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Category: Brands

  • Maruti Suzuki hits the gas on financing with SMFG India Credit tieup

    Maruti Suzuki hits the gas on financing with SMFG India Credit tieup

    MUMBAI: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has inked a new deal that could supercharge its light commercial vehicle sales. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SMFG India Credit (SMICC) to provide tailored auto retail finance options for buyers of its Super Carry and Eeco Cargo models.

    This new alliance is designed to give a leg-up to fleet owners and small businesses by offering flexible, tech-savvy financing solutions. With SMICC’s reach and Maruti’s dealer network firing on all cylinders, customers can now expect an end-to-end credit experience that’s fast, fuss-free and fully digital.

    Present at the signing were MSIL senior executive officers for marketing and sales, Partho Banerjee and Nobutaka Suzuki, along with vice-president Vishal Sharma. SMICC was represented by chief operating officer Swaminathan Subramanian, chief business officer Ajay Pareek, and Takamitsu Kajii, head of planning and alignment.

    “At Maruti Suzuki, customer delight remains to be our top priority. Our partnership with SMFG India Credit adds to our continuous efforts in aiding customers with easy, flexible, and personalised financing options for Super Carry and Eeco Cargo. The Super Carry has a special place in the hearts of fleet owners and drivers with its exceptional load carrying capacity & power, while the Eeco Cargo’s versatile combination of comfort and utility makes it a preferred choice. By leveraging SMFG India’s robust and wide network, customers can expect seamless, tech-driven, end-to-end financing experiences,” said Partho Banerjee. 

    Ajay Pareek added, “We are excited to offer top-class credit solutions to Maruti Suzuki customers as one of their retail vehicle financing partners. This collaboration aligns with our aim of becoming the preferred lending partner of choice for millions of Indians. Our tailor-made product offerings extend beyond auto retail financing and we are well poised to empower every Indian to achieve financial freedom, through easy and accessible loans. Keeping this as one of the cornerstones for progress, we are focused on partnering with top OEMs across key sectors. We are thrilled to ink this partnership with Maruti Suzuki and look forward to jointly serving their customers across the country.”

    With the commercial vehicle market picking up pace, this move could help Maruti Suzuki stay ahead of the curve and load up on volumes—one financed vehicle at a time.

  • The Sleep Co names Alpesh Jain CTO to power tech dreams

    The Sleep Co names Alpesh Jain CTO to power tech dreams

    MUMBAI: India’s comfort-tech trailblazer, The Sleep Co, has roped in Alpesh Jain as its new chief technology officer (CTO), as it gears up for its next growth sprint. With over 16 years of experience across ecommerce, automotive, and hospitality tech, Jain is now all set to turbocharge the brand’s digital backbone — and maybe even help the nation sleep smarter.

    Jain was previously vice president (VP) of technology at The Good Glamm group, where he scaled platforms, engineered robust systems, and delivered tech that reached millions. Now, he’s trading beauty for bedtime, with a mission to bring seamless, data-led solutions to customers’ fingertips — or rather, mattresses.

    “Tech should be invisible — it should just make your life better,” said Jain. “And what better way than helping people sleep better?”

    Welcoming him on board, The Sleep Co co-founder Priyanka Salot added: “His vast experience and innovative mindset align perfectly with our mission to redefine comfort through technology. Alpesh will play a key role as we continue to expand our footprint and deepen our connection with consumers.”

    The appointment comes at a time when The Sleep Co  — known for its patented SmartGrid  tech — is widening its footprint across India and beyond.

    With smart chairs, mattresses, and now a tech czar at the helm, the brand is on a mission to make every snooze and sit smarter.

  • 7 Iconic reasons to book your room in Taj Lands End

    7 Iconic reasons to book your room in Taj Lands End

    Taj Lands End has been very strategically located in the upscale neighbourhood of Bandra in Mumbai and stands as one of the iconic and luxurious five-star hotels in the city. This place is beautifully overlooking the Arabian Sea and the historic Bandra Fort which makes it a perfect place to enjoy elegance, comfort and world-class hospitality. So, whether you are travelling the city of Mumbai for business purposes, leisure purposes or a special celebration, Taj Lands’ End will always provide you with an unmatched experienceand following are the most important reasons to book your room in Taj Lands End Mumbai:

    1. Breath-taking view of the Arabian Sea: One of the biggest possible benefits of booking your room in the Taj Lands End is this stunning view of the sea because the majority of the rooms over here will provide you with a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, Bandra Worli Sea Link and the Mumbai skyline. Over here you will be waking up to the sight of the waves that will be gently rolling against the shore and further, you can easily enjoy the mesmerising sunset right from the comfort of your room. The beautiful views of this particular place will definitely provide you with a very peaceful contrast to the hassle of the city and for anybody who is interested in enjoying nature in blending with urban energy, the view will be the best possible reason to plan your stay over here.

