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Category: Marketing

  • Skechers ‘Aero’ series races into India with aerodynamic running shoes

    Skechers ‘Aero’ series races into India with aerodynamic running shoes

    MUMBAI: Skechers is taking Indian runners on a flight of fancy quite literally. The brand has launched its ‘Aero’ series, a new line of technical running shoes designed to cut through the wind and help athletes chase down personal bests with style and comfort.

    Unveiled in Mumbai, the Skechers ‘Aero’ collection brings two performance-driven styles: Aero ‘Burst’ and Aero ‘Spark’ engineered to meet different needs. Burst is the long-haul partner, built with plush dual-density ‘Hyper Burst Ice’ cushioning, a carbon-infused h-plate, and the updated  ‘Arch Fit’ support system to keep runners going mile after mile. Spark, meanwhile, is the everyday all-rounder, cushioned for daily miles but responsive enough to pick up the pace when required.

    Both pairs feature breathable engineered mesh uppers, snug fit systems, and are available in lace-up or Skechers’ hands free slip-ins, a design that lets runners step in and go while reducing weight and friction for a seamless feel. Signature technologies across the range include Hyper Arc, which adapts to the runner’s stride, and Goodyear performance outsoles for better traction and durability.

    Skechers technical performance division, vice president, Ben Stewart said, “The Aero Series leverages innovative technologies to elevate our signature comfort. Developed with feedback from runners of all levels, we expect Aero to inspire confidence and performance on every run.”

    Adding a local perspective, Skechers South Asia, ceo, Rahul Vira said the launch comes at the right time. “The Indian running community has grown exponentially. The Aero series merges aerodynamic design with hallmark Skechers comfort, supporting runners at every level. With Jasprit Bumrah and Sunil Chhetri joining the Skechers family, this launch is even more special as they embody the dedication and spirit Aero represents.”

    The Skechers ‘Aero’ series is now available at Skechers retail outlets and online at skechers.in. For India’s runners, it looks like the wind is finally at their backs.

  • Festive fever goes phygital as Affle decodes India’s shopping pulse 2025

    Festive fever goes phygital as Affle decodes India’s shopping pulse 2025

    MUMBAI: Deck the carts, it’s shopping season and India’s consumers are already in festive overdrive. Affle 3i Ltd, in collaboration with audience intelligence platform Vtion, has unwrapped its India Festive Pulse 2025 report, just as the country gears up for the shopping blitz from Navratri and Durga Puja to Diwali. The study, based on a nationwide survey of 1,850 respondents across metros and smaller towns, offers a panoramic view of how Indians are discovering, deciding, and ultimately buying in the most lucrative window of the retail calendar.

    This year’s festive mood looks upbeat, with 47 per cent of consumers reporting higher purchase intent. The triggers? Bonus-linked wallets, the emotional pull of gifting, and blockbuster e-commerce sales promising deep discounts. But while spending remains robust, the journey from discovery to conversion has become anything but linear.

    The report reveals that 68 per cent of shoppers first spot festive deals via in-app ads, while social media continues to be a discovery driver. But there’s a rising dark horse Connected TV (CTV) now emerging as a favourite screen for browsing products during ad breaks and binge sessions.

    Yet, the buyer’s path is far from one-screen simple. While 58 per cent complete purchases on the same device where they spotted the product, a chunky 32 per cent switch devices and 38 per cent head offline to finalise the transaction. The takeaway? India’s festive shopping is now a phygital juggle across devices and stores.

    Planning doesn’t wait till Dhanteras. Nearly 49 per cent of shoppers start planning at least 15 days in advance, though half of purchases actually peak within 3–7 days of ad exposure. That means ads need to land early to build intent but stay visible close to purchase dates to close the deal.

    Language, too, is proving to be a sales catalyst. A staggering 79 per cent of consumers engage better with ads in their local tongue, making multilingual storytelling a non-negotiable for brands. Reflecting this, 70 per cent of marketers are now investing in state-specific campaigns, with 41 per cent focusing on Tier 1–2 cities this festive season.

    “Discovery and purchase are no longer linear or tied to a single screen,” said Affle COO for India & emerging markets Vipul Kedia. “Consumers move fluidly across platforms, and ads on mobile and CTV not only trigger action but also build recall. The rise of vernacular content means resonance matters as much as reach.”

    For Vtion COO Shailesh Varudkar the festive season remains India’s commercial pulse, but its rhythm has changed. “Shoppers are mobile-first, discovery-driven, and effortlessly omnichannel—switching between social feeds, CTV, and apps before making a purchase. Marketers must recalibrate campaigns for this new consumer journey, where timing, personalisation, and context define festive success,” he said.

