ITV

Category: MAM

  • CII to organise retail summit in Mumbai next month

    CII to organise retail summit in Mumbai next month

    MUMBAI: The CII National Retail Summit 2011 is scheduled to be held on 2 February in Mumbai.

    This summit will serve as a springboard for ideas and allow leaders and practitioners in the sector to learn from each other to drive growth that is both inclusive and profitable at the same time. The Summit shall have keynotes, panel debates and analysis by personalities from India and abroad.
     
    Topics that will be discussed are Importance of Inclusion and the Role of Organised Retail; FDI in Retail: A Key Enabler for Retail to reach its full Potential; Driving Traffic, Conversion and Basket through Merchandising and Pricing; Achieving Profitability through Best Sourcing.

    There will also be a CEOs Power Session – FMCG and Retail.

    The speakers include Aditya Birla Retail CEO Thomas Varghese, Tata Chemicals COO Consumer Products Division Ashwini Hiran, Shoppers Stop vice chairman BS Nagesh, McKinsey partner Ireena Vittal, Future Group CEO and member executive board Raghu Pillai, Metro Cash and Carry India MD Rajeev Bakshi, ITC business head – retail Seshu Kumar and The Boston Consulting Group partner and director Abheek Singhi.
     
    One sesion looks at FDI in Retail: A Key Enabler for Retail to reach its full Potential

    Retail is an investment hungry sector where growth will be fuelled by an expansion of footprint and building of a more robust infrastructure to support this footprint. It is also a sector where several innovations from around the world can be adapted and executed to increase productivity. FDI can play a crucial role in providing the Indian retail sector with both the investment and access to know-how.

    The regulations restricting FDI in multi-brand retail have been under heavy discussion in the recent past. This panel will discuss different sides of the argument of this very contemporary. 
     
    Another session will look at Driving Traffic, Conversion and Basket through Merchandising and Pricing. A key factor in the success in organised retail is the ability to expand revenues by increasing traffic, conversion and basket-size. Other than location, merchandising and pricing are two fundamental levers available to a retailer to influence each of these factors.

    This session will provide the audience an opportunity to hear from the experts on the processes and techniques involved in achieving these goals. The panelists will share best practices on various tools available to retailers as a part of merchandising and pricing, and illustrate it with stories from their experiences.
     

  • Innocean Worldwide bags creative duties of Sleepwell

    Innocean Worldwide bags creative duties of Sleepwell

    MUMBAI: Mattress and comfort accessories brand, Sleepwell, has roped in the Korean-agency network, Innocean Worldwide, to handle its creative mandate. 
     
    Rediffusion Y&R Worldwide is the incumbent agency.

    The account size is pegged at Rs 120 to 150 million.
     
    The mandate was awarded to Innocean, following a multi-agency pitch, which involved agencies such as Mudra, Everest, Crayons, Infinity, Triton, Apple and Vermillion.

    Sleepwell is owned by Sheela Foam Industries, which is aiming to take its communication strategy to the next level.
     
    The company‘s retail presence is being ramped up nationwide and retail branding is being standardised along with a new look to the product packaging.
     

  • Big CBS Prime intensifies marketing campaign

    Big CBS Prime intensifies marketing campaign

    MUMBAI: Reliance ADAG‘s recently launched English GEC Big CBS Prime has come out with a 13 feet inflated balloon as part of its marketing initiatives.

    The balloon is placed in high-footfall zones across Mumbai and Delhi, aimed at drawing the attention of walk-in customers. Promos of the different shows telecast on the channel are being shown on the Balloon TV screen giving customers a chance to experience the channel.

    Reliance Broadcast Network senior VP, marketing Anand Chakravarthy said, “Placing a huge, 13 feet balloon in the center of a high-activity area will draw a lot of eyeballs that we aim to gain onto the channel. This is a first among the many innovative activities that we have planned for this year. To stand out in the clutter, apart from mass media vehicles to build reach, we will also be innovatively using traditional media to create a buzz. A special thrust will be given to on-ground promotions across the country, for our viewers to actually get a feel of the show.”

    Next week the broadcaster will place 3D kiosks on the roads in Mumbai and Delhi. Among other things, it is using Live Media‘s OOH screens in coffee shops. It is also using scrollers in malls.

