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Category: MAM

  • Indian Racing Festival Partners with Go Fish Entertainment

    Indian Racing Festival Partners with Go Fish Entertainment

    Mumbai – The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is excited to announce its new strategic partnership with Go Fish Entertainment pvt. Ltd., a leading force in entertainment marketing. This collaboration marks a significant leap in enhancing the Indian Racing Festival brand presence through strategic celebrity partnerships and an extensive media campaign.

    Go Fish Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. is a premier entertainment marketing agency from Mumbai, boasting nearly two decades of industry expertise. Renowned for its expertise in strategic partnerships and innovative campaigns, Go Fish excels in crafting impactful celebrity collaborations and media strategies. The company works with leading advertisers and celebrities, tailoring approaches to meet the diverse and dynamic demands of entertainment marketing. Go Fish Entertainment has played a pivotal role in strategizing, negotiating, and closing strategic celebrity partnerships for the Indian Racing Festival.

    Notable figures such as John Abraham, Sourav Ganguly, and Arjun Kapoor have partnered with IRF to own teams: John Abraham as the owner of the Goa Aces, Sourav Ganguly as the owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers, and Arjun Kapoor as the owner of the Speed Demons Delhi.

    Go Fish Entertainment director Sajay Moolankodan expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to bring these celebrities into a strategic partnership with the Indian Racing Festival. Our goal was to align with celebrities who not only have a strong connection with the audience but also embody the spirit of motorsports. We believe these collaborations will enhance the Indian Racing Festival’s visibility and set a new benchmark in motorsports in India. We are excited to support Mr. Reddy’s vision for the Indian Racing festival and the growth of motorsports in the country.”

    The Indian Racing Festival conceived by Racing Promotion pvt Ltd chairman Akhilesh Reddy added, “This partnership with Go Fish Entertainment represents a new era for the Indian Racing Festival. The addition of such esteemed celebrities will undoubtedly enhance the festival’s profile and appeal. What sets Go Fish apart is not only their ability to secure strategic celebrity partnerships but also their expertise in crafting well-planned media campaigns that elevate our brand, alongside other strategic media partnerships.”

    Actor John Abraham shared: “Go Fish played a pivotal role in getting me on board with the Indian Racing Festival. They were relentless and very convincing. Their strategic approach in aligning me with the festival is truly commendable. I am thrilled to be part of this exciting journey with the Goa Aces team.”

    Ex-Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly commented: “The Go Fish team was persistent and persuasive over time, demonstrating how this partnership would benefit everyone involved. Their dedication and strategic vision ultimately convinced me to join the Indian Racing Festival as the owner of the Kolkata Royal Tigers team.”

    Actor Arjun Kapoor stated: “Their straightforward and transparent approach made the decision seamless. I am thrilled to be part of the Indian Racing Festival and can’t wait to see the campaign unfold.”

    In addition to the strategic celebrity partnerships, Go Fish Entertainment is launching a comprehensive media campaign across TV and in-cinemas, ensuring a wide-reaching impact for the Indian Racing Festival.

  • EatSure honours India’s Olympic win with chocolate medals

    EatSure honours India’s Olympic win with chocolate medals

    Mumbai: Following the success of its ‘Dahi Cheeni’ campaign during the T20 World Cup, EatSure, the flagship D2C platform of Rebel Foods, announced a special initiative to celebrate India’s recent Olympic victories. To honor the country’s athletes, EatSure distributed medal-shaped chocolates with every order across its 200-plus kitchens nationwide whenever India won a medal, with the message “Aaj Meetha Toh Banta Hai.”

    Rebel Foods’ co-founder and chief EatSure officer Sagar Kochhar shared his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, “At EatSure, we believe in celebrating every moment, and our Olympic victories are no exception. By sending medal-shaped chocolates with each order of EatSure, we aim to honour our unsung heroes and share the joy of their achievements with every customer. This initiative is our way of bringing the celebration into the homes of millions, making every Olympic win a shared moment of national pride. ‘Aaj Meetha Toh Banta Hai’ is more than just a message—it’s a tribute to the dedication and spirit of our athletes.”