    . Survey base: 1,850 respondents (67 per cent male, 33 per cent female)

    .  Age groups: 18 to 35 plus years, spanning NCCS A–E

    .  Discovery: 68 per cent via in-app ads, rising traction on CTV

    .   Timing: 49 per cent plan 15 days ahead, 50 per cent convert within a week of seeing ads

    .   Regional impact: 79 per cent prefer local language ads; 70 per cent marketers doubling down on state-level campaigns

    As festive lights twinkle and offers flood feeds, India’s shoppers are no longer just swiping or strolling, they’re toggling. For marketers, the challenge is not only to be present across these touchpoints but to stitch them together into one connected, measurable, and memorable experience. 

  • AI gets a brand new story as marketers debate data, trust and creativity

    AI gets a brand new story as marketers debate data, trust and creativity

    MUMBAI: When machines meet marketing, sparks and questions fly. That was the mood at the 3rd India Brand Summit 2025 during a lively session titled AI Powered Branding: Reimagining Storytelling and Personalisation.

    Moderated by Publicis Groupe India CEO for digital technology business Amaresh Godbole the panel brought together industry voices grappling with the fine line between automation, personalisation, and authenticity.

    Tata Cliq CTO and Tata digital,VP for synergy tech Suman Guha opened with a reality check: while AI unlocks precision, data overload is a growing challenge. “Brands need to strike the right balance, AI can suggest, but it cannot substitute judgement. The winning formula lies in combining AI-driven insights with human empathy,” he said.

    Adding a regulatory lens ASCI CEO & secretary general Manisha Kapoor stressed the urgency of maintaining consumer trust. “When personalisation borders on intrusion, the line between relevance and manipulation blurs. Ethical guardrails are essential if AI-led branding is to build, not break, relationships,” she warned.

    Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals head of digital transformation Akhil Duggal noted that AI is most effective when it complements not dictates brand building. “We’re using AI to decode consumer intent, but the human narrative must lead. Consumers don’t remember algorithms; they remember stories.”

    From the BFSI perspective Fino Payments Bank head of marketing Prashant Choudhari pointed out the stakes are higher in financial services. “Trust is currency. AI can personalise offers, but one misstep erodes credibility. The challenge is scaling innovation while keeping the customer relationship sacred.”

    Mediasmart chief growth officer Nikhil Kumar highlighted how AI is revolutionising programmatic advertising. “Real-time personalisation is not the future, it’s already here. But effectiveness depends on transparency. If users feel misled, personalisation backfires into alienation.”

    Bringing in the social tech angle Explurger vice president Jwala Kumar underlined AI’s role in experiential storytelling. “Travel and lifestyle brands are leveraging AI to make every interaction feel personal. But authenticity is non-negotiable, people will spot the difference between engineered intimacy and genuine connection.”

    As the discussion unfolded, a common thread emerged: AI can supercharge scale, speed, and segmentation, but the secret sauce remains human creativity. Technology may tailor the message, but culture, trust, and empathy define whether it lands.

    By the end, Godbole summed it up neatly: “AI isn’t replacing storytellers, it’s arming them with sharper tools. The brands that thrive will be those that wield AI with responsibility, respect, and imagination.”

    The session closed with consensus that 2025 is not about AI versus humans, but AI with humans, a collaboration where algorithms analyse and humans empathise, together shaping the next chapter of branding.

  • Anymind banks on avatars to fast-track brand live streaming

    Anymind banks on avatars to fast-track brand live streaming

    MUMBAI: Talk about putting your money where your face is. Anymind group is banking on avatars to give live commerce a fresh facelift.

    The company has rolled out its new ‘Avatar Bank’ on Anylive, its AI-powered live commerce platform. Think of it as a ready-to-wear wardrobe, but for digital hosts: brands can now dip into a library of pre-made AI avatars instead of spending time and money creating one from scratch.

    The appeal? Speed and savings. With avatars off the shelf, brands can launch streams in just a week, making live commerce campaigns quicker, leaner and far less of a production headache. For brands juggling multiple campaigns, that’s as close to plug-and-play as it gets.

    Anylive isn’t just about pretty faces either. The platform can deliver content in multiple languages, run streams around the clock, and crunch data from both human and AI-led sessions to help brands fine-tune scripts and performances. The Avatar Bank slips neatly into this ecosystem, letting businesses mix and match, use custom avatars for premium projects, or pick from the bank when speed matters.