  • Reliance Brands partners with Quiksilver for South Asia Region

    Reliance Brands partners with Quiksilver for South Asia Region

    MUMBAI: Reliance Brands Ltd, a part of Reliance industries, has partnered with Quiksilver Holding S.?.r.l, a fully owned subsidiary of Quiksilver Inc., an outdoor sports lifestyle company, to launch its brands of ‘Quiksilver‘ and ‘Roxy‘.

    According to the license agreement, products of Quiksilver and Roxy will be available through Quiksilver fascia stores and other channels of sale in all major cities across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.

    The first monobrand store is planned to be launched later this year with an offering to include apparel, accessories and footwear.

    Said Reliance Brands president and CEO Darshan Mehta, “Boardriding, one of the most sought after adventure sports, is increasingly perceived as a state of ‘new cool‘ by the youth globally.”

    “Our association with Quiksilver will introduce a casual, fun and adventurous lifestyle to the discerning Indian youth. We are very excited about the association which promises to pioneer a global youth trend across the region,” added Mehta.

    Quiksilver and Roxy offer products targeted at young boys and girls aged between 16 and 25. These brands attempt to tap into the young person‘s frame of mind – creative, confident, progressive and restless for adventure.

     

  • Rajan Anandan to lead Google India

    Rajan Anandan to lead Google India

    MUMBAI: Google Inc. has roped in Rajan Anandan as vice president of India sales and operations.

    Anandan will replace Shailesh Rao, who has been covering two roles. Rao will now focus only on his role as full-time Japan and Asia-Pacific managing director, media and platform sales.

    Says Japan and Asia-Pacific operations president Daniel Alegre, “India is an important growth country for Google. With Internet users growing at 50 per cent year-on-year, a strong leadership team will ensure that Google captures this tremendous opportunity.”

    Anandan‘s 18-year career includes key roles at Microsoft, Dell and McKinsey & Company.

    Most recently Anandan was MD of Microsoft India, responsible for all aspects of Microsoft‘s software, OEM and services business in India.

    Prior to joining Microsoft, Anandan was the vice president and country general manager of Dell in India. He also played several leadership roles including being the executive assistant to chairman Michael Dell.

    Before that, Anandan was a Partner with McKinsey & Company in Chicago. He holds an MSc from Stanford and a BSc from MIT.

  • Toyota on top in TNS Automative study

    Toyota on top in TNS Automative study

    MUMBAI: According to a study by TNS Automotive, Toyota continues to lead the satisfaction index. The no. 2 spot was claimed by Hyundai which improved its ranking over that of 2008. Mahindra & Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki shared the same number of points.

    According to the study, the industry as a whole witnessed an improved relationship with dealer partners in 2010. This is reflected in the relationship level across all manufacturers.

    The overall industry performance (measured through the profitability index) has improved significantly- from 66 in 2008 to 78 in 2010. Here too, Toyota and Hyundai are the leading companies. According to the report, in 2010, the industry as a whole witnessed an improved relationship with dealer partners. This is reflected in the relationship level across all manufacturers.

    Says TNS Automotive Executive Director Pradeep Saxena, “The study helps manufacturers in assessing the strength of their relationship with their primary customers namely dealers.”

    “In the current system of brand exclusive dealerships, it is all the more important for the existing manufacturers to retain their channel partners in their fold, particularly with some of the largest global companies such as Volkswagen and Nissan entering the Indian market,” he adds.

    According to the survey, one more focus area for the industry is after-sales service. Dealer partners have consistently voiced their concerns on availability of spare parts as also service promotions. They also seek a greater support in handling complaints related to OEM fitted items.

    The findings also revealed that dealer partners have rated the industry performance poorly on relationship aspects such as willingness to solve their problems and taking their suggestions on-board. Another such aspect is fairness in network planning.

    The study was conducted across India covering a wide spectrum of passenger car dealers of all leading manufacturers. Giving due importance to the market diversity, the study coverage included tier 2 and 3 towns as well, in addition to metros and tier 1 towns.

     

  • Jitender Dabas joins McCann Delhi

    Jitender Dabas joins McCann Delhi

    MUMBAI: McCann Erickson has roped in Jitender Dabas McCann Delhi to head and strengthen its planning function.

    In his new role, Sandip Mahapatra, Dabas‘ predecessor at McCann, will spearhead integrated planning for McCann Worldgroup.

    In his previous stint, Dabas was working with JWT as executive planning director and vice-president.

