ITV

Category: Marketing

  • Nagma Chatterjee appointed general manager at LifeWear India

    Nagma Chatterjee appointed general manager at LifeWear India

    MUMBAI: LifeWear India has announced the appointment of Nagma Chatterjee as general manager, effective January 2025.

    With over 16 years of experience in driving e-commerce growth strategies and managing profit and loss operations, Chatterjee is known for her expertise in online business development, brand building for e-commerce, and marketplace expansion on platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart. she has also been instrumental in implementing omnichannel strategies and optimising supply chains for operational efficiency.

    Prior to joining Lifewear India, Chatterjee served as assistant general manager at Dr Batra’s Healthcare, where she led efforts to realign e-commerce strategies, reduce costs, and enhance margins. she has also held senior roles at Indo Count Industries and Alka Lifestyle, contributing to substantial sales growth and market expansion.

    In her new role, Chatterjee will spearhead Lifewear India’s e-commerce strategy and operations, focusing on enhancing customer engagement, product management, and driving sales growth through data-driven decision-making and technology integration.

    Her appointment is seen as a strategic move by the company to strengthen its digital presence and optimise its e-commerce capabilities in the competitive market.

  • Aisle’s #FindAnkit campaign brings meme marketing to new heights

    Aisle’s #FindAnkit campaign brings meme marketing to new heights

    MUMBAI: Romance and memes—a pairing as timeless as chai and rain. Aisle has hit the sweet spot with its latest meme marketing campaign, #FindAnkit, blending humour, nostalgia, and modern matchmaking. This campaign, which exploded on Bengaluru’s social media scene and iconic streets like Church Street, has become a viral sensation, showcasing how even a dating app ‘swipe mishap’ can lead to a city-wide love quest.

    The campaign began when a playful tweet from a group of friends revealed that one of them had accidentally skipped a profile on Aisle—a 5’11” chai-loving techie named Ankit from Bengaluru. Armed with witty placards and heartfelt pleas, the group took to the streets, turning the quest into a public mission. Their light-hearted appeal was simple: “Help us find Ankit!” Social media influencers and meme lovers soon joined the fun, with one popular X (formerly Twitter) influencer rallying their followers to tag every ‘Ankit’ in their contact list.

    What happened next? Chaos—delightful, hashtag-fuelled chaos. Aisle didn’t miss a beat, jumping into the action with cheeky tweets and amplifying the hashtag #FindAnkit. The result? Timelines flooded with tags, memes, and witty banter, as netizens united to locate the elusive techie.

    Aisle Network head Chandni Gaglani described the campaign as a playful ode to old-school romance, “At Aisle, we believe love isn’t just about profiles and swipes; it’s about creating moments that matter. #FindAnkit is a light-hearted, Bollywood-style effort to show that putting yourself out there can be romantic too. With this campaign, we’ve turned an accidental skip into a collective mission—proving that effort, humour, and a little serendipity make modern matchmaking just as special.”

    The campaign’s numbers speak for themselves. 8.6 million reach, 9.8 million views, and an entire city talking about Ankit. Aisle has not only driven engagement but also reminded everyone that meaningful connections require a touch of persistence and charm.

    The campaign’s clever approach resonated deeply with Bengaluru’s meme-loving crowd. By tapping into the city’s love for humour and community-driven missions, #FindAnkit didn’t just entertain—it created a shared moment that blended digital culture with the charm of chance encounters.

    So, has Ankit been found? That’s for the internet to decide. One thing is clear, though—Aisle has captured the essence of modern romance, one meme at a time.

  • Pee Safe-National Games 2025 ink partnership to prioritise women’s health

    Pee Safe-National Games 2025 ink partnership to prioritise women’s health

    MUMBAI: For the first time in India’s sporting history, menstrual hygiene will take centre stage at a national event, and who better to lead the charge than Pee Safe, the country’s trailblazing hygiene brand? By becoming the ‘Health & Wellbeing Partner’ for the 38 National Games 2025, Pee Safe has turned the spotlight on sustainability and women’s health, bringing together innovation, empowerment, and eco-consciousness in one bold step.

