ITV

Category: MAM

  • Peps Industries opens sleep-first concept store in Bengaluru, targets 50 new outlets by 2025

    Peps Industries opens sleep-first concept store in Bengaluru, targets 50 new outlets by 2025

    MUMBAI: In a city where hustle never sleeps, Peps Industries has made room for those who do. The country’s best-selling spring mattress brand flung open the doors of its latest experiential Great Sleep Store in Indiranagar, Bengaluru—a neighbourhood known more for bar crawls than bedtime rituals.

    The new store aims to be more than just a mattress outlet. It invites customers to lie down, stretch out and get comfortable with sleep science. With interactive displays and hands-on consultations, Peps hopes to turn sleep shopping into something of a wellness intervention.

    “At Peps, we’ve always believed that quality sleep is the cornerstone of a healthy and fulfilling life. Our mission has never just been about selling mattresses but it has been about redefining how India sleeps. With every Great Sleep Store we open, especially in lifestyle-forward areas like Indiranagar, we’re bringing that mission to life in more meaningful ways. This store is more than a retail space; it is a sleep experience center, where customers can truly understand what their body needs and explore scientifically designed solutions that support long-term wellness”, said Peps Industries MD Shankar Ramm.

    Peps inaugurated the Indiranagar store with former corporator C.R. Lakshminarayan and The Little Dreamers franchise owner Anusha Shankar Ramm. The outlet showcases Peps’ premium spring mattress collection, engineered to enhance airflow, support spinal alignment, and boost durability—all of which the brand claims are crucial for restful sleep.

    As part of its expansion blueprint, Peps has committed to opening 50 more outlets across India by the end of 2025. This follows a significant expansion in both online and offline retail footprints in FY 2024-25. The company has embraced a hybrid retail model, recognising that even in the digital age, some customers still prefer to feel the bounce before they buy.

    From urban centres to tier two towns, Peps is betting on India’s growing awareness of sleep hygiene to fuel its growth. And if its experiential store format finds favour, bedtime may just become the next big frontier in lifestyle retail.

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  • Game on India as govt eyes next level for digital entertainment

    Game on India as govt eyes next level for digital entertainment

    MUMBAI: India’s digital entertainment game is levelling up. quite literally. At Storyboard18’s Digital Entertainment Summit (DES) 2025, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, made it clear that gaming is no longer a side quest but a central pillar of India’s M&E economy.

    “Gaming now forms a very important pillar and part of the overall digital media and entertainment landscape,” said Jaju, underscoring how convergence between tech, youth energy, and content is reshaping India’s global creative ambitions.

    Citing Waves 2025 India’s flagship AV and entertainment summit, Jaju said the gaming pavilion, buzzing with emerging studios and new-age IPs, showed just how far the industry has come. From immersive platforms to evolving creator economies, Jaju spotlighted gaming, animation, audio streaming, and OTT as drivers of India’s new digital narrative.

    To boost this transformation, the Ministry is launching the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai, operational from September 2025. The institute aims to become a breeding ground for talent and incubation hub for creative startups. “It will be a great place for people to hone their skills and for smaller companies to get incubated,” he said.

    Jaju also called for:

    . Investment in low-cost cinema halls to bring films to India’s hinterlands

    .   Strategic focus on making India a global production hub, leveraging cost advantages and local talent

    .  Nurturing digital innovation through AI, XR, and VR-led platforms

    His three-part vision?

    .  Creative Excellence – Turning India into a storytelling powerhouse

    .  Digital Innovation – Leading in immersive tech

    .  Inclusive Growth – Tapping talent across every corner of India

    As he urged the industry to walk and think together, Jaju wrapped with a rousing call: “Our time has come, and the future is now.”

    With a booming gaming culture, homegrown creators, and government backing, India’s entertainment sector is set to not just entertain the world but lead it.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)
     

  • Amit Kumar steps in as South City Mall’s executive director amid Blackstone-led revamp

    Amit Kumar steps in as South City Mall’s executive director amid Blackstone-led revamp

    MUMBAI: It’s not just the retail footfall that’s picking up speed at South City Mall—the boardroom is getting busier too. In a fresh power move after Blackstone’s acquisition of Kolkata’s flagship shopping destination, the mall has roped in seasoned real estate leader Amit Kumar as executive director.

