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Tag: Bangalore

  • Crocs on the Clock as Swiggy Instamart Delivers in Just 10 Minutes

    Crocs on the Clock as Swiggy Instamart Delivers in Just 10 Minutes

    MUMBAI: In a move that blends speed with style, Swiggy Instamart has teamed up with Apparel Group to bring Crocs to consumers in just 10 minutes, a first for the global footwear brand in India’s quick commerce space. Shoppers in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Gurgaon can now grab iconic Crocs styles like the Classic Clog and Classic Sandal instantly, just in time for Holi and the summer season.

    Swiggy Instamart’s latest partnership underscores its expansion into fashion and lifestyle categories, making premium footwear just a click away. Swiggy Instamart CEO Amitesh Jha highlighted the significance of the collaboration, “At Swiggy Instamart, we’re constantly exploring ways to bring customers what they love faster than ever. With Holi and summer around the corner, we’re excited to introduce a globally loved brand like Crocs, giving customers a seamless and instant shopping experience.”

    For Crocs, the partnership is about enhancing accessibility and making its iconic designs more readily available. Crocs, senior VP and GM (ROW) Adrian Holloway shared, “We’re thrilled that, through our partnership with Swiggy Instamart and Apparel Group, customers can now get their favourite Crocs styles in minutes. This service redefines convenience, making it easier than ever to step into style.”

    Apparel Group India CEO Abhishek Bajpai added, “This marks our brand’s first foray into quick commerce, and we are confident this collaboration will allow us to serve our customers faster and more efficiently. With Holi and summer ahead, we’re bringing the best in fashion footwear straight to their doorstep.”

    Starting March 2025, select Crocs footwear will be available for immediate delivery across major cities, with further expansion planned in the coming weeks. Swiggy co-founder Phani Kishan also took to social media to tease the latest offering for fashion and footwear lovers. As quick commerce reshapes shopping habits, Swiggy Instamart is stepping ahead by bringing instant retail convenience to new categories because now, fashion waits for no one!

  • Eris Lifesciences strengthens pulse with Murari Ranganathan’s appointment

    Eris Lifesciences strengthens pulse with Murari Ranganathan’s appointment

    MUMBAI: Eris Lifesciences is set to beat stronger in the cardiometabolic space with the appointment of Murari Ranganathan as president, cardiometabolic business. Stepping into the Mumbai office, he will spearhead the company’s Anti-Diabetes and Cardiology divisions, two of Eris’ flagship verticals.

    Eris Lifesciences chairman and managing director Amit Bakshi said, “Murari’s expertise will be invaluable in strengthening our position in the cardiometabolic segment. We’re thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the milestones ahead.”

    On his appointment, Ranganathan said, “Eris Lifesciences is the youngest player among the top 20 pharmaceutical companies in India, and its dynamic, entrepreneurial culture is truly inspiring. I look forward to working with the team to set new benchmarks in disease management and patient care.”

    Ranganathan brings over two decades of industry experience, having previously served as commercial director at Abbott India Ltd, where he led women’s health, metabolics, and international business. His career spans leadership roles at Baxter, Novo Nordisk, and Torrent Pharma, and he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from St. Joseph College of Business Administration, Bangalore.

    With this strategic move, Eris Lifesciences is set to fortify its presence in one of India’s fastest-growing healthcare segments, keeping its commitment to innovation and patient well-being at the heart of its expansion.

  • Jacadi Paris brings French chic to Mumbai with first India store

    Jacadi Paris brings French chic to Mumbai with first India store

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s mini fashionistas are in for a stylish treat as Jacadi Paris, the iconic French luxury childrenswear brand, makes its grand debut in India. With 270 stores worldwide, the brand has now arrived at Palladium Mall, Mumbai, bringing a touch of Parisian elegance to the city’s youngest style icons.

    With Indian parents spending 35 per cent more on premium childrenswear than they did five years ago, Jacadi’s entry into the market couldn’t have been better timed. Known for its chic, timeless designs, the brand caters to discerning families who value both style and heritage in their little ones’ wardrobes.

    The 628-square-foot boutique seamlessly blends tradition with modern craftsmanship, offering a curated selection of apparel, accessories, and footwear for newborns to 12-year-olds. The brand’s emphasis on sustainability is evident in its use of organic cotton, water-saving processes, and recycled materials, making it a go-to for eco-conscious shoppers.