    Said McCann Worldgroup executive chairman Prasoon Joshi, “I immediately knew that Jitender is the kind of planner I have always respected. Incisive, clear thinking, passionate, he has vision. His reputation precedes him and I am looking forward to having him work along with our Delhi branch on our extensive brand portfolio.”

    An IIT Delhi Alumnus, Dabas has spent 14 years in the advertising and communication industry. Starting as an account management executive with FCB Ulka, he moved on to strategic planning with Grey and was with the JWT Delhi branch for the last five years.

    Dabas has worked with brands such as Compaq Presario, GPI, Hyundai motors, SBI, Aviva, GE Money, Hero Honda, Nokia and Pepsi Foods.

    Last year Dabas also won WPP‘s Atticus award for original thinking in marketing and communication.

  • ICC Cricket WC 2011 merchandise goes on sale

    ICC Cricket WC 2011 merchandise goes on sale

    MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the launch of the official tournament online store for the cricket World Cup which kicks off next month.

    The site, which is being managed by international brand management company IVS Group, will offer a wide range of official merchandise, including T-shirts, polos, caps, key-rings, mini-bats and horns as well as a range of products for children centred around the event mascot, Stumpy.

    Visitors to www.icconlinestore.com can shop for official merchandise by product, by team or by range. Purchasing is convenient, safe and secure with Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Laser, Maestro and Solo – all accepted methods of payment.

    IVS Group MD Ash Kapoor said, “We are proud to be working with such a prestigious international event as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. It is the third biggest sporting event in the world and we are honoured to be providing the merchandising services this time just as we did at the ICC World Twenty20 in 2009 and 2010.”

    The licensing and merchandise for the tournament is facilitated and managed by Licensing In Motion (LIM), the ICC’s global licensing and merchandising partner, and the online store can be found at www.icconlinestore.com with a worldwide delivery service provided.

    In addition, IVS Group will also manage the official onsite event sales and will be present at all 13 venues of the ICC 2011 Cricket World Cup across Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. IVS always uses local suppliers and labour, thus generating jobs within the community while minimising environmental impact.

    This is one of a slew of activities that the ICC is doing as cricket‘s marquee property draws near. Last week it had released a communication campaign across the sub-continent for the event.

    The campaign was conceptualised by the ICC marketing team and Ogilvy Mumbai.

    Ogilvy & Mather managing partner Navin Talreja says, “About 1000 matches were played between the last ICC Cricket World Cup and this one. Many tournaments, many cups but a World Cup in any sport has been and will continue to be the pinnacle of achievement. The postioning line ‘The Cup That Counts’ serves as a reminder to all cricket fans of this very simple fact.”

    With this in mind, a surround campaign involving not just TV, Print, Outdoor, PR but also last mile mediums such has Digital and Activation was created for India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

    Sharma said, “This time around we have moved away from the conventional amplification approach of the core idea across mediums. Instead the messaging strategy for
    different elements developed reflects different facets of “The Cup That Counts” from the point of view of the teams, players and of course the fans.”

    The campaign kicked off worldwide on the first week of this month with the launch of TV commercial titled ‘Tightrope’.

    Ogilvy & Mather national creative director Abhijit Avasthi says, “Every country, every player and every fan has only one wish – to win the race to the cup. But this is no ordinary race. Full of obstacles and surprises, to win this race, each player would need to literally walk on a tightrope. Keeping this in mind we decided to use a metaphor and depicted a tightrope race to the cup that counts”.

    The ‘Tightrope‘ commercial aims to capture the passion, celebration, competition and fun associated with the game of cricket like never seen before. Shot across the entire city of Jaipur over five days, the commercial ‘features‘ captains from most of the playing nations and over 400 fans from various countries. Professional tightrope artists were flown in from US and UK for the filming of this commercial.

    This film has been shot by the Cannes Gold winning director Bob of Good Morning Films and the music has been composed by Dhruv Ghanekar. This launch campaign shall also be supported by print and outdoor, shot by international photographer Palani Chandramohan.

    In addition, fans will also get to see another campaign featuring iconic players from the subcontinent.

    A series of three commercials starring Sachin Tendulkar, Muttiah Muralitharan and Shakib Ul Hasan respectively, this campaign plays upon a deep personal wish that these cricketing legends are fostering – to bring the cup home. These films have been directed by Piyush Raghani of Old School Films and shall go on air towards end January. This campaign too shall be supported by print and outdoor.