    Set to unfold from 28 January to 14 February 2025, this year’s national games in Uttarakhand will host over 10,000 participants, including 4,500+ women athletes, across 30+ sports categories and 45 events. True to its moniker, “Green Games”, the event will feature eco-friendly medals crafted from e-waste, biodegradable utilities, and recyclable resources. Pee Safe’s participation takes the sustainability agenda further by introducing biodegradable sanitary pads, tampons, and toilet seat sanitisers to every female athlete’s kit.

    In addition to providing these essential products, Pee Safe will also host exclusive workshops on menstrual hygiene. By addressing taboos and educating athletes, the initiative aims to foster a supportive environment where female athletes can focus on excelling—without the stress of managing their health needs.

    National Games Secretariat special principal secretary – sports & CEO, IPS, Amit Sinha expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, “We are delighted to welcome Pee Safe as the Hygiene Partner for the National Games, Uttarakhand 2025. For the first time, menstrual hygiene takes centre stage as a key agenda in the Games. Pee Safe’s biodegradable products ensure our women athletes can compete without worry, while their focus on sustainability aligns with our eco-friendly mission. This partnership sets a new standard for inclusivity in sports.”

    GTCC chairperson Sunaina Kumari echoed this sentiment, saying, “I am thrilled to see a much-needed focus on women’s health at the National Games. This initiative ensures women athletes are supported and sets a precedent for future events to prioritise inclusivity and well-being. It reflects a progressive approach to sports and is a step forward for gender equality.”

    Commenting on the collaboration, Pee Safe founder Vikas Bagaria remarked, “At Pee Safe, we believe in empowering individuals with good health and confidence. Partnering with the National Games 2025 is a historic opportunity to spotlight women’s hygiene in sports. By providing biodegradable products and hosting educational sessions, we aim to ‘Make Red Green,’ fostering both inclusivity and sustainability.”

    This initiative is more than a sponsorship; it’s a movement that aligns with Pee Safe’s mission to redefine how India approaches hygiene and health.

    Together with groundbreaking steps like sustainable medals and menstrual hygiene awareness, the Games will set a global benchmark for progressive sports events.

     

  • Shejale-Ganganna’s LS Digital mastermind revolutionary AI Marketing Stack

    Shejale-Ganganna’s LS Digital mastermind revolutionary AI Marketing Stack

    MUMBAI: Founded by visionary leaders Prasad Shejale and Venugopal Ganganna, LS Digital has long been the underdog-turned-powerhouse in the marketing world. Now, with the launch of their much-anticipated “AI Marketing Stack”, they’ve thrown down the gauntlet to competitors, effectively saying, ‘AI isn’t optional anymore – it’s your secret weapon’.

    This revolutionary offering integrates cutting-edge AI tools into every facet of marketing, empowering businesses to unlock insights, optimise campaigns, and stay miles ahead of the competition in today’s ever-evolving digital ecosystem.

    What sets LS Digital apart? Well, it’s not just about slapping a buzzword on a product. This stack is more like a power packed pitstop for marketers, blending tools that decode data, predict consumer behaviour, and even create hyper-personalised campaigns.

    Prasad, the “master strategist” CEO, pairs perfectly with Venugopal, the “technological wizard” CIO, making LS Digital a dynamic duo in the marketing universe. Together, they’ve created a solution that not only future-proofs brands but turns AI from a mystery into a necessity. And the best part? They’re making it accessible for businesses large and small. Intrigued yet?

    From L to R: LS Digital founder & CEO Prasad Shejale; LS Digital co-founder & CIO Venugopal Ganganna

    LS Digital gets it: CMOs aren’t here for more jargon, they’re here for tools that actually do the heavy lifting. And that’s where swoops in AI Marketing Stack—a marketer’s secret sauce that promises to spice up campaigns, cut the fluff, and deliver results faster than you can say, conversion rates! AI features include:

    1    Research AI: Turning customer data into golden insights faster than you can say “target audience.”

    2    Generate AI: Because no one has time to write generic content anymore—this tool churns out campaigns and social posts so personalised, they might as well come with your customers’ birthstones.

    3    Predictive AI: It’s like a marketing crystal ball—forecasting trends and fine-tuning campaigns like it’s nobody’s business (except yours).