    Jacadi’s Mumbai launch is just the beginning. The brand is set to open its second store in Bangalore by April 2025, reinforcing its commitment to expanding in India’s growing luxury kidswear market.

  • Luxury gets a table at Bangalore’s new Sobé Decor store

    Luxury gets a table at Bangalore’s new Sobé Decor store

    MUMBAI: Bangalore just set the table for luxury, and it’s looking absolutely exquisite. Sobé Decor, the coveted name in premium home decor and tableware, has unveiled its latest store in Indiranagar, giving the city’s design aficionados a fresh reason to indulge. Nestled in the iconic Falaknuma building, this upscale destination promises an unparalleled shopping experience, blending elegance with world-class craftsmanship.

    Previously an exclusive Noritake showroom, the space has now been reimagined as Sobé Decor, expanding its repertoire to include a handpicked selection of premium brands. From the timeless charm of Chabby Chic to the refined aesthetics of Gloss from Norway, Copacabana, and Christina Oliver, the store offers a symphony of styles that elevate interiors to new heights.

    Bangalore, often celebrated for its cosmopolitan tastes, makes for the perfect setting for Sobé Decor’s expansion, says Sobé Decor founder, Nivedita Jegadeesh, further adding, “This city has always embraced a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. With our new store, we aim to provide a space where elegance meets functionality, offering homeowners an opportunity to curate interiors that reflect their unique personality.”  

    The store is more than just a retail space; it’s a destination designed to inspire. With India’s widest collection of Noritake under one roof, alongside other international luxury brands, it caters to those who appreciate the finer things in life. Whether you’re refreshing your dining space, adding a touch of sophistication to your living room, or seeking statement pieces for a personal retreat, Sobé Decor ensures every home tells a story of refinement and taste.

  • Kraftshala’s 2024 digital marketing hiring trends: skilled entry level jobs in demand

    Kraftshala’s 2024 digital marketing hiring trends: skilled entry level jobs in demand

    MUMBAI: It’s back to offices for most digital marketing companies, remote working is passe at the entry level – maybe hybrid working is ok –  according to a trends report released by edtech platform for  marketing jobs   Kraftshala. 

    Entitled the Digital Marketing Trends Report 2024, it highlighted the surging demand for skilled entry-level digital marketers despite news of hiring slowdowns across the year in other sectors. The report provides a detailed analysis of 765 roles floated during Kraftshala’s placement processes for three programs: marketing launchpad, marketing launchpad (emerging talent – hinglish), and content and social media launchpad.

    Key findings revealed a steady increase in entry-level hiring in 2024, driven by agencies and large brands actively seeking skilled professionals. Agencies accounted for 60 per cent of these roles, underscoring their reliance on fresh talent for growth. Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR emerged as dominant hiring hubs, contributing to 67 per cent of the roles. Interestingly, cities like Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata are also growing in prominence in India’s digital marketing landscape.

    Kraftshala DataBangalore remains the top choice for competitive compensation, with 28 per cent  of roles in the city offering higher cost to company (CTCs). Interestingly, cities like Chennai and Noida, despite their smaller market size, are also offering premium compensation for niche skills, demonstrating the growing importance of regional hubs in the hiring landscape.

    The workplace trends revealed by the report are equally compelling. 93 per cent  of the roles floated in 2024 were either in-office or hybrid, and only 7 per cent were fully remote. Employers emphasised collaboration and on-the-ground problem-solving, which explains the limited adoption of fully remote positions. For candidates, this shift underscores the need to be adaptable to workplace expectations while demonstrating the ability to thrive in team environments.

    Fluency in English remains a key factor for success, with over 80 per cent of marketing roles requiring understanding and a certain level of fluency in the language. While this does not preclude candidates with lesser fluency from securing opportunities, it does emphasize the advantage of strong communication skills during early hiring stages. 

    The perennial debate of skills versus degrees is also uncovered in this report where it’s clear that more and more recruiters are now open to non-linear career trajectories, valuing practical skills over conventional resumes. Examples of hires with non-traditional backgrounds, including those with career gaps or unrelated degrees or in fact no graduation degrees, illustrate the industry’s openness to diverse talent profiles.

    Said  Kraftshala founder & CEO Varun Satia: “The digital marketing industry is at a fascinating crossroads, with immense opportunities for those willing to upskill and adapt to the changing landscape. Recruiters are not just looking for candidates with certificates but those who can bring real value through their problem-solving abilities and technical knowledge. This report underscores the importance of building practical, hands-on expertise to stand out in today’s competitive job market.”