    The event‘s theme song ‘De Ghumaa Ke‘ has been released on radio channels across the country. Composed and sung by Shankar Ehsaan Loy, this song brings alive the fierce sense of competition and the desire to win. The same song shall also be adapted in local languages for Sri Lanka and
    Bangladesh.

    A music video featuring Shankar Ehsaan Loy and ICC CWC 2011‘s Official Mascot ‘Stumpy‘ is also in the works and shall be released by end of this month.

    Further, the ICC shall also unleash a slew of contests and below the line initiatives to help spread the CWC 2011 buzz. Across venue cities, Official Countdown Clocks shall be placed at airports and popular malls, uniquely designed ICC CWC 2011 branded vans shall give fans a chance to
    share their wishes, radio stations shall run contests to help fans win tickets and much more.

    As a part of ICC’s CSR and youth outreach initiative, Ogilvy also rolled out a nationwide school contact programme along with UNAIDS. The programme reached out to eight cities, 70 schools and above 10,000 students who got a chance to learn about Aids awareness and also participate in an Inter School Mini Cricket World Cup tournament.

  • Sangam to launch new TVC with Suniel Shetty and Virat Kohli

    Sangam to launch new TVC with Suniel Shetty and Virat Kohli

    MUMBAI: Sangam India has roped in Bollywood and cricket stars Suniel Shetty and Virat Kohli as its brand ambassadors.
    In order to support its new business growth, the textile conglomerate has planned a marketing investment of over Rs 500 million in the next three years.

    Sangam is planning to expand its market reach to cover pan-India territories especially across North and East India. As part of the business and marketing scale-up, the manufacturer of suiting and denim fabrics will be launching a new television campaign (TVC) on 17 January.

    Sangam has also signed OMD as its media AOR.

    The TVC has been conceptualised by TBWA India. It will feature the new brand ambassadors and aim to differentiate the Sangam product though quality and promise as key brand values.

    Said Sangam India executive director V K Sodani, “The new TVC is an integral part of our aggressive scale-up in marketing operations as well as marketing spends. As part of our growth charter, we plan to introduce new product lines across the entire value bandwidth. We are currently exploring business opportunities in India and abroad to enter into strategic alliances to launch premium product lines.”

  • Aidem Ventures, eBus Media float JV for India

    Aidem Ventures, eBus Media float JV for India

    MUMBAI: eBus Media Network and Aidem Ventures have formed a joint venture in India to offer a complete solution for digital distribution and management of television commercials (TVCs) to advertisers, agencies, media owners, content producers and broadcasters.

    The new JV between the two companies will be known as eBus-Aidem. Ajay Verma will be the chief executive of the new entity.

    Verma has over 17 years of advertising & marketing experience, having worked with organisations like O&M, Draft-FCB, Redifussion, Y&R, Contract and Percept Hakuhodu and has been part of eBus startup operations in India.

    eBUS is a Singapore-based company involved in video content management and distribution business for the media industry. Aidem Ventures is a media consulting, sales and marketing company.

    Says Aidem director Kaushal Dalal, “We believe that the future is going to be tapeless and digital delivery of TVCs will be the norm. To this end, the solution that eBUS has to offer is truly excellent. The coming together of eBus and Aidem will not only add to the range of media related services that Aidem provides but will also help bring in the future much faster.”

    In the new service, the advertiser has to send TVCs once and it is digitally delivered to the list of broadcasters as specified by the client/agency within six hours. Advertisers can also track the commercial going to broadcasters online and have access to commercials in different formats for their presentation on mobile, Internet, etc.

    Averred eBUS Singapore CEO Carmine Masiello, “With the expansion and modernisation of the television industry, including digital and HD, we provide advertisers a much faster and convenient mode for delivering TVCs. Given the complexity of the Indian markets, we trust that partnering with Aidem will not only add the local expertise we need to promote our products and services but also go a long way in establishing eBus as the standard mode for delivering TVCs in this market space.”

    For the broadcasters this will mean faster arrival of TVC‘s in digital quality, complete library management, no more handling of physical tapes or ingesting, thereby saving physical space, time, effort and money.

    Said Aidem Ventures managing director Raj Nayak, “We believe this technology will be a game changer and goes with the company‘s vision to diversify into areas that is in synergy with our core business. Leading broadcasters have already started using the eBus technology and more are signing shortly. Many leading advertisers also have already signed up and are currently using and having the benefits of the eBus solution.”