    Oh, and they aren’t stopping there. They’re letting existing clients take their Research AI tool for a free test spin—no strings attached. Why? Because getting CMOs hooked on AI shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth.

    Shejale said, “AI isn’t just another tool; it’s the foundation for tomorrow’s marketing success. With our AI Marketing Stack, we’re removing the hurdles and enabling brands to explore new frontiers of growth and innovation. This is about making every brand unstoppable in the age of AI.”

    Adding to this vision, Ganganna emphasised the strategic depth of the initiative: “AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about staying ahead of the curve. With our solutions, we’re not just helping clients optimise campaigns; we’re future-proofing their strategies.” Ganganna also highlighted LS Digital’s partnership with Quilt, an expert in AI culture analysis and market intelligence, which has been instrumental in refining the stack’s capabilities.

    Forget everything you thought you knew about marketing—it’s not just about playing darts with data anymore. LS Digital’s new AI Marketing Stack is like upgrading from a rusty bicycle to a rocket ship; it promises to make AI the default setting for every brand aiming to win the marketing race.

    Indiantelevision.com Sreeyom Sil had an exclusive tête-à-tête with Venugopal Ganganna during LS Digital’s big launch event in Mumbai. Amidst the buzz and excitement, Ganganna spilled the beans on how this stack is a marketer’s dream come true and why it’s set to leave competitors playing catch-up. Let’s dig in!

    What inspired the creation of the AI marketing stack? Who were the key collaborators?

    The AI marketing stack has been a product of collaborative innovation involving multiple partners, technologies, and our experience over the last 18 months of building a digital business transformation agency. Our partnerships with companies like Quill.ai, Gemini, Vertex AI, Claude, and others helped shape the stack. We connected the dots around data intelligence, creative automation, and predictive modelling to tackle real-world marketing challenges.

    What’s the price tag for this innovation, and what ROI are you targeting?

    Our investment in the AI marketing stack amounts to $2–3 million over the past 18 to 24 months, spanning technology, talent, and research. But the expected ROI isn’t just financial – it’s about driving marketing transformation. We measure success through cost savings, productivity improvements, and efficiency gains, aiming for a 15–25 per cent uplift in these areas for our clients.

    Who are your target clients?

    The stack is industry-agnostic but tailored for sectors like FMCG, retail, e-commerce, BFSI, and lifestyle brands – areas that demand scalability, hyper-personalisation, and data-driven insights. We cater to enterprise clients needing large-scale solutions, mid-sized brands seeking efficiency at an accessible cost, and digital-first businesses looking to integrate creativity, media, and predictive modelling seamlessly.

    What makes this stack unique compared to similar tools?

    It’s not just a tool – it’s a customised AI agent, or rather 20 agents, designed for specific marketing needs such as predictive analytics, hyper-personalised media planning, and consumer cohort analysis. It’s a combination of many agents that integrate across platforms, scale effectively, and, most importantly, are cost-effective. We also offer a tiered pricing model ranging from SMB subscriptions to enterprise-level solutions with advanced capabilities.

    Is the stack India-focused, or is global expansion in the works?

    While the initial launch was in India, we’ve already done projects across GCC, SEA, the UK, and the US. As we scale, we’re targeting the Middle East, North America, and the EU as key hubs for enterprise adoption.

    What are the biggest challenges clients face when transitioning to AI-driven marketing?

    The main challenge is: where do I start? How do I begin? There’s scepticism about AI’s ROI, fears of complexity, and integration issues. To tackle these, we offer exclusive free access to our research modules for a few months, supported by dedicated training. This removes the barrier to entry, enabling brands to test the waters without huge upfront budgets.

    Ganganna is clear: AI isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. LS Digital’s AI Marketing Stack doesn’t just level the playing field; it flips the script entirely. Imagine a world where marketers swap their guesswork for a precise, algorithm-fueled strategy—and that’s exactly the future LS Digital promises.

    So, what’s next? The tools are here, the playbook is ready, and LS Digital is handing CMOs the keys to the AI kingdom. Ganganna leaves us with this thought: “AI isn’t just about technology; it’s about staying ahead of the curve and winning the race.” And with that, LS Digital makes one thing clear—when it comes to marketing, it’s no longer a sprint; it’s a smart race powered by algorithms.