    Kumar will oversee leasing, marketing and operations at South City Mall, bringing with him over 20 years of hands-on experience in retail leasing, commercial real estate and mall strategy. Known for steering large-format retail assets into high-performing zones, he has previously held leadership roles across some of India’s top retail portfolios.

    “South City Mall has always been synonymous to retail and lifestyle experiences in Kolkata. I am excited to be part of this new chapter as we work towards elevating the mall’s offerings, strengthening partnerships with retailers, and enhancing customer experiences. With the backing from Blackstone, the expertise of the team at Nexus Malls and South City Mall’s strong foundation, I look forward to contributing to its continued success and growth”, Kumar said.

    His appointment is part of the ongoing overhaul under Nexus Select Trust, the retail arm of Blackstone in India, which now owns South City Mall. Nexus Select Trust president, operations, Jayen Naik welcomed the move, “South City Mall represents a significant part of Blackstone’s growing retail footprint in India. We welcome Amit to the Blackstone and Nexus Select Trust team, and we are confident that Amit’s leadership will further enhance its potential. His extensive experience in Indian Retail will help drive long-term value for both our retail partners and the shoppers of Kolkata”.

    With Kumar now leading the charge, all eyes are on South City Mall’s next phase. Industry watchers expect a sharper focus on category diversification, tenant curation, and omni-channel retail experiences tailored to Kolkata’s evolving customer base.

    The move also highlights Blackstone’s strategy of not just acquiring marquee retail assets, but doubling down on leadership and execution to unlock long-term value. As footfalls grow and competition stiffens, South City Mall appears to be gearing up for a retail playbook upgrade—with Kumar on the frontlines.

  • Prajakta Koli adds monsoon punch to Bata’s Floatz clog campaign with a stylish PSA

    Prajakta Koli adds monsoon punch to Bata’s Floatz clog campaign with a stylish PSA

    MUMBAI: When Mumbai rains come knocking, most people reach for an umbrella. But Prajakta Koli is here with a newsflash: it’s time to grab a pair of Floatz instead. Bata India’s latest campaign for its Floatz range has landed with a splash, fronted by content creator and actor Prajakta Koli in the role of a delightfully offbeat news reporter.

    Launched on 27 June 2025, the campaign brings a playful monsoon-ready message to the streets and screens. Koli’s PSA — ‘Floatz is your go-to, come rain or shine!’ – sets the tone for a series of tongue-in-cheek scenes where the stylish clogs stand tall in puddles, errands, and even airport fits. Designed with waterproof material, anti-skid soles, and the brand’s proprietary FloFoam cushioning, Floatz aim to put comfort and durability on a collision course with street style.

    Retailing from just Rs 1199, the clogs come in breezy pastel hues, promising fashion without soggy consequences. Built with dual-density soles and reliable arch support, they’re pitched as a fuss-free footwear fix for the wet months.

    “Much like Prajakta Koli, whose authentic and relatable personality strikes a strong chord with today’s youth, Floatz by Bata is designed to deliver effortless style and comfort at an accessible price”, said Bata India head of marketing Deepika Deepti. “Whether you’re navigating a busy workday or heading out for a casual evening, it’s the perfect all-day companion, especially during the monsoon season”.

    Koli added, “Being a true-blue Mumbaikar, monsoons hold a very special place in my heart… It’s like coming home, but in super comfy shoes!”

    Floatz is currently the fastest growing brand under Bata’s portfolio and is available at over 1,900 stores across India and on bata.com. With this campaign, the legacy brand is clearly betting on cool comfort and creator credibility to win the monsoon rush.

  • JSW Paints to acquire 74.76 per cent stake in Akzo Nobel India in bold Rs 8986 crore move

    JSW Paints to acquire 74.76 per cent stake in Akzo Nobel India in bold Rs 8986 crore move

    MUMBAI: JSW Paints dipped its brush into the big leagues on Thursday, signing definitive agreements to acquire up to 74.76 per cent stake in Akzo Nobel India Limited (ANIL) for a maximum consideration of Rs 8986 crore. The all-cash deal, one of the sector’s most significant in recent years, marks JSW Paints’ ambitious leap toward top-tier status in India’s fast-expanding paints and coatings market.