    2. Very strategic location: Taj Lands End is very strategically located in the Bandra area of Mumbai and is very well famous by the name of Queen of the Suburbs. This place will offer you easy accessibility to the airport, BKC and South Mumbai because this is one of the best possible options for exploring the culture and nightlife of the city. The entire place is also known by the name of Cafes, Art galleries, shopping and historical landmarks which is the main reason that planning your stay over here will be worth it. Best of the tourist attractions including the Mount Mary Church, bandstand Promenade and the Bandra Fort are only a stroll away from this place. All of these points will make the entire place very much ideal for business and leisure travellers who are interested in enjoying a central and scenic base to explore the city without any problem. 

    3. Very luxurious rooms: Taj Lands End will be coming with very spacious and beautifully designed rooms that will reflect sophistication as well as comfort because every room over here has been equipped with the best-in-class bedding, elegant decoration, high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TV and marble bathrooms. Sea-view rooms and the Taj club rooms will be offering you with additional element of luxury along with exclusive services and the Presidential suite over here will be the epitome of indulgence that will be providing you with the best of space and private service. So, whether you are planning to stay over here for a night or for a week every room will definitely promise you elegance, peace and relaxation without any doubt.

    4. World-class dining facilities and options: Taj Lands End is basically a very important culinary destination itself because it will be offering you multiple award-winning restaurants which are known for Indian cuisine created by the best of the expert chefs. Chinese Fine favourite dishes will also be made available over here and you will also be able to enjoy easy access to the innovative cocktails and other beverages. 24 x 7 International restaurants with Lavish Buffet are also made available over here because each of the dining will be offering you gastronomic flair as well as warm hospitality without any problem. Also, such aspects will make the overall meal a very memorable experience without any problem at any point in time. 

    5. Top-level facilities and services: Taj Lands End will be offering you a significant range of premium facilities that have been designed with the motive of catering to your every need and state of the art fitness centre over here will be providing you with easy accessibility to the best-in-class services. Additionally, you can enjoy access to the outdoor swimming pool, a luxurious spa for rejuvenating treatment and concierge services that will be uplifting your overall stay experience over here. Further, if you are planning to have a business stay then you can easily enjoy accessibility to the high-end meeting rooms, board rooms and the business centre which makes sure that whether you are working or travelling or relaxing every need will be very well taken care of without any doubt.

    6. Exceptional hospitality from the iconic Taj group: The Taj group is very much famous for its legendary service in Taj Lands End will also offer you with personalised element of care that will make sure that every guest will be feeling like at home. Staff members will always go the extra mile to arrange a surprise for you whether it is a specific occasion or attending to the last-minute preferences which makes sure that your overall experience will be definitely worth it. The guests are frequently praising the warmth, efficiency and professionalism of the hotel team and the commitment to the highest standard of hospitality very well justifies it. The attention to detail and the heartfelt service over here will make sure that your overall day will be truly unforgettable without any problem and eventually, you can enjoy the exceptional hospitality very successfully.

    7. The perfect venue for the events and celebrations: With the grand ballroom, lawns and elegant banquet services, Taj Lands End will be a very premium destination for weddings, receptions and custom theme-based catering events. Corporate events and conferences will be coming with full tech support and private parties including the social gatherings will be perfectly arranged over here. Every celebration will be becoming extra special with the ambience of the hotel and the impeccable element of service.

    Hence, choosing Taj Lands End will be not only about accommodation but it will be an elevated lifestyle experience that will be providing you with every moment wrapped in luxury, comfort and unforgettable charm of the Mumbai city.  

  • Kurta in a Hurry? Libas and Zepto Stitch Up 10-Minute Fashion Fix

    Kurta in a Hurry? Libas and Zepto Stitch Up 10-Minute Fashion Fix

    MUMBAI: Who needs a fairy godmother when your new kurta shows up in 10 minutes flat? In a move that fuses style with speed, Libas has become one of India’s first fashion brands to leap into the world of quick commerce by launching on Zepto. Now live across 50 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, Libas’ best-selling kurta sets, co-ords, and everyday chic essentials can reach your doorstep faster than your pani puri cravings.