  • Neha Bahl Gujral joins Apple India as partner marcom lead

    Neha Bahl Gujral joins Apple India as partner marcom lead

    MUMBAI: Who wouldn’t fall for the temptation of the juicy apple?  Especially when it’s the most valued firm in the world. 

    So, it’s very understandable why marketing veteran Neha Bahl Gujral has taken on a new role at Apple India as partner marcom lead, effective January 2025. With over 17 years of extensive experience across global brands, start-ups, and award-winning campaigns, Gujral’s appointment underscores her expertise in brand strategy, communications, and marketing innovation.

    Gujral’s career highlights include a recent tenure as CMO and head of communications at Savills India, where she served from April 2024 to January 2025. Prior to that, she was the IMC Head for flagship and wearables at Samsung Electronics, where she drove impactful campaigns and business growth for the mobile business for nearly two years.

    Her earlier experience includes serving as head of consumer brand and marketing at HP, where she increased brand saliency and achieved record consumer business growth through strategic marketing interventions in the PC arena. Gujral also led marketing efforts at National Geographic, earning numerous industry awards such as the Abbys, Kyoorius, and Promax Asia.

    As founder and CEO of Exclamation Point, she provided start-ups like The Moms Co. and Lifelong Online with comprehensive marketing strategies, helping them establish strong brand foundations. She has also held key roles at Microsoft, InterGlobe Technology Quotient, and Webchutney, showcasing her versatility in managing integrated marketing campaigns and building impactful brand narratives.

    Gujral is an alumna of Mica, Ahmedabad, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration (marketing) from the Indian Institute of Learning and Management. Known for her strategic acumen, creativity, and leadership, Gujral continues to shape the landscape of marketing in India.

    Her appointment at Apple India signals an exciting chapter in her career as she contributes her expertise to one of the world’s most iconic brands.

  • Krishnarao Buddha bids farewell to Parle Products, looks ahead to new beginnings

    Krishnarao Buddha bids farewell to Parle Products, looks ahead to new beginnings

    MUMBAI: Even the best of friends must part at some stage. Parle Products  senior category head – marketing Krishnarao Buddha  has announced his departure from the company after a remarkable tenure of nearly 24 years where he built up various categories for one of India’s top biscuit and confectionery firms. .

    Reflecting on his journey, Buddha described his time at Parle as a deeply meaningful chapter in his career, marked by growth, challenges, and unforgettable memories.

    In a heartfelt message, Buddha expressed his gratitude to the organisation, which he described as more than just a workplace—a family that fostered his personal and professional evolution. He highlighted the mentorship, collaboration, and camaraderie that defined his experience, saying, “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate and dedicated colleagues who became lifelong friends. The impact of this journey will stay with me forever.”

    During his tenure, Buddha contributed to the company’s success through innovative marketing strategies and was part of a team committed to excellence. While excited about the opportunities ahead, he acknowledged the bittersweet nature of bidding farewell to familiar faces, shared victories, and the camaraderie that made his time at Parle so special.

    Looking forward, Buddha expressed optimism and enthusiasm for the next phase of his career, promising to embrace new opportunities and challenges with gratitude and determination.

    “Stay tuned—this is just the beginning,” he concluded, leaving a sense of anticipation for his next professional endeavour.

  • Culinary tourism redefines Indian vacations, reveals Godrej Food Trends Report

    Culinary tourism redefines Indian vacations, reveals Godrej Food Trends Report

    MUMBAI: Food and travel are officially the ultimate power couple.

    As National Tourism Day approaches, the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 has spotlighted culinary tourism as the driving force behind a revolution in Indian travel. No longer a side dish to the main event, food has claimed centre stage, transforming vacations into unforgettable, flavour-filled journeys.

    In 2024, Indians travelled more frequently and for longer durations, with vacation spending surging nearly 25 per cent. A significant chunk of this increase was fuelled by travellers seeking unique and immersive culinary experiences that connected them to local cultures. Whether exploring bustling spice markets or learning time-honoured recipes from community experts, food became the heartbeat of modern Indian vacations.