    In India, the Olympics traditionally received less viewership compared to cricket, which dominated the nation’s sporting landscape. However, enthusiasm and pride surged dramatically when Indian athletes won medals, leading to a significant spike in viewership and national celebrations. It was precisely during these moments of heightened joy and national pride that EatSure aimed to surprise its customers with a unique gesture: a chocolate medal was sent with every order to commemorate the victory.

    These medal-shaped chocolates symbolised the hard-fought victories of our athletes and offered customers a chance to share in the pride and joy of our nation’s accomplishments. This initiative brought the celebration from social media into the real world, ensuring that every Olympic win was recognised and celebrated.

    As our customers enjoy their orders, they will be reminded of India’s athletic success and the spirit of victory that unites us all. EatSure is proud to offer a sweet way to celebrate and amplify the recognition of our Olympians.

  • Lenskart launches Harry Potter-inspired eyewear with Warner Bros. Discovery

    Lenskart launches Harry Potter-inspired eyewear with Warner Bros. Discovery

    Mumbai: Lenskart is thrilled to announce the launch of its Harry Potter-inspired eyewear collection in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. This magical eyewear line is a spellbinding tribute to Harry Potter fans, bringing the magic to life through a stunning range of eyeglasses.

    Crafted with meticulous detail, these frames draw inspiration from the essence of each Hogwarts house. Harry Potter fans can celebrate some of their favourite magical moments with the collection, which features the subtle Deathly Hallows symbol delicately etched on the temple tips, paying homage to the series’ most powerful icons. The sleek design of the Elder Wand is reimagined as a stylish temple motif, embodying the allure of its legendary power. Adding to the magic, the Hogwarts crest discreetly adorns the nose pad, making each pair perfect for everyday use. Lastly, the iconic round glasses, synonymous to ‘The Boy Who Lived’ and shaped a generation complete the collection for all Harry Potter fans in India.

    “We are incredibly excited to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to bring this magical collection to our customers”. Speaking on the launch occasion Lenskart co-founder Ramneek Khurana added, “We believe that these glasses are more than just a fashion statement—they are a way for fans to express their love for the world of Harry Potter and carry a piece of that magic with them every day”.

    Don your favourite lenses and make your every day magical with the Harry Potter x Lenskart collection, now available at all Lenskart stores and online at https://www.lenskart.com/

     

  • How to plan SIPs for your child’s education?

    How to plan SIPs for your child’s education?

    Are you extremely worried about securing your child’s future education in the present day’s ever-increasing cost scenario? With prudent planning and investment in a proper financial vehicle, you can ensure that your child’s educational dreams are not compromised by financial constraints. Wondering which financial product can be a perfect choice in such a case? Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds can be a reliable financial product to save for your child’s higher education. To learn how you can plan SIPs in mutual funds for your child’s higher education, continue reading.  

    1)       Set clear education goals 

    The initial step in planning SIP in mutual funds for your child’s higher education is to set clear goals. Estimate the cost of education depending on the program and educational institute you aspire for your child. Consider parameters such as tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other expenditures. For instance, if you aim for a medical degree from a high-ranked foreign institute, research the present costs and factor in inflation. Setting a clear target will allow you to determine the amount you require to save through SIPs.   

    2)       Decide the investment time frame 

    The duration you have, until your kid begins higher education, is essential in deciding your SIP approach. If your child is currently five years old and you plan for their higher studies at 18, you have an investment horizon of 13 years. Longer investment time frames allow you to take benefit of the compounding effect. Use an online SIP calculator to estimate how much you need to invest month on month to reach your goal. The calculator can provide a realistic picture of the necessary investments required, allowing you to stay on track.   