    The acquisition is contingent upon regulatory approval from the Competition Commission of India and completion of a mandatory open offer to ANIL’s public shareholders. Should all go as planned, the JSW Group’s paints arm will become a heavyweight challenger to incumbents in a market long dominated by a few legacy players.

    ANIL, the Indian arm of Netherlands-based Akzo Nobel, brings with it marquee brands like Dulux, International and Sikkens, and a strong decorative and industrial paints portfolio. In return, JSW Paints, part of the $23 billion JSW Group, gains reach, muscle and a serious splash of brand equity.

    JSW Paints managing director Parth Jindal said, “Paints & Coatings is one of India’s fastest growing sectors and JSW Paints is amongst the fastest growing paint companies. Akzo Nobel India is home to some of the most globally renowned brands of paints & coatings like Dulux, International and Sikkens. We are excited to welcome them to the JSW family. Together, along with the Akzo Nobel India family – employees, customers and partners – we aspire to build the paint company of the future. With the Magic of Dulux and Thoughtfulness of JSW Paints, we look forward to delighting customers and building lasting value for our stakeholders”.

    Akzonobel CEO Greg Poux-Guillaume added, “This transaction is a significant milestone in the execution of our strategy. Akzonobel India has been a consistently strong performer, and we are proud of the brand and talent that have made it a success. With JSW, we are confident the business is in the hands of a long-term partner with deep local expertise and strong ambitions in the sector”.

    The acquisition underscores a broader strategy by JSW Paints to cement itself as a dominant force in a market projected to clock double-digit growth, driven by rising urbanisation, housing demand, and premiumisation. It also reflects increasing consolidation in the Indian paints sector, where the battle for shelf space and mindshare has intensified.

    Morgan Stanley served as exclusive financial adviser to JSW Paints, with Khaitan & Co. acting as legal counsel and Deloitte overseeing financial and tax due diligence.

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  • Golden words, golden futures as KEF bets big on real stories of change

    Golden words, golden futures as KEF bets big on real stories of change

    MUMBAI: What do golden tickets and scholarships have in common? For hundreds of bright young minds, it’s the chance of a lifetime and Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) is spotlighting that connection with heart and purpose. Celebrating MSME Day 2025, KEF has rolled out a compelling campaign titled “Future Ka Golden Ticket” to raise awareness about its flagship Kotak Junior Scholarship.

    Featuring real-life beneficiaries, the integrated campaign draws from actual stories of Mumbai’s promising students whose lives have been transformed through KEF’s support. From bus shelters and cab panels to guerrilla tricycle activations in underserved areas, the visuals and the message go straight to the heart.

    But KEF isn’t just offering financial aid. It’s going the extra mile with what it calls “beyond scholarship” initiatives mentorship, academic assistance, and life-skills training designed to ensure holistic development. And the campaign, by putting real faces to these efforts, doubles down on trust and relatability.

    “We’ve seen how ambition alone isn’t enough. What changes lives is access and zidd,” said a KEF spokesperson, echoing the foundation’s “Inch Wide, Mile Deep” philosophy that underpins every intervention across Maharashtra and Gujarat.

    With three core verticals, school interventions, equitable scholarships, and vocational training, KEF’s initiatives have touched thousands. From building teacher capacity and improving English fluency in middle schools to supporting model schools at the district level, the impact is both broad and deep.

    In numbers, KEF’s scholarship portfolio includes:

    .  Kotak Junior Scholarship for students in Mumbai’s low-income schools pursuing Class 11 & 12.

    .   Kotak Kanya Scholarship (launched in 2021) for meritorious girls nationwide in higher education.

    . Project Unnati, which coaches unemployed youth in IT, spoken English, and life skills, guaranteeing placements to help them step into the workforce confidently.

    With this new campaign, KEF is looking not just to inspire, but to scale with an eye on systemic reform. The focus is shifting from school-level impact to district and state-level education transformation. The next frontier? Impact at Scale.