    Anymind Group, ceo and co-founder, Kosuke Sogo said the feature has already gained traction in Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. “This update makes it easier than ever for brands to incorporate AI avatars into their live commerce efforts. We will expand our lineup to give brands more choice, helping them achieve maximum results with minimal effort,” he said.

    For a world hungry for faster campaigns, the message is clear: avatars aren’t just virtual, they’re virtually indispensable.

  • Toto taps into style with season-inspired basins, faucets and sleek WCs

    Toto taps into style with season-inspired basins, faucets and sleek WCs

    MUMBAI: Flush with ideas. Toto is giving India’s bathrooms a seasonal makeover. The Japanese bathroom giant has expanded its India portfolio with a stylish new line-up of basins, faucets and water-efficient WCs, blending artistry, technology and sustainability in one seamless flow.

    Taking inspiration from nature’s four seasons, the brand’s latest basins arrive in striking hues: forest green for spring, mandarin orange for summer, scarlet red for autumn and ash blue for winter. Beyond looks, each piece is glazed with Toto’s ‘cofiontect’ finish, keeping surfaces fresher and easier to clean.

    Adding sparkle to sinks, new faucets in rose gold and graphite finishes bring a luxe touch. Crafted with PVD technology for durability, they pair design finesse with responsibility, manufactured using processes that recycle up to 90 per cent of wastewater.

    Completing the collection is a new WC range featuring sleek concealed models in square and round shapes. With Toto’s ‘tornado flush’ technology and dual-flush options as low as 3 litres, these bowls are designed to save water without skimping on comfort.

    “Indian consumers want more than just functionality; they want bathrooms that are stylish, sustainable and enjoyable,” said Toto India, managing director, Shiozawa Kazuyuki. “These launches combine design and innovation to make every experience thoughtful.”

    For Toto, which has been redefining bathrooms globally for over a century, this expansion cements its Indian journey with products that are as refined as they are responsible, proving once again that the future of luxury is sustainable.

  • Choosing the Right Indian Virtual Number for Your Needs

    Choosing the Right Indian Virtual Number for Your Needs

    The need for a local Indian phone number is a common challenge for global businesses, travelers, and privacy-conscious individuals in 2025. The decision to buy an indian number for OTP is the first step, but understanding your options ensures you get a service that perfectly matches your requirements. Not all virtual numbers are created equal; some are designed for all-purpose communication, while others are specialized for tasks like receiving SMS.

    Choosing the right type of number is the key to a successful and cost-effective experience. This article will break down the different kinds of virtual numbers available for India, helping you select the perfect tool for your specific task, whether it’s a one-time verification or long-term business communication.

    The Foundation: Why You Need an Indian Phone Number for OTP

    Before we dive into the different types of numbers, it’s important to understand the core requirement of India’s digital landscape: the OTP (One-Time Password). Nearly every reputable app, e-commerce site, and online service in India uses SMS-based OTPs to verify user identity. This is a fundamental security measure, and without a number capable of receiving these texts, you are effectively locked out. Therefore, any virtual number you consider must, at a minimum, be able to reliably receive an SMS. All indian phone numbers for otp are built on this basic but critical capability.

    Option 1: The All-Purpose Virtual Mobile Number India

    This is the most common and versatile option. A virtual mobile number is a real Indian mobile number (with a +91 prefix) that can handle both voice calls and SMS messages, just like a regular number from a physical SIM card.

    This type of number is the ideal choice for users who need maximum flexibility. It is best suited for:

    • General-Purpose Verification: It is universally compatible with any service that sends an indian phone number otp, making it the safest and most reliable bet for any kind of registration.

    • Two-Way Business Communication: If you are a business that needs to not only verify accounts but also receive calls from Indian customers or make outbound calls that appear to be from a local number, this is the only option that will work.

    • Enhanced Platform Compatibility: Some services have advanced systems that check if a number is a mobile line. Using a virtual mobile number ensures you pass these checks without issue.

    When you need this all-purpose functionality, the quality of the provider is key. Getting a virtual number in india from a specialized provider like HotTelecom https://hottelecom.biz/ ensures that the number is a high-quality, clean mobile line. They focus on providing reliable routes for both voice and SMS, so when you use their virtual indian phone number for sms, you know the critical verification codes will arrive, and if you need to make a call, the quality will be clear. This reliability makes a professional mobile number a wise investment.

    Option 2: The SMS-Only Indian Number for Pure Verification

    For users with a more specific and limited need, an SMS-only number can be an excellent and cost-effective choice. As the name implies, this type of number is configured exclusively to receive SMS messages. It cannot make or receive voice calls.