    3)       Select the correct mutual funds 

    Choosing the correct mutual funds is crucial for maximising returns on SIPs. Equity funds are favourable for long-term goals such as education owing to their potential for higher returns. Diversify your investments through distinct equity funds to disseminate risk. Moreover, consider hybrid funds, which invest in both debt and equities, offering a balanced approach. Getting in touch with a certified financial professional can assist you in choosing the prudent mutual fund in alignment with your risk appetite and financial goals.   

    4)       Monitor and adjust your investments 

    Periodically monitoring your SIP is essential to ensure they are on the right track to meet your financial goals. Assess your investment portfolio at least once a year and make required adjustments, if necessary. If certain funds are not performing well, consider switching to better-performing funds. Reevaluating your financial scenario and goals periodically helps in making well-informed decisions. Online tools like an SIP calculator can help in assessing your investment performance and making required adjustments. 

    Ending note 

    Planning SIPs for your child’s higher education requires clear goal setting, understanding your time frame, selecting the correct mutual funds, and periodic monitoring. By following these steps, you can prepare a solid financial plan to support your child’s educational goals. Use an online SIP calculator to make better decisions and stay on track. Additionally, ensure to start early, remain committed and watch your investments grow.

  • Jio Platforms Ltd reports robust financial performance and strategic advancements

    Jio Platforms Ltd reports robust financial performance and strategic advancements

    Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has reported a remarkable financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2024 highlighting Jio Platforms Ltd’s (JPL) financial results. As per reports company reported quarterly revenue of Rs 33,835 crore, marking a significant increase of 13.3 per cent year-over-year (YoY). The quarterly EBITDA reached Rs 14,360 crore, reflecting a 12.5 per cent YoY growth.

    JPL demonstrated exceptional subscriber growth, adding 42.4 million net new subscribers during FY24. This growth, coupled with the expansion of 5G and home services, drove data traffic to approximately 148 exabytes for the year, a substantial 31 per cent increase YoY.

    As per the report Jio has maintained its leadership in India’s 5G transition, boasting over 108 million 5G subscribers, which represents around 28 per cent of Jio’s wireless data traffic. This achievement positions Jio as having the largest 5G subscriber base for any operator outside China. Additionally, JioAirFiber has seen robust demand across approximately 5,900 towns, leading to the highest-ever quarterly home connects.

    In terms of digital services, Jio Platforms has achieved a remarkable 64 per cent increase in standalone quarterly revenue YoY. The annual performance highlights include double-digit revenue growth driven by significant subscriber additions in mobility and an expanded wireline services portfolio. The company’s strong EBITDA growth is attributed to higher revenues and consistent margin improvements. Increased depreciation resulted from higher network utilization and additions to the gross block, while finance costs remained broadly flat due to stable leverage.

    For the quarterly performance comparison between 4Q FY24 and 4Q FY23, operating revenue growth continued to be fueled by robust subscriber increases in mobility and home services, along with an improved ARPU mix. EBITDA growth was driven by healthy revenue increases and operating leverage. Depreciation saw an increase due to heightened network utilisation and gross block additions, with finance costs remaining stable.

    Operationally, Jio’s average revenue per user (ARPU) stood at Rs 181.7, with a better subscriber mix partially offset by a growing share of promotional 5G traffic. Data and voice traffic experienced increases of 35.2 per cent and 9.7 per cent YoY, respectively.

    Jio has successfully rolled out its True5G network across India, with over 108 million subscribers now migrated to the 5G network. The True5G network now carries approximately 28 per cent of Jio’s wireless data traffic, facilitated by Jio’s own 5G+4G combo core. The JioAirFiber services, available in around 5,900 cities and towns, continue to attract strong customer demand due to its unique entertainment-first proposition combined with high-quality broadband connectivity. AirFiber subscribers have an average daily data usage of approximately 13 GB, which is 30 per cent higher than JioFiber users. The network slicing on the Standalone 5G network and Jio’s point-to-multipoint deployment are transforming fixed broadband infrastructure in India.