    This snappy partnership marks a major milestone for the ultra-fast fashion brand and the 10-minute delivery app known for grocery speed. Together, they’ve turned wardrobe malfunctions and last-minute outfit panics into just another tap on your screen.

    “AtLibas, we’re constantly reimagining how fashion fits into the lives of modern Indian women. Our launch on Zepto is more than just fast delivery, it’s about empowering our customers with instant access to style,no matter the occasion. We’re excited to be among the first fashion brands in India to embrace quick commerce at this scale,” said Libas founder & CEO, Sidhant Keshwani.

    Zepto chief business officer Devendra Meel shared, “Our mission has always been to make lives easier, this time, we’re bringing that promise to your wardrobe. Fast fashion isn’t just a trend, it’s now a timeline and we are glad to have Libas trust Zepto to reach their customers.”

    To drive home the point, the brands have rolled out a cheeky brand film capturing the familiar chaos of last-minute wardrobe dilemmas. The message? Forgot about that puja invite? Suddenly have a sangeet to slay at? Don’t sweat it Libas and Zepto have your back. And your outfit.

    From planned looks to panic orders, this collab captures the pulse of today’s hyper-spontaneous generation. Because who says fashionably late is the only way to arrive?

     

  • Gorakhpur gets a taste of the Golden Arches with McDonald’s debut

    Gorakhpur gets a taste of the Golden Arches with McDonald’s debut

    MUMBAI: Burgers, fries and smiles have landed in Gorakhpur and it’s lovin’ it already. McDonald’s has officially fired up its grills in Gorakhpur, marking its much-anticipated entry into the city with a sprawling 113-seater restaurant at Nayak Enclave, Basharatpur. With snazzy interiors, a digital-first experience, and an all-star menu of global favourites and desi delights, the outlet promises to be more than just a pit stop, it’s a flavourful new hangout.

    Whether you’re craving a McAloo Tikki post-lecture, catching up over coffee with friends, or indulging in a Maharaja Mac after a shopping spree, the new outlet caters to everyone, students, families, and those simply seeking a satisfying bite.

    The restaurant is decked out with self-ordering kiosks, table service, and guest experience leaders, ensuring a slick, queue-free dining experience. And with takeaway and dine-in options available, it’s convenience served with a side of crispy fries.

    Announcing the restaurant launch, McDonald’s managing director for India – North and East Rajeev Ranjan said, “It fills us with immense joy to open our doors in Gorakhpur, a city known for its deep-rooted culture, vibrant youth, and welcoming spirit. Through our new restaurant, we wish to be part of the everyday celebrations of residents of Gorakhpur, offering global menu, great tasting delicious food that’s not just quick and convenient, but also pocket friendly. We are hopeful of our restaurant becoming  a go-to place for the residents of the city – from coffee breaks to family treats and student hangouts.

    But it’s not just about the menu. As part of McDonald’s for Youth programme, the Gorakhpur outlet will also create employment opportunities for local talent, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, giving the city’s youth a flavour of economic inclusion.

    With nearly 245 outlets across North and East India, McDonald’s continues to bring its signature blend of taste, technology and community focus to more cities and in Gorakhpur, it looks like the love story is just beginning.

  • Doms Industries inks 51 per cent stake in Super Treads to bulk up stationery play

    Doms Industries inks 51 per cent stake in Super Treads to bulk up stationery play

    MUMBAI: Doms Industries Limited has acquired a 51 per cent equity stake in Super Treads Private Limited (STPL) for up to Rs 6.12 crore, the company confirmed after a board meeting held on May 19. The strategic acquisition will be executed through a secondary share purchase, subject to due diligence and regulatory clearances.

    The move is aimed at strengthening Doms’ manufacturing base in the paper stationery segment and extending its reach in eastern India. STPL, which has been in operation for over two decades, has built its niche as an OEM supplier specialising in notebooks and paper stationery.

    “Our proposed acquisition of a majority stake in STPL is a key step in enhancing our manufacturing capacities and geographically diversifying our paper stationery infrastructure to efficiently reach our consumers, thus further strengthening our competitiveness in this segment,” said Doms Industries Ltd MD Santosh Raveshia.

    He added, “This investment aligns with our vision of leveraging our growing brand reputation and well-entrenched distribution network to deliver our unique and differentiated range of products at the most competitive prices. With Rakesh Maheshwari and his team, we have got this wonderful opportunity to partner with great technocrats, like-minded entrepreneurs who have a great zeal to offer something unique to the market. We are confident that this partnership would lead to significant long-term growth and value creation for all of us”.