    This specialized tool is best for:

    1. Budget-Conscious Users: Since the service doesn’t include the more complex infrastructure for voice calls, these numbers are often slightly more affordable.

    2. High-Volume, Automated Verifications: Businesses or developers who need to verify a large number of accounts programmatically and have no intention of making calls from them.

    3. Maximum Privacy and No Interruptions: For individuals who want a number for verification only and want to guarantee that they will never receive spam or unwanted voice calls on that line.

    Option 3: The Online Indian Number for Temporary or Disposable Use

    This option is less about the technology and more about the subscription plan. A disposable or temporary number is typically a mobile or SMS-only number that you rent for a very short period—a day, a week, or a month.

    This approach is perfect for:

    • One-Time Sign-Ups: If you need to get an indian virtual number for otp just once for a service you will likely never use again, a short-term rental is the most economical choice.

    • Protecting Your Primary Number: It’s the classic “burner number” scenario. Use it for online marketplaces, forums, or any situation where you don’t want to leave a permanent link to your real identity.

    However, there is a crucial consideration with this approach. If you use a disposable number to sign up for an important service and then let the number expire, you will be permanently locked out of that account if you are ever asked to re-verify your identity via SMS.

    Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

    Ultimately, the best indian virtual phone number is the one that aligns with your specific goals. By understanding the difference between an all-purpose mobile number, a focused SMS-only line, and a short-term disposable plan, you can move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Take a moment to assess your needs, and you can confidently buy an indian virtual number that serves as the perfect tool to connect you with India’s vibrant digital world.

  • Kamat Hotels plants flags in Himalayan foothills and tech hub

    Kamat Hotels plants flags in Himalayan foothills and tech hub

    MUMBAI:  Kamat Hotels (India) Limited has thrown open the doors to two contrasting properties that capture India’s dual identity: a wellness sanctuary beneath the snow-capped Himalayas and a sleek business hotel in the country’s tech capital.

    The hospitality chain unveiled The Orchid Rishivan Hotel in Rishikesh and IRA by Orchid Hotel in Hyderabad on Sunday, adding 117 rooms to its expanding empire and planting its flag firmly in both India’s spiritual heartland and its commercial nerve centres.

    In Rishikesh, where the Ganges rushes down from sacred peaks, the 54-room Orchid Rishivan Hotel promises to marry ancient mysticism with modern luxury. Guests can stretch into sunrise yoga sessions beside a centuries-old Shivling temple, then retreat to a state-of-the-art spa surrounded by whispering forests. The property operates under a revenue-sharing model and caters to the booming wellness tourism market, complete with conference facilities for corporate retreats and intimate wedding venues.

    Orchid RishiVan Hotel

    Some 1,500 kilometres south, the 63-room IRA by Orchid Hotel stakes its claim in Hyderabad’s bustling business district. The leased property targets the city’s army of technocrats and deal-makers with contemporary rooms and dining that blends authentic Hyderabadi spices with international flavours.

    “We are tapping into the rising demand for wellness tourism and destination weddings, while Hyderabad positions us to serve a thriving corporate market,” said executive director Vishal Vithal Kamat. His father, executive chairman and managing director Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, described the openings as highlighting the group’s “dual focus” between eco-luxury and metropolitan hospitality.

    The launches underscore Kamat Hotels’ strategy to capture both ends of India’s travel spectrum: spiritual seekers fleeing urban chaos and business travelers powering the country’s economic engine. With wellness tourism surging and corporate travel rebounding post-pandemic, the group is betting that India’s contradictions—ancient and modern, spiritual and commercial—can fuel profitable growth.

  • Siyaram’s ‘Devo’ hands PR mandate to Vigor Media after multi-agency pitch

    Siyaram’s ‘Devo’ hands PR mandate to Vigor Media after multi-agency pitch

    MUMBAI: Siyaram’s is tailoring a new chapter in Indian menswear and it has chosen Vigor Media Worldwide to stitch the narrative together.

    The premium men’s occasion wear brand ‘Devo,’ launched by textile giant Siyaram’s, has awarded its public relations mandate to Vigor Media after a competitive multi-agency pitch. The win signals Vigor Media’s growing reputation for strategic storytelling and brand-building in the fashion and lifestyle space.

    Backed by the four-decade legacy of Siyaram’s, ‘Devo’ is positioning itself as the go-to label for contemporary Indian men who want to blend tradition with modern flair. From sherwanis and Jodhpuri suits to tuxedos, Indo-western ensembles, and curated accessories, the brand promises to dress men for everything from intimate poojas to big, fat weddings.

    Under the mandate, Vigor Media will spearhead a 360 degree PR strategy, from media outreach and influencer engagement to digital amplification, with the goal of establishing ‘Devo’ as not just another fashion label, but a fresh style statement in Indian ethnic and fusion wear.

    Expressing confidence in the partnership, Siyaram’s, executive director, Gaurav Poddar said, “With Devo, we are expanding our legacy into ethnic fashion that reflects the confidence and sophistication of today’s Indian man. We believe Vigor Media Worldwide will play a pivotal role in elevating Devo’s brand journey across the country.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Vigor Media Worldwide, founder, Nikhil Singhal added, “Devo is not just a new label. it’s a strategic extension of a legacy brand into a high-growth fashion category. Our team is excited to craft compelling stories that highlight the brand’s unique offerings while shaping its narrative as modern yet rooted in Indian culture.”

    With India’s ethnic and fusion wear market booming, fuelled by rising incomes, millennial tastes, and a renewed love for tradition. Devo’s entry looks well-timed. And with Vigor Media now helming its story, the brand seems set to make a stylish mark on celebrations across the country.

  • Khele Sanand season three kicks off with bigger goals and stronger community spirit

    Khele Sanand season three kicks off with bigger goals and stronger community spirit

    MUMBAI: Game, set, match! Sanand is playing for keeps. Khele Sanand, Gujarat’s buzzing grassroots sports movement, is back for season 3, and it’s bigger, bolder, and brimming with community pride.

    Launched with fanfare at Sanskardham campus, the Vijayi Bharat foundation’s flagship league was inaugurated by international kho kho stars Pratik Waikar and Nirmala Bhati. What began in 2023 with just 2,500 students has now surged into a powerhouse involving over 7,000 young athletes from more than 120 schools.

    The numbers tell the story of its rise: a 400 per cent jump in girls’ participation in kho kho, a 39 per cent spike in team registrations, and the involvement of 150 volunteers handling everything from refereeing to hospitality. Backing from 20 village sarpanchs and local businesses has stitched together a genuine community effort, making Khele Sanand much more than a sports league, it’s a movement.

    “This is not just a league, it’s a platform that instils teamwork, discipline and resilience,” said Bhati, calling the initiative a bridge between raw talent and bigger opportunities. Waikar agreed and added, “Khele Sanand nurtures ambition and builds belief. It’s giving rural and urban youth alike a chance to compete in a structured, professional environment.”

    Season 3 raises the stakes with new venues, expanded formats and enhanced coaching, running through to April 2026. The finale promises not only medals and trophies, but also a celebration of resilience, teamwork and the spirit of participation.

    With each season, Khele Sanand proves that sport isn’t just about winning games, it’s about winning communities.

  • Spykar’s new podcast stitches heritage with ambition in ‘It’s in our jeans’

    Spykar’s new podcast stitches heritage with ambition in ‘It’s in our jeans’

    MUMBAI: All sewn up, Spykar is threading stories, not just jeans. India’s homegrown denim label has unzipped a new chapter in storytelling with the launch of its podcast, ‘It’s in our jeans/genes.’ The series promises conversations as textured as a vintage denim jacket, spotlighting change makers who are stitching heritage into modern ambition.

    The debut episode features the dynamic Suta sisters: Sujata and Taniya. The brand has reimagined the saree for today’s generation while empowering more than 17,000 artisans across India. True to the show’s theme, the duo even paired denim with sarees in a playful diy experiment, blending tradition with trend in one seamless drape.

    “Fashion is about more than denim, it’s about identity and the stories that connect us,” said Spykar Lifestyles, co-founder and ceo, Sanjay Vakharia. “The Suta sisters embody the balance of heritage and modernity, reflecting the ambition of a new India that thinks global while staying rooted.”

    For Sujata and Taniya, the podcast felt like a natural fit. “Suta has always been about effortless, joyful sarees and supporting artisans. Spykar’s podcast celebrates the same values: authenticity, storytelling, and pride in taking Indian traditions to the world,” they shared.

    With more episodes lined up across technology, food, music, and start-ups, ‘It’s in our jeans/genes’ aims to inspire students, entrepreneurs, and dreamers alike. Available on Spotify, Youtube, Apple podcasts and more, the series cements Spykar’s role not just as India’s denim favourite, but also as a storyteller for a new India: authentic, ambitious, and global.