    As per the report, Jio introduced several new offers, including the IPL Dhan Dhana Dhan offer for new JioBharat device users, which provides an additional two months of free service with a recharge of the new two-month plan. Additionally, Jio launched the Dhan Dhana Dhan 50-day free service offer for all mobility users who subscribe to new JioAirFiber or JioFiber connections. New JioAirFiber Plus subscribers also enjoy three times the speed for two months.

    The company has also introduced affordable international roaming and in-flight packs, offering bundled voice and data services for seamless travel across top destinations including the USA, UAE, and other top-50 countries. These in-flight packs are available in partnership with 22 airlines.

    Reliance Jio Infocomm chairman  Akash M Ambani said, “Jio continues to maintain its network leadership and offer innovative digital solutions to multiple customer cohorts. This is driving consistent outperformance in terms of subscriber additions and engagement levels. Continued acceleration in the growth of JioAirFiber subscriber base and ramp-up of digital services will sustain industry-leading growth for Jio.”

    As per the report, Reliance BP Mobility Ltd (RBML), operating under the Jio-bp brand, runs 1,729 retail fuel outlets across the country. The brand recently launched a country-wide campaign titled “You Deserve More,” which showcases pioneering customer value propositions (CVPs). This campaign highlights high-performance HSD and MS, powered by bespoke active technology, available at prevailing market prices across the network.

    RBML has expanded its partnerships with international airlines and is benefiting from the rapidly growing Indian aviation sector. In line with its decarbonization efforts, RBML has emphasized the expansion of its EV and CBG/CNG networks. Under the Jio-bp Pulse initiative, RBML has grown its network to over 4,520 live charging points, including 26 of India’s largest charging hubs with over 100 charging points each, located at 330+ unique sites with industry-leading charger uptime.

  • Reliance Industries Ltd announces annual and quarterly financial results

    Reliance Industries Ltd announces annual and quarterly financial results

    Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has reported a remarkable financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2024 highlighted by Jio Platforms (JPL) crossing the Rs 20,000 crore mark in annual net profit. The company has also announced a dividend of Rs 10 per share.

    As per the report for the fiscal year, RIL’s gross revenue reached Rs 1,000,122 crore (approximately $119.9 billion), marking a 2.6 per cent increase year-on-year. This growth was underpinned by robust performance across consumer businesses and upstream operations. Jio Platforms experienced a notable revenue increase of 11.7 per cent year-on-year, driven by significant subscriber growth of 42.4 million in both mobility and home segments, alongside improvements in average revenue per user (ARPU).

    The company’s EBITDA for the year saw a 16.1 per cent increase year-on-year, reaching Rs 178,677 crore (approximately $21.4 billion), reflecting positive contributions from all key operational segments. Jio Platforms’ EBITDA rose by 12.8 per cent year-on-year, benefiting from higher revenue and margin improvements.

    Depreciation expenses increased by 26.1 per cent year-on-year to Rs 50,832 crore (approximately $6.1 billion), primarily due to an expanded asset base across all businesses, heightened network utilization in the Digital Services sector, and ramped-up upstream production. Finance costs rose by 18.1 per cent year-on-year to Rs 23,118 crore (about $2.8 billion), attributed to higher liability balances and increased market interest rates. Tax expenses also grew by 26.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 25,707 crore (around $3.1 billion), due to the utilisation of tax credits from the previous financial year. Consequently, profit after tax increased by 7.3 per cent year-on-year to Rs 79,020 crore (about $9.5 billion). The capital expenditure for the year amounted to Rs 131,769 crore (approximately $15.8 billion), focusing on pan-India 5G rollouts, retail infrastructure expansion, and new energy ventures, excluding spectrum-related costs.