    STPL promoter director Rakesh Kumar Maheshwari described the deal as a strategic inflection point. “This partnership represents a strategic milestone for our company, combining our manufacturing expertise with Doms’ national distribution capabilities and established brand. This collaboration will be instrumental in realising our full potential and enable us to explore opportunities, thereby unlocking new avenues for growth and innovation. In Doms, we have found a perfect strategic partner to help us pursue a brand-led business journey”, he said.

    Once finalised, STPL will become part of the broader Doms Group portfolio, which already includes Pioneer Stationery Private Ltd, Micro Wood Private Limited, Skido Industries Private Limited, Uniclan Healthcare Private Limited and associate firm Clapjoy Innovations Private Ltd.

    Marathon Capital Advisory Private Limited served as the strategic advisor to Doms on this acquisition.

  • Organic India signs Sachin Tendulkar as brand face to drive trust and wellness forward

    Organic India signs Sachin Tendulkar as brand face to drive trust and wellness forward

    MUMBAI: Some matches are made in heaven; others are brewed in Tulsi. Organic India announced on 19 May 2025 its brand partnership with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The move blends the brand’s deep legacy in sustainable living with the enduring credibility of one of India’s most respected icons.

    Known for championing organic living for over 25 years, Organic India has carved its niche through signature products like Tulsi Green Tea, Hibiscus and Chamomile infusions, and herbal supplements crafted with whole, natural ingredients. The company sources its raw materials directly from thousands of farmers and promotes eco-conscious farming practices that impact both livelihoods and the environment.

    In 2024, Organic India was acquired by Tata Consumer Products Limited (TCPL), adding momentum to its distribution goals. The acquisition aimed to unlock synergies using TCPL’s robust retail network across domestic and global markets. The partnership with Tendulkar is Organic India’s latest brand move under the TCPL umbrella.

    “Sachin Tendulkar’s determination to excellence and integrity mirrors with the brand’s unwavering commitment to deliver high-quality, trusted, organic products”, read the company’s statement. “With this natural alignment of shared values and vision, Organic India aims to deepen consumer trust, inspire brand love, and reinforce its position as a pioneer and one of the most trusted organic brands in the country”.

    The brand continues to lead conversations on sustainable living, with an extensive portfolio across herbal supplements, teas & infusions, and organic packaged foods. The collaboration with Tendulkar is set to expand both visibility and credibility in the health and wellness space.

     

     

  • Miraggio raises Rs 55 crore in Series A to bag bigger ambitions in India’s accessories game

    Miraggio raises Rs 55 crore in Series A to bag bigger ambitions in India’s accessories game

    MUMBAI: India’s fashion handbag market just found its next contender for the spotlight. Miraggio, the homegrown accessories label known for trendy handbags, secured Rs 55 crore (approximately $6.5 million) in a Series A round led by RPSG Capital Ventures and Client Associates Alternate Fund, with Prath Ventures joining the cap table.

    Founded in Gurgaon, Miraggio has racked up over one million orders and plans to scale fast. With the fresh capital, the brand aims to expand its product portfolio, tap into tier two and three cities, and build a sturdy omnichannel strategy to make aspirational handbags accessible to India’s modern woman.

    “We are thrilled to welcome our new investors on board and truly value their belief in Miraggio’s long-term vision. This funding marks a pivotal moment for us as we accelerate our journey toward becoming an omnichannel fashion handbag and accessories brand. With a sharper focus on delivering elevated retail experiences, expanding our product portfolio, and building deeper connections with customers across India, we’re excited to shape the next chapter of Miraggio’s growth story”, said Miraggio founder & CEO Mohit Jain.

    The brand is set to launch over 500 new products in the next 18 months and expand its sourcing network across Asia. This includes strengthening supply chains across multiple countries to meet growing demand. With India’s handbag market projected to grow by $2 billion between 2024-2029, the runway appears long.

    RPSG Capital Ventures Abhishek Goenka praised the startup’s ability to mix style with value. “Miraggio is rapidly emerging as a defining force in India’s fashion accessories space. In a highly fragmented and dynamic market, Miraggio stands apart in its ability to offer exceptional value for money, seamlessly combining aspirational design, quality, and experience with premium affordable pricing, making it especially relevant to India’s new-age consumers. We’ve been deeply impressed by the clarity of Mohit’s vision and are excited to support him and the team as they lead the charge towards becoming India’s go-to destination for fashion-forward accessories”.