    As the CSR arm of Kotak Mahindra Group, Kotak Karma’s efforts through KEF are rooted in the belief that education is the greatest equaliser and in this campaign, every story told is another step toward levelling the playing field.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Sanjay Prasad joins Webengage as VP to drive global channel alliances and enterprise partnerships

    Sanjay Prasad joins Webengage as VP to drive global channel alliances and enterprise partnerships

    MUMBAI: Webengage has put a seasoned hand on the wheel as it pushes deeper into global waters. On June 27, the Mumbai-based SaaS player named Sanjay Prasad as its new vice president, global head of channels and alliances. In his new role, Prasad will take charge of building a high-impact ecosystem of global consulting firms, technology partners and digital agencies to accelerate Webengage’s reach across geographies and verticals.

    Prasad comes armed with more than 20 years of experience in enterprise sales, business development, and alliance management across BFSI and tech. His resume spans some of the biggest names in the business—IBM, HP, Oracle, Red Hat, LeadSquared, and MoEngage. With a mechanical engineering degree from Pune University and an MBA from IBMR, he has led strategic partner growth across MEA and APAC.

    “Sanjay’s deep understanding of the enterprise landscape and proven track record in building high-impact alliances makes him the ideal leader to drive this mission forward”, said Webengage co-founder & CEO Avlesh Singh. “His vision aligns perfectly with our goal to make Webengage the preferred customer engagement partner for global enterprises”.

    The appointment reflects Webengage’s larger pivot towards ecosystem-led expansion and a value-first approach. Instead of just pushing products, the company wants to co-build solutions with partners that deliver transformation at scale.

    “It’s an exciting time to join Webengage”, said Prasad. “The platform’s growth route, product maturity, and customer-first culture offer immense potential to co-create value with leading consulting firms. I’m looking forward to strengthening our alliances and building a robust partner ecosystem that helps enterprises bring forth better engagement, retention, and revenue outcomes”.

    With Prasad at the helm of partnerships, Webengage plans to institutionalise deeper collaboration models with system integrators, enabling smoother enterprise implementation and faster time-to-value.

    The company’s partnership strategy already seems to be bearing fruit. KPMG India partner & head, technology enablement – financial services and office managing partner, Kochi, Vishnu Sri Pillai said, “Customer focused digital transformation is one of the key priorities for enterprises today. Our collaboration with Webengage should aid in bringing integrated, insight-led solutions to market that address real business challenges and drive long-term value”.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Adarsh Mishra signs on as content lead at Viewtrade to steer strategic storytelling

    Adarsh Mishra signs on as content lead at Viewtrade to steer strategic storytelling

    MUMBAI: Adarsh Mishra has joined Viewtrade Holding Corporation as lead, content, signalling a potential pivot in how the financial infrastructure company approaches brand engagement. With nearly a decade of experience building strategic content ecosystems for new-age platforms, Mishra’s appointment suggests Viewtrade is tightening its focus on narrative-led outreach, both client-facing and public-facing.

    Viewtrade, headquartered in Jersey City and founded in 2000, has long operated at the backend of fintech enablement. The company provides brokerage and technology infrastructure to financial institutions, fintech ventures and wealth managers, covering everything from APIs and white-label platforms to onboarding tools and post-trade services.

    Now, with Mishra’s entry, content may no longer play a background role. Best known for his work with creators and brands like WTF by Nikhil Kamath, BeerBiceps, Figuring Out, and Josh Talks, Mishra brings deep experience in creating content IPs that align creativity with business intent.

    While the specifics of his remit at Viewtrade remain under wraps, industry observers suggest he may help build a structured content strategy—spanning educational assets, thought leadership and platform-led storytelling to support scale, customer enablement, and global reach.

    The move also underlines Viewtrade’s ongoing ambition to remain competitive in a cluttered fintech stack where differentiation increasingly lies in narrative. With financial literacy, onboarding UX, and retention becoming as much about trust as tools, Mishra’s presence could prove instrumental.

  • Asian Paints goes prime time with Tamil TV-inspired colour guide

    Asian Paints goes prime time with Tamil TV-inspired colour guide

    MUMBAI: What do Tamil prime-time serials and your next wall colour have in common? Quite a lot, if Asian Paints has anything to say about it.

    The paint and décor giant has launched Tractor Emulsion Varnamaalai, a first-of-its-kind shade guide for Tamil Nadu inspired by the vivid sets and characters of popular Tamil TV serials like Kayal, Moondru Mudichu and Singapenne. With the visual flair of leading ladies such as Chaitra Reddy, Swathi Konde and Maneesha Mahesh fronting the guide in full character, Asian Paints brings 65 curated colour combos straight from the screen to your home.