    For the fourth quarter, RIL reported gross revenue of Rs 264,834 crore (approximately $31.8 billion), up 10.8 per cent year-on-year, driven by double-digit growth in the O2C and consumer businesses.

    Reliance Industries Ltd chairman and managing director Mukesh D. Ambani said, “Initiatives across RIL’s businesses have made a remarkable contribution towards fostering growth of various sectors of the Indian economy. It is heartening to note that alongside strengthening the national economy, all segments have posted robust financial and operating performance. This has helped the Company achieve multiple milestones. I am happy to share that this year, Reliance became the first Indian company to cross the Rs 100,000-crore threshold in pre-tax profits.

    Performance of the digital services segment has been boosted by the accelerated expansion of the subscriber base, supported by both mobility and fixed wireless services. With over 108 million True 5G customers,  Jio truly leads the 5G transformation in India. From upgrading the hitherto 2G users to smartphones to leading the effort of producing AI-driven solutions, Jio has proved its capability to strengthen the nation’s digital infrastructure.

    Reliance Retail continued to provide customers endless choices through its robust omnichannel presence. We continue to offer product differentiation and superior offline experience through stores re-modelling and revamping of layouts. Our digital commerce platforms also provide newer solutions to users with a broad brand catalogue. Reliance Retail also works towards strengthening millions of merchants through its unique initiatives in the new commerce space.

    Strong demand for fuels globally, and limited flexibility in refining systems worldwide, supported the margins and profitability of the O2C segment. The downstream chemical industry experienced increasingly challenging market conditions through the year. Despite headwinds, maintaining leading product positions and feedstock flexibility through our operating model that prioritises cost management, we delivered a resilient performance. The KG-D6 block has achieved 30 MMSCMD of production and now accounts for 30 per cent of  India’s domestic gas production.

    We remain committed to our projects and initiatives, including those in the New Energy segment, which  will bolster the company, and help it deliver sustainable growth for the future.”

  • Warehouse 47 transforms Bgauss EV launch with innovative solutions

    Warehouse 47 transforms Bgauss EV launch with innovative solutions

    Mumbai: In a time when immersive experiences are crucial for brand engagement, Warehouse 47 has set standards in creative solutions. Their recent project with Bgauss, an EV motorcycle company, demonstrates their ability to provide end-to-end solutions that blend technology with event management. This case study highlights Warehouse 47’s execution of a comprehensive solution for Bgauss in the automotive industry.

    Bgauss, known for its innovative, eco-friendly EV motorcycles, needed a sophisticated launch event to showcase their latest model. The goal was to create a memorable experience for the press and dealers, highlighting the motorcycle’s features through advanced technology and interactive elements. The project scope included event management, audiovisual technology, 3D scanning and Unreal Engine presentations, an AI-generated photobooth, an interactive LED display, and full event design and management.

    Warehouse 47 planned and managed the event, ensuring smooth transitions and high engagement. They handled venue selection, talent management, and integrated advanced audiovisual technology. The motorcycle was 3D scanned and featured in a 45-minute unreal engine presentation, which highlighted its features. Guests enjoyed an AI-generated photobooth and an interactive LED display for a detailed exploration of the motorcycle.

    The 360-degree solution provided by Warehouse 47 covered all aspects of the event, including custom design, fabrication, lighting and sound setup, talent coordination, and catering. The Bgauss launch was successful, with positive feedback from the press and dealers, demonstrating Warehouse 47’s capability to deliver a comprehensive solution that met client expectations.

  • Young adult singles are connecting via sports on Tinder’s Passport feature this summer

    Young adult singles are connecting via sports on Tinder’s Passport feature this summer

    Mumbai: This season, all eyes are on Paris as singles and sports fans flock both physically and virtually to the City of Light (and some say Love). In a destination with a charming allure that has inspired romance for centuries, singletons are saying bonjour to a world of possibilities on Tinder!