    “What we’re seeing now is a clear departure from traditional hiring practices. Employers are willing to pay premium salaries even for entry-level roles, provided the candidates can demonstrate their ability to think critically and adapt to emerging technologies. This is a wake-up call for students to not just focus on collecting certificates but actually focus on skill building.”Varun Satia

    Recruiters are shifting their focus away from traditional hiring processes like aptitude and psychometric tests, instead prioritizing tasks that gauge problem-solving abilities and encourage candidates to apply themselves. This change aligns with the decline of basic roles, which are increasingly being automated or redefined. In parallel, recruiters are demonstrating a willingness to pay higher salaries for skilled candidates, even if it means extending the hiring timeline to secure the right talent. “

    The report also underscores the challenge of ensuring quality among a growing pool of applicants. An example in the report notes how an emerging company sifted through 7,000 applications over five months to fill a single digital marketing role, highlighting the critical importance of demonstrated skills over superficial qualifications.
    Kraftshala’s findings also shed light on the growing importance of technical specialisations. Roles in programmatic advertising and e-commerce are experiencing rapid growth, reflecting the industry’s adoption of cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends. 

    (The main picture of this story was generated using Microsoft Image generator. No copyright infringement is intended.)

  • Famous Innovations onboards Mitali Srivastava Hough as national planning head

    Famous Innovations onboards Mitali Srivastava Hough as national planning head

    Mumbai: Famous Innovations has roped in Mitali Srivastava Hough as national planning head for its Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore offices. She will also lead strategic planning for Garage, the digital and content agency from the group.

     With nearly 22 years of work experience, Hough is the first planner in Indian advertising who co-founded a successful ad agency called Utopeia Communicationz and followed it up by another agency called Equal that specialised in CSR solutions. An accomplished strategic planner, digital expert, trainer and researcher, she has undertaken in-depth thought leadership on various consumer groups and is known for her disruptive approach to brand building.

    Her career spans over brands like Volkswagen, J&J, Reliance Retail, Bournvita, Neutrogena, Nivea, Big Bazaar, Asian Paints, etc. Prior to steering the ship as an entrepreneur, she worked in DDB Mudra as associate vice president, across verticals of DDB India, DDB Health & Lifestyle, Rapp India & Tribal DDB. She has also worked at Ogilvy & Mather and TBWA India. Her awards include golds at Effies, AME, James Burke & Indian Marketing Awards.

    Famous Innovations founder and chief creative officer Raj Kamble commented, “At Famous Innovations, we don’t just make ads. We aim to be partners with our clients and take accountability for their business, growth, and brands.  Hough is one of those rare planners who champions this approach and has been effective and disruptive with MNC brands as well as entrepreneur-led brands from India. We are really excited about our partnership with her. Famous Innovations is gearing up to take a bigger leap as a group by bringing such unique talent together.”

     Hough adds, “After being an entrepreneur for so long, I have evolved as a planner, and I wasn’t comfortable joining a place that would put me in just one box. Kamble has created a very interesting hybrid creative, planning and digital culture in Famous that resonated with my journey. His sharp creative acumen matches an equally strong business mind and everyone in the Famous group is being led to follow this new approach to advertising and marketing which is media agnostic, insight-led, creatively sharp and ROI focused for the client.”

    For the record, Famous Innovations is a seven-time winner of South Asia Independent Agency of the Year, Digital Agency of the Year 2021 and the second most awarded agency at Goafest Abby’s x The One Show. Its list of clients includes Haier, Burger King, Titan, Times Group, Unilever, Van Heusen, Platinum Jewelry, Pernod Ricard, AB InBev, etc

  • Shayondeep Pal to head creative at Lowe Lintas Bangalore

    Shayondeep Pal to head creative at Lowe Lintas Bangalore

    Mumbai: Lowe Lintas has announced the appointment of Shayondeep Pal as a regional creative officer. Pal will work out of the agency’s Bangalore office and manage some of the flagship brands of the agency from the South region. The appointment is effective immediately, the agency said in a statement.

    Most recently, he led the creative campaigns for Surf Excel, Wheel, Vim, UltraTech and Nestle EveryDay. In his new role, Pal will strengthen the creative output of the agency’s Bangalore office working on brands like Tanishq, Swiggy, Unacademy and Fastrack, among others.

    In this role, Pal will report to Lowe Lintas CCO Sagar Kapoor.