    The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024, curated by Godrej Vikhroli Cucina with insights from over 190 food experts, revealed the top culinary trends shaping Indian travel:

    1. Street food and market tours

    With 94.1 per cent of experts highlighting their popularity, vibrant food streets and spice markets emerged as must-visit attractions. From the zesty flavours of pani puri to the aromatic whiffs of garam masala, travellers immersed themselves in the diverse culinary fabric of India.

    2. Culinary site tours

    Nearly 92.3 per cent of experts predicted continued interest in these immersive experiences, where travellers visited tea estates, artisanal cheese hubs, and other production sites. These tours offered behind-the-scenes glimpses into the craft of food making, adding an educational edge to the journey.

    3. Home dining experiences and local expertise

    Around 87.5 per cent of experts noted a surge in travellers booking home dining experiences. These intimate interactions with local experts allowed visitors to learn traditional cooking techniques, taste signature regional products, and gain a deeper appreciation for India’s culinary heritage.

    “Food is no longer just a part of the travel experience, but its very essence,” said A Perfect Bite Consulting MD & the annual report editor Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal. “Today’s travellers are not just seeking destinations but connections—immersive, authentic experiences that allow them to explore the heart of a place through its culinary heritage. Whether it’s walking through vibrant spice markets, learning traditional recipes from local experts, or savouring unique regional flavours, food has become the bridge that links people to cultures and stories,” she elaborated.

    This surge in culinary tourism isn’t just reshaping Indian vacations; it’s creating opportunities for local communities and small brands to showcase their culinary culture. From bustling street vendors to small-scale producers, the movement is helping amplify India’s rich food heritage on a global stage.

    As the country celebrates National Tourism Day, travellers are invited to embrace the fusion of food and travel—a blend that promises to redefine how people experience culture and destinations in the years to come.

    The Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 is available for download at www.vikhrolicucina.com.

  • Sunil Gupta lectures AI’s transformative role at IAA Conversations

    Sunil Gupta lectures AI’s transformative role at IAA Conversations

    MUMBAI: Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s shaping the way industries think, act, and innovate. At the recent IAA Conversations in Mumbai, Harvard Business School Edward W. Carter professor of business administration, Sunil Gupta delved into AI’s transformative power in marketing, branding, and beyond. The event, titled ‘Marketing in the Age of AI’, was moderated by VML India CEO and an IAA Mancom member, Babita Baruah and organised in association with Harvard Business School.

    The session kicked off with Gupta highlighting the disruptive nature of AI and how businesses across sectors are adapting to leverage it. “Almost every business, not just advertising, is thinking about AI and how it will affect their operations,” he noted.

    He outlined three ways AI is transforming industries:

    1    Augmenting and automating tasks to increase efficiency.

    2    Expanding and growing capabilities with innovative tools.

    3    Disrupting and experimenting, encouraging businesses to push creative boundaries.

    Gupta cited tech giants like Facebook and Google, explaining their use of AI to automate ad creation, audience targeting, and budget allocation.

    Gupta emphasised the unprecedented access to consumer data in today’s digital age. “It’s not just about what they buy or search for. It’s also about what they do on social media or why they contact a call centre,” he observed.

    AI, he argued, offers the ability to synthesise qualitative and quantitative data to create a 360-degree view of consumers. It enables brands to map customer journeys, uncover pain points, and even predict behaviours. “AI can act as a smart research assistant, helping brands connect the dots across vast datasets,” he added.

    Gupta also introduced the concept of synthetic consumers, personas created using past data to simulate market research scenarios. This approach offers quick insights at early product development stages.

    Gupta didn’t shy away from discussing the hurdles of AI adoption. “The use of AI will increase competition as it lowers entry barriers, making it easier for anyone to experiment and innovate,” he said.

    However, he flagged the risk of short-term thinking in advertising. “With AI’s ability to experiment and fine-tune ROI, there’s a danger that brands might focus too much on immediate results and lose sight of long-term brand building. And advertising is all about building brands,” he cautioned.

    Addressing how organisations should approach AI, Gupta urged companies to embrace the technology actively. “You can’t learn to swim by watching someone else. You need to dive into the pool yourself,” he remarked.