    Since the beginning of July 2024, key Tinder data reveals how users are leveraging this opportunity to make meaningful connections:

    . There has been almost a 25 per cent increase in Swipe activity in France and Tinder has seen a 105 per cent increase in Tinder Passport Mode activity to key tourist sites in Paris.

    . Paris ranked 18th as an international city destination in the weekend of 19-21 July and moved to the 6th spot during the weekend of 26-28 July as the top international cities that young singles in India passported to.

    . The top 3 origin countries of those using the Tinder Passport Mode feature in July to change their location to France are the USA, Brazil and Turkey.

    . The top sports selected as interests in Tinder users’ bios right now are football, basketball and swimming.

    . The fastest-growing sports interests are gymnastics (+31 per cent) and basketball (+14 per cent).

    . There has been an increase in the number of users with the job descriptions ‘olympian’ (+52 per cent) and ‘athlete’ (+43 per cent) on Tinder in Paris.

    For those who are yearning to be part of the (sporting) action from across the world, Tinder Passport Mode allows users to search by city or drop a pin on the map to begin liking, matching and chatting with others in their destination of choice! Other users will now be able to see that you’re in Passport Mode on your profile and looking to match with a tour guide to learn all the local secrets, or a potential date to explore a new town with.

    Tinder’s Passport Mode feature is used on average 145,000 times a day and Tinder users have virtually travelled almost 100 billion km over the last year, which is the equivalent of travelling to the moon and back over 130,000 times!

    Tinder sees peak usage of the Passport Mode feature between the holiday periods of June to August and December to January. As users are hoping to secure a date in their future holiday destination, we also see that Passport Mode users aged 18-25 years tend to be more active, sending and receiving 3X more messages than Tinder users not using the Passport Mode feature.

    To use Tinder Passport, a premium feature, users can head to Settings, tap on Location, add a new destination by dropping a pin on the map, and start swiping on profiles in a different city. See who’s out there, and make plans everywhere!

    Because privacy matters, for athletes who would prefer to keep a low profile in Paris this Summer, Tinder’s Incognito Mode is a step up from fully hiding your profile. Users can still Like and Nope in the app, but only those whom you’ve Liked will see you in their recommendations.

    So make the most of dating culture this sports season with Tinder Passport and who knows, you might just land an unforgettable date!  

  • Flipkart unveils #FlipTrends report 2024

    Flipkart unveils #FlipTrends report 2024

    Mumbai: In the run-up to this year’s festive season, Flipkart presents its H1 edition (January to June 2024) of the much-awaited ‘#FlipTrends’ report, which presents an interesting analysis of the shopping habits of 500 million+ registered Flipkart users.

    What are the most popular choices in metros vs tier-three regions? What are the common and daringly different shopping habits between customers in these regions?

    What are some of the unexpected purchases that peaked during certain seasons in 2024 so far?

    Are ‘seasonal trends’ still in or are year-long trends ruling the roost?

    Were there any premium products which saw an uptick during the months?

    All this and more is presented in this latest edition of the FlipTrends Report by Flipkart.

    The FlipTrends report reveals insights into an array of consumer shopping trends – some expected and many that come as a surprise.

    FlipTrends 2024 findings:

    India ka lifestyle and fashion destination – there’s something for everyone!

    ‘Vacation wear’ was one of the most searched keywords in the first half of 2024, especially during summer. Women embraced feminine fluidity, defying singular trends by opting for whimsical bows, rosette tops, chic bandeau tops, dresses, comfortable mules, 80s-inspired scrunchies, and a palette bursting with gelato pastels. Men opted for casual wear like round-neck t-shirts, open-knit and textured shirts, zipper polos, and parachute trousers. Other top choices included comfort clothing, resort wear such as printed co-ord sets and breezy summer shirts. Additionally, men’s grooming products saw a significant increase compared to 2023.

    Women’s western wear and women’s ethnic wear were top choices in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and New Delhi; while women’s sarees were at the top of the fashion charts in cities like Agartala, Bhagalpur, Medinipur, Muzaffarpur and Puri.

