission to build a future-ready organisation”, said LS Digital group chief business officer & CEO – media Rupak Ved. “Their strategic foresight and commitment to client success will play a key role in accelerating our growth”.

    Gupta will now lead strategic growth initiatives, with a sharp focus on revenue expansion and client acquisition across India and MEA. “I’m excited to take on this expanded responsibility at a time when brands are seeking integrated solutions that tie marketing performance to business outcomes”, Gupta said.

    Bhattacharyya steps in to lead LS Digital’s media client portfolio, orchestrating seamless delivery across media, creative, data, tech, and CX. “Today, client success hinges on clarity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of evolving business needs”, Bhattacharyya noted.

    As CSO, Sudhindra will focus on crafting centralised strategy frameworks that fuse AI, data, and human creativity for scalable business impact. “In a digital-first world, strategy must evolve to become both dynamic and deeply integrated across the customer lifecycle”, he said.

    LS Digital continues to push the boundaries of digital transformation with a team that now reflects sharper intent and deeper global alignment.

     

  • First cry no more as Pee Safe tackles first periods with zero fear

    First cry no more as Pee Safe tackles first periods with zero fear

    MUMBAI: What do an 8-year-old footballer, a referee, and a nutrition coach have in common? They’re all part of Pee Safe’s mission to make periods less panic, more power. Marking Menstrual Hygiene Day with both emotion and impact, Pee Safe launched its new campaign #ZeroPeriod, a heartfelt initiative to tackle the fear and silence surrounding first periods. The digital video commercial (DVC) at the centre of the campaign portrays the experience of a young footballer who starts her first period mid-game capturing confusion, stigma, and eventually, empowerment.

    At the core of Zero Period is Pee Safe’s Disposable Period Panty, designed specifically for first-time menstruators. Think: leak-proof, ultra-absorbent, breathable underwear that feels like everyday wear, not an awkward afterthought. It’s a simple innovation aiming to give girls one less reason to leave the game whether it’s sport, school, or simply being themselves.

    According to Pee Safe founder Vikas Bagaria said, “Zero Period is about making space for honest conversations around menstruation, especially the first one. For many young girls, that experience can be confusing and isolating. Our intent with this campaign is to challenge the idea that periods are a disruption or something to be hidden. We want girls to feel equipped, reassured, and uninterrupted in whatever they choose to do.”

    According to Pee Safe co-founder Rithish Kumar said, “We notice young girls stepping away from activities they love because of the fear or stigma attached to menstruation. With Zero Period, we want to change that by fostering understanding and support, particularly in environments like schools and sports. Our goal is simple: to help make periods easier, not just physically, but emotionally and socially too.”

    The campaign goes beyond storytelling, it includes real-life advocates such as Divya Kumari, a national-level kabaddi referee, and Dr Ankita Pathak, a former kho-kho player and nutrition coach for the National Games 2025. Together, they’re proof that periods shouldn’t bench ambition.

    In collaboration with the SRF Foundation and Akhandjyoti Foundation, Pee Safe is taking this movement offline as well. The brand is conducting on-ground menstrual hygiene awareness sessions in underserved communities and across top schools like KR Mangalam, GD Goenka, Bal Bharati, and Delhi Public School.

    These sessions designed to offer accurate information, emotional reassurance, and free access to hygiene products aim to give young girls the confidence to manage their periods with dignity, minus the fear.

    With over 500 students already reached and more sessions underway, Pee Safe is scoring high on both empathy and impact. First periods may always come with nerves, but thanks to Zero Period, they may now come with fewer exits and more goals.