    He recommended dedicating time to understanding AI’s potential and limitations, noting that no technology has ever reduced workload—it has only shifted it. “Jobs don’t go away, tasks do. AI will eliminate non-value-added tasks, allowing professionals to focus on more impactful work,” he asserted.

    On a closing note, Gupta reminded attendees of the importance of starting with the problem, not the technology. “Sometimes, we get so caught up in the technology that we forget the problem we’re trying to solve,” he said, adding that copyright and IP protection will remain critical concerns in an AI-driven world.

    IAA India Chapter president, Abhishek Karnani underscored the event’s relevance, “At the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), we take pride in being the only body in the industry that brings together creative agencies, media agencies, and media under one roof. This year, our focus is clear—Conversations, Skilling, and Artificial Intelligence—all aimed at preparing us for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

    Organised with support from Free Press Journal as the presenting partner, the IAA Conversations event highlighted the intersection of technology, creativity, and strategy, offering a forward-looking perspective on how AI is reshaping industries.

  • Quest Retail appoints Rahul Shanker as group CEO

    Quest Retail appoints Rahul Shanker as group CEO

    MUMBAI: Quest Retail, a key omnichannel player in the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle sectors, has announced the appointment of Rahul Shanker as group CEO. Shanker will oversee the company’s four business verticals and its operations in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Quest Retail’s brand portfolio includes notable names such as The Body Shop, Kiehl’s, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Kylie Cosmetics, Avon, and Max Factor.

    Shanker brings over two decades of experience in leadership roles across various sectors, having previously served as the CEO of Modicare, where he achieved over fivefold revenue growth. He has a demonstrated track record of turning around struggling businesses and driving profitability through strategic transformation
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    An alumnus of Amity University (MBA) and Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University (BSc. Hons), Shanker has held CEO and MD roles since 2015. His extensive background spans prominent companies such as PepsiCo, Wrigley-Mars, Philips, and Avon, where he was instrumental in launching new products and executing high-impact marketing campaigns.

    With experience in both multinational and Indian firms, Shanker is recognised for his ability to set effective cost structures and innovate go-to-market strategies, making him a valuable asset to Quest Retail as it continues to expand its market presence.

  • Jaipur Rugs rolls iconic Shyam Ahuja brand within its fold

    Jaipur Rugs rolls iconic Shyam Ahuja brand within its fold

    MUMBAI: It’s laying it on pretty  thick. Handmade luxury carpets maker Jaipur Rugs has bought over the iconic Shyam Ahuja brand in a move to revive its legacy as a global luxury name. This acquisition includes Shyam Ahuja’s personal collection and design archive, marking a strategic step for Jaipur Rugs to expand its influence in the premium rug market. Details of the transaction are not available, but estimates are that the value is in double digit crore. 

    Founded in 1963, Shyam Ahuja revolutionised Indian dhurries, introducing the flatwoven rugs to international markets and earning acclaim among A-list designers and global icons like Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis and Gianni Versace. Known for its timeless designs, superior craftsmanship, and sophisticated use of colour, the brand became synonymous with understated elegance and quiet luxury. The brand was a big spender in print, especially publications, which reached out to the diaspora or international travellers. Many of the inflight magazines were their preferred partners. 

    Jaipur Rugs intends to honour the original vision of Shyam Ahuja while elevating its status on the global stage, according to its director Yogesh Chaudhary. Both Jaipur Rugs and Shyam Ahuja share a commitment to empowering artisans.

    Founded in 1978 by Nand Kishore Chaudhary,  who has even been labelled as the Gandhi of the carpet industry, Jaipur Rugs is India’s largest handmade carpet manufacturer, with over 40,000 artisans across 650 villages, 85 per cent  of whom are women. The company operates in 85 countries and has expanded to international showrooms in Milan, London, Singapore, and Dubai.

    Jaipur Rugs  artistic director Greg Foster  called the acquisition “a sleeping beauty we intend to revive with great respect,” citing the immense design archive and the brand’s cult status among collectors.
    The company plans to operate Shyam Ahuja as an independent entity with a distinct supply chain while continuing its retail presence through showrooms in India and globally. Further plans for the brand’s revival will be unveiled soon, promising to re-establish Shyam Ahuja’s position as a pioneer in luxury rugs.

    (Picture source: Jaipur Rugs website)