    Coming to traditions — there was also an unexpected demand for ‘sindoor’, almost 24 per cent y-o-y growth in 2024 so far, compared to last year.

    Nostalgic flavours fuel modern palates

    While modern gastronomy and fusion foods are all the rage, who says that age-old flavors aren’t that popular anymore? This year, Indians rediscovered their passion for classic recipes, stocking up on chutneys and achars. An almost 90 per cent y-o-y growth has been clocked for ‘Pickles & Chutneys’ alone, compared to 2023.

    Speaking about food, ‘Food & Nutrition’ was on number two on the shopping list of customers in cities such as  Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dehradun, Gorakhpur and Guwahati in 2024 so far.

    How has India been beating the heat?

    In the midst of sweltering temperatures, consumers are prioritizing freshness and comfort. Fans have surged in demand by 53 per cent on Flipkart from last year, reflecting the quest for cooling solutions. Sunscreen purchases have also increased by 40 per cent, clearly reflecting how people are prioritising sun protection. Air coolers, another key essential for beating the heat, have witnessed a significant 64 per cent increase in demand compared to the previous year. Cities like Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, Gorakhpur, Hyderabad, Kolkata and New Delhi have shown a higher demand for personal care essentials such as hair oil, face wash, shampoo, and deodorants, emphasizing consumer focus on staying cool and refreshed.

    Monsoon musings

    In preparation for this year’s monsoon season, shoppers stocked up on essentials like umbrellas, raincoats, and mosquito vaporizers. While beauty and skincare remain top priorities for Flipkart customers throughout the year, makeup kits and fragrances observed a surge in popularity, in the run-up to monsoon.

    Smartwatches continue to top the wearables charts

    FlipTrends showcases a thriving consumer fascination across India with cutting-edge tech innovations. From the fitness enthusiast, and fashion lover to the on-the-go professional who wants to be always connected, the smartwatch remains a coveted accessory, leading the wearable tech trends in 2024. Other popular choices were Smart Bands and TWS Earphones which saw a notable surge in demand.

    Shoppers from emerging cities lead the way for ‘safe gadget shopping’

    In emerging tier-three markets, where 72 per cent of consumers opt for mobile protection, safeguarding mobile devices is not just a choice – it is a strategic necessity driven by the high stakes of device investment, critical data security and the quest to enhance both longevity and resale value. Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Guwahati emerged as top tier two cities and showcased a noticeable preference for such items. Meanwhile, in tier three plus cities Agartala, Medinipur, and Muzaffarpur shoppers primarily opted for sturdy handsets and plain mobile protection cases.

    Topical shopping driven by sports fever and festival frenzy

    Sports holds a special place in many Indians’ hearts, as seen through their shopping habits on Flipkart in the run-up to and during popular sporting events. Searches spiked for items like tennis kits, while sports merchandise and men’s tracksuits were top choices as fans nationwide rallied behind supporting their favorite players.

    Another aspect that led to spikes in demand is festivals. Traditional wear and puja essentials witnessed strong demand during festivals like Navratri, Ugadi and Eid al-Fitr. Specifically, products such as sindoor, havan chowki and diyas saw a surge in demand during the festive season of Navratri.

    Speaking about the H1 2024 FlipTrends report, Flipkart senior vice president – analytics and data science Ravi Vijayaraghavan said, “Consumers today are more discerning and mindful of their choices, gravitating towards seasonal and personalized preferences. At Flipkart, we are delighted to present our FlipTrends H1 2024 report which not only reflects interesting shopping trends but also showcases growth opportunities for e-commerce at large. Our commitment to customer-centricity remains unwavering as we strive to anticipate and fulfill the evolving demands of our diverse customer base. As we move into the festive spirit of things, our focus remains on fostering trust, convenience, and affordability, ensuring that Flipkart remains the ultimate destination for customers evolving shopping needs.”