     Commenting on Pal’s new role in the agency, Sagar Kapoor said, “Shayondeep (Shayon, as we fondly refer to him) has led the Lowe Delhi office in the past. He has worked on a diverse mix of brands across categories. Both his wisdom and creative talent will definitely take Lowe Lintas South to newer heights. I am excited about our partnership and along with him and the teams, hope to create some stunning work very soon.”

    Pal’s advertising career began about 24 years ago with a chance stint as a trainee writer at McCann-Erickson, having trained as a journalist after a post-graduate course at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. In his first stint with Lowe Lintas between 2008 and 2015, he worked on brands such as Micromax, OLX, Hindustan Times, Havells and Maruti-Suzuki. Under his watch, Lowe Lintas has won numerous awards including the coveted Cannes and Effies, among others. Previously, he has also worked with Grey Group on brands like Halonix, Dominos and Greenlam and with Network Advertising as its CCO. He had also founded Amorphous Films where he worked on brands like Quikr, Havells, Gionee and Aegon Life.

    Talking about his new role, Pal said, “I am looking forward to an exciting phase in my advertising career. I am thrilled to be part of the team that created stellar work on some of the most iconic brands.”

  • Concern India aims to curb vaccine hesitancy with a new social campaign

    Concern India aims to curb vaccine hesitancy with a new social campaign

    Mumbai: Even as India rushes to reach its goal of vaccinating 100 per cent of the eligible population, many are still hesitant to take the jab against Covid-19. Keeping this in mind, Concern India Foundation, a non-profit organisation has launched a social campaign in areas of Bangalore with high vaccine hesitancy. With the help of community leaders, the foundation has created a unique audio appeal called the Divine Voice.  

    “The temples and mosques in India have speakers. These speakers usually broadcast prayers and holy messages. Concern India weaved vaccination messages into these prayers. These messages were then broadcast live through these speakers by the community leaders themselves,” said the statement.

    “Though vaccines were available, there was a poor turnout in the vaccination camps. Our discussion with Ogilvy led to launching the campaign,” commented Concern India deputy director Pampa Chowdhury. “Initially we were apprehensive whether it would work. But with immense cooperation from all the stakeholders, the campaign worked. People showed up in numbers, creating a model that can be used as an awareness tool.” 

    According to Chowdhury, “Earlier only about 30 or so people would turn up for vaccination. But after the campaign, more than 200 people were vaccinated per day, and more were in waiting.” 

    Encouraged by the positive response to the campaign, Concern India Foundation is looking to expand its Bangalore model to more areas. “We will continue with the vaccination drives using this model…religious influences can be a catalyst of social change,” Chowdhury further said.

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  • Zee Zest acquires exclusive rights to ‘The Big Forkers’ season 3

    Zee Zest acquires exclusive rights to ‘The Big Forkers’ season 3

    Mumbai: Lifestyle channel Zee Zest has acquired exclusive rights for the third season of “The Big Forkers.” The new season will be launching exclusively on ZeeZest.com starting 15 February.

    The 15-part series features cousins and hosts Shashank Jayakumar (Shanky) and Sid Mewara aka ‘The Forkers’ who love food, travel and discovering new cultures. The duo will be seen discovering the ‘Urru,’ Bangalore and its culinary offerings right from the local fair, regional specialties, and international tables along with the fan-favourite, ‘the pub crawl.’

    From local food legends to upcoming stars, and beer gardens to college favourite pub crawls, they uncover pub life in Bangalore and the drinking culture across town. A true food journey loaded with new-age Smash Burgers, various kinds of interpreted meat preparations, biryanis, Korean meals, traditional Uttara (Northern) Kannada vegetarian meal and some very candid conversations.

    Sid is an investment banker and ex-chef and Shanky is a serial technology entrepreneur and consultant to The World Bank. Their journey started with a tipsy conversation with friends while travelling through Spain in 2019, following the food trail by the late chef Anthony Bourdain.

    The cousins set up a YouTube channel in 2020 called ‘The Big Forkers’ that showcased their exploration of cuisines. After completing two successful seasons in Mumbai and Goa, they are back with another season.

    “The earlier two seasons piqued our interest with the duo’s edgy take on food and its many stories around it,” said Zee Zest business head Amit Nair. “In ‘Big Forkers’ season three, there is enough for the Bangalore local, the steady traveller or someone on the couch chilling with a cold one