    Echoing the sentiment, Client Associates Alternate Fund Shivam Diwan added, “Miraggio has quickly captured attention with its fresh approach. Their commitment to innovation stands out, and it positions them well to make a big impact in the market. We’re excited to be a part of their journey, as we believe they have the potential to reshape the handbag and accessories industry in India. This investment is in line with our mission to support companies that are not just growing, but driving real change and offering something new to the market”.

    Prath Ventures Piyush Goenka also remarked, “We see in Miraggio a rare combination of design-led thinking and execution excellence. We are proud to back a brand that is not only scaling rapidly but is also setting new benchmarks for what Indian fashion brands can achieve”.

    As India’s appetite for fashionable yet functional accessories rises, Miraggio now looks to stitch together scale, relevance, and retail punch.

  • Kodiaq roars again as Skoda shifts gears on luxury SUV game in India

    Kodiaq roars again as Skoda shifts gears on luxury SUV game in India

    MUMBAI: Bigger, bolder, and back with a bite, Skoda’s new Kodiaq has hit Indian roads and it’s not just purring, it’s roaring. Celebrating 25 years in India and 130 globally, Skoda Auto kicked off the next chapter in its SUV legacy with the launch of the all-new Kodiaq at PPS Motors in Kondapur, Hyderabad. Following the buzz around the sub-4m Kylaq, this seven-seater luxury 4×4 adds muscle to Skoda’s premium line-up, flaunting a sleeker design, tech upgrades, and terrain-hugging capability.

    Unveiled in the presence of GHMC Corporator Jagadeshwar G and PPS Skoda COO S Cecil, the new Kodiaq is offered in two variants Sportline and the more luxurious Selection L&K both powered by a 2.0 TSI engine producing 150 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed DSG. It’s assembled at Skoda’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar facility and offers a claimed mileage of 14.86 km/l.

    Dimensionally, it’s a roomier beast than before 59mm longer with an impressive 1,976 litres of max boot space. Interior indulgences include a 32.77 cm infotainment system, rotary Smart Dials, ergonomic gear placement, and even a massage function for the Ergo seats. Add nine airbags, a 13-speaker Canton sound system, and a panoramic sunroof to the mix, and you’ve got luxury firmly in the driver’s seat.

    Design-wise, the SUV makes an entrance with LED Beam Crystallinium headlamps and a dramatic Welcome Effect, while exclusive trims like Bronx Gold and Steel Grey add visual polish to its brawny appeal.

    Prices start at Rs 46.89 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Sportline and go up to Rs 48.69 lakh for the top-end L&K. Backed by a 5-year warranty, 10-year roadside assistance, and a complimentary first-year service package, Skoda’s flagship offering is clearly designed to please both city slickers and off-road enthusiasts alike.

    With the new Kodiaq, Skoda isn’t just marking an anniversary, it’s rewriting the playbook for premium SUVs in India, one bold drive at a time.

  • A fresh twist in Powai as Freshpik spices up Brookfield’s retail mix

    A fresh twist in Powai as Freshpik spices up Brookfield’s retail mix

    MUMBAI: From aisle to style, Powai just got tastier. Brookfield Properties has rolled out the red carpet quite literally for Reliance’s premium gourmet grocery store, Freshpik, now open at Spectra in Downtown Powai. Think artisanal cheeses, global delicacies, and fresh produce and toss in a coffee bar and live culinary counters for good measure.

    It’s not your regular supermarket run. Freshpik’s sleek layout invites shoppers to linger, browse, and indulge in what can only be described as a wellness-forward, sensory delight. With a focus on interactive experiences and conscious consumption, this marks Freshpik’s second store and its very first foray into Mumbai’s eastern suburbs.

    And if that’s not enough star power, wellness icon Malaika Arora added her sparkle to the store’s launch, elevating the glamour quotient and reinforcing the brand’s lifestyle ethos.

    For Brookfield Properties, which manages over 55 million sq. ft. of real estate across India, this is more than just retail therapy. Downtown Powai, already buzzing with workspaces, eateries, and shopping, now has another reason to draw in discerning Mumbaikars.

    With this new addition, Brookfield continues to blend commerce with culture, offering not just places to shop or work, but places to truly live. And for Powai’s residents and visitors? Grocery runs may never be the same again.