    #FlipTrends findings continue to showcase how millions of shoppers from both metros and tier-three regions continue to choose Flipkart as their preferred shopping destination.

  • Tonic Worldwide’s research division GIPSI launches ‘The Festive Report’ part one

    Tonic Worldwide’s research division GIPSI launches ‘The Festive Report’ part one

    Mumbai: GIPSI, the HI+AI insights division of Tonic Worldwide has launched ‘The Festive Report’ part one. The report captures unique insights which are a mix of popular sentiment and undercurrents. The insights will give marketers hacks on SM, content and commerce and also what lingo to use. GIPSI will also launch part two of the festive report focusing on performance insights.

    Speaking on the findings of the festive report, national strategy director and GIPSI co-head Anjali Malthankar said, “Part one of the report can be a marketers-ready reckoner for the 2024 festive calendar. This year’s report highlights several, specific, actionable insights relevant to the festive season which marketers can benefit from. My favourite is ‘Unusual Activities’ as it explores unique, untapped pockets of festive activities. We will soon be releasing part two of The festive report which will focus on the performance insights of the festive season. Every year GIPSI produces festive reports in unique avatars eg. last year we produced Indian Festive Gifters. This year we have The Festive Report in two parts to delight marketers.”

    Tonic Worldwide co-founder and CSO Unmisha Bhatt expressed, “In the ever-evolving digital world, there is a an opportunity for brands to deepen their engagement with consumers during the cluttered festive season.  With Gipsi’s festive edition, we aim to share ways to deepen engagement, building consideration. In the next edition, we focus on the business side by highlighting ways and means to constantly nurture leads further translating to conversions and advocacy. The goal is to enable brands to maximise their share of the basket when consumers are in a mood to indulge.”

    GIPSI, uses a unique methodology of HI+ AI which triangulates multiple data points to decode and deliver actionable insights. The model applied for this report is GIPSI deep listening which scans through multiple data points.

    Report highlights:

    Festive season hacks on digital: In recent times, digital has introduced new updates & new content formats for brands to experiment with. We see that notifications are desirable with an eight times rise in conversations about innovative notifications by apps since Jan’24. You will find hacks like live streaming exclusively for close friends, new interactive stickers on Instagram Stories, and fresh opportunities to engage with the audience.

    Match My Lingo: With over six million GRWM posts on Instagram, 120K mentions of the phrase ‘just dropped’, the next generation’s dictionary of lingos keeps updating every passing day. By tracking and incorporating emerging lingo into festive strategy brands can optimize content for the season with the right keywords and resonate with the audience. Check out 20+ lingos to vibe with your audience this festive season.

    OG vs AG: Consumers are having mixed feelings about AI and how it may be used this festive season. While 30 per cent conversations happened around using AI as a festive planner, there is a 189 per cent increase in negative memes around AI which suggests a corresponding rise in apprehension. With a 629 per cent rise in conversations about learning to identify AI-generated content, consumers are increasingly questioning the authenticity of digital information, asking the question, “Is it safe or sus?”

    Unusual festive activities: Watch out for festive dating this season which is likely to replicate last year’s pattern of rise (171 per cent) in matching with partners during the festive season. Indians will not just travel home this festive but also explore other locations and new experiences. There is a 23 per cent rise in discussions around planning cruise holidays with family.This season, we may also see a dual-spending scenario by consumers as the wedding & festive seasons’ timeline overlaps.

    Discover new content & commerce: With a 16x rise in discussions around livestream shopping, we see consumers hop to shop at a new destination. Seeking inspiration from festive content, consumers are increasingly exploring ‘eco chic fashion’ and healthier alternatives to festive snacking. Moreover, they are loving ‘cheat sheets’ for hard-to-find products from offline & online stores as we see a 278 per cent rise in conversations around ‘festive finds’, making this a festive season of discovery and conscious consumption.