  • Game set match for Pokkt as it powers Unilever’s winning streak

    Game set match for Pokkt as it powers Unilever’s winning streak

    MUMBAI: Turns out scrubbing up well isn’t just for laundry, it’s a winning formula for gaming too. Pokkt, the mobile marketing arm of Anymind Group, has emerged as the unsung MVP of this year’s Festival of Media Global (FOMG) Awards 2025, fuelling a string of Unilever-led campaigns that walked away with top honours. Among the winning spin cycles: Gold for Best Use of Gaming for Domex, Gold for Best Use of Online for the cross-brand “Gaming Boosts Laundry” campaign (featuring Wheel, Rin, and Surf Excel), and Bronze for Best Use of Gaming for the broader Laundry Brands initiative.

    Not bad for brands that usually stick to your bathroom shelf.

    Behind the sudsy success lies a refreshing strategy, Pokkt’s signature approach of non-disruptive gaming integrations that slip seamlessly into digital play. No awkward banner ads or jarring pop-ups here, just cleverly woven game mechanics that keep users engaged and brands top-of-mind, all while delivering trackable results.

    In a landscape where attention spans flit faster than a Tiktok scroll, this method is anything but soft touch. Pokkt transforms passive product education into choose-your-own-adventure moments. Want to learn how a cleaner toilet can save lives? Why not do it while beating a level? That’s precisely the magic behind campaigns like Domex’s.

    It’s also no small feat to make homecare and personal hygiene exciting yet by turning “routine” categories into playable narratives, these campaigns showed that even detergent can pack digital dazzle.

    According to Anymind Group, these wins aren’t just accolades, they’re proof that interactive storytelling is the new currency of consumer engagement. In a world of digital distraction, making users want to watch your ad better yet, play it is the future.

    With the festival spotlight shining bright, the message is loud and clear: the best campaigns don’t just clean up, they play smart, hit level-ups, and leave audiences asking for another round.

  • Yu-Gi-Oh! levels up your wardrobe with a fashion fusion power play

    Yu-Gi-Oh! levels up your wardrobe with a fashion fusion power play

    MUMBAI: Get ready to summon some serious style, Yu-Gi-Oh! is no longer just for the duel arena. It’s coming for your closet. Konami Cross Media NY, Inc. has inked fresh global licensing deals that bring the iconic anime franchise to life through streetwear, activewear and knitwear. With new collaborations spanning Vanquish Fitness, Creating Fun, and Steady Hands, Yu-Gi-Oh! is entering the lifestyle fashion chat, one duel disc at a time.

    “Each of our new partners is looking to expand their Anime presence in the marketplace and Yu-Gi-Oh! is their top choice,” said Konami Cross Media VP of licensing and marketing Jennifer Coleman. “These agreements will bring new lines of athletic wear, high-end jackets and bespoke knitwear, a new apparel offering for the Yu-Gi-Oh! merchandising business.”

    Vanquish Fitness, the London-based athleisure brand started in 2015 by school friends Oliver Maloney and Ruben O’Brien, will launch a line of Yu-Gi-Oh! themed fitness wear including joggers, hoodies, and track suits. The partnership gives fans an excuse to flex both muscles and nostalgia, all under the banner of the brand’s community-driven platform #VQFIT.

    Boutique online label Creating Fun brings premium streetwear into the duel. Known for its “if you know, you know” drops and a knack for merging bespoke tailoring with modern style, the US-based brand is crafting exclusive pieces for the fandom with a heavy dose of anime affection stitched into every seam.

    Meanwhile, Steady Hands, a Gen Z favourite known for its viral knitwear drops, will stitch together Yu-Gi-Oh!’s first official knitwear line. The collection includes bespoke sweaters, tees, button-ups and even a themed blanket upping the snuggle stakes for fans. This follows their previously successful accessories capsule inspired by the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game.

    The deals were born out of connections made at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, where Konami Cross Media first met with Steady Hands, leading to a deeper collaboration.

    For fans, it’s a win-win: nostalgic references, bold design, and wearable art that lets you rep your duel spirit without the cosplay. Whether you’re bench pressing or binge-watching, the new Yu-Gi-Oh! collections are set to be both fashion-forward and fandom-first.

    Now that’s a turn worth drawing.