    Cleverly titled Varnamaalai—Tamil for “garland of colours”—the guide features palettes lifted from living rooms, staircases and bedrooms of beloved serials that collectively reach over 41 million viewers a month. It’s smart, striking, and steeped in local flavour.

    Speaking on the launch, Asian Paints Ltd. MD & CEO, Amit Syngle shared, “At Asian Paints, we understand that colour is both a deeply emotional and cultural choice. With Tractor Emulsion Varna Maalai, we’ve transformed that understanding into a truly local and meaningful offering. This shade guide gives consumers in Tamil Nadu a relatable tool to imagine their homes through the familiar lens of characters and settings they see every day. It makes colour selection more intuitive, personal, and inspiring — and reflects our ongoing effort to democratise décor through innovations rooted in culture.”

    Designed around its bestselling Tractor Emulsion, known for anti-fade performance and a four-year warranty, Varnamaalai includes room-wise stencils, styling tips and finish options to help home-owners visualise real spaces with star-approved flair.

    Speaking at the launch, actors Reddy, Konde, and Mahesh shared their thoughts on the shade guide, “Varnamaalai is a beautiful and brilliant offering. Choosing the right colours for your home is often overwhelming, but seeing combinations brought to life through TV serials we watch every day makes the process simple and real. We can’t think of a better brand than Asian Paints to lead and guide this journey.”

    The guide is available at Asian Paints dealer outlets, online, or via SMS. Send “Tractor” to 56161 and have the shades of Tamil Nadu’s biggest blockbusters delivered to your doorstep.

    It’s colour with character—and a little bit of daily soap drama.

  • Zidd Hai Jeet Hai as TTBS celebrates MSME grit this MSME Day

    Zidd Hai Jeet Hai as TTBS celebrates MSME grit this MSME Day

    MUMBAI: What drives India’s small businesses ambition or attitude? Tata Tele Business Services (TTBS) thinks it’s zidd that unrelenting, gritty will to win. And this MSME Day 2025, the brand is spelling it out loud and clear with its new campaign “Zidd Hai To Jeet Hai”, a punchy tribute to the backbone of India’s economy.

    Launched on 27 June , the campaign goes beyond boardroom clichés and brings real MSME hustle to the screen capturing the steely spirit that pushes modest enterprises to punch way above their weight. With a brand film and three hard-hitting stories across tech, banking, and manufacturing, TTBS showcases MSMEs not as underdogs, but as unstoppable forces rewriting India’s growth playbook.

    “In boardrooms and on shop floors, in small towns and big cities, there’s one common thread the zidd to succeed,” said Tata Teleservices senior vice-president of product and marketing Vishal Rally. “MSMEs are the key drivers of India’s economy, and at TTBS, we’re proud to fuel their growth with smart digital solutions.”

    The films, the fire, the fight:

    1.   Tech Pioneers: IT MSMEs coding India’s future, proving that breakthrough innovation doesn’t always need plush offices just persistence.

    2.   Fintech Fixers: Financial inclusion warriors taking banking to Bharat’s unbanked corners, one digital leap at a time.

    3.   Manufacturing Mavericks: Made-in-India heroes delivering world-class goods to global markets from humble beginnings.

    Through these stories, TTBS puts a spotlight on the very sectors it supports with its solutions whether it’s Smartflo Ucaas, secure cloud connectivity or scalable cybersecurity. The message? MSMEs don’t just survive, they scale, when given the right tools.

    The campaign also comes at a time when MSMEs are more crucial than ever. Contributing significantly to India’s GDP and employment, they’re not just business units, they’re engines of economic inclusion and innovation. TTBS, by providing purpose-built digital tools, aims to bridge the tech gap and enable these businesses to thrive in an increasingly connected economy.

    With “Zidd Hai To Jeet Hai”, TTBS isn’t just launching a campaign, it’s raising a toast to the tenacity of those who turn every ‘no’ into a new beginning. Because when India’s MSMEs bet on themselves, they’re not just dreaming big, they’re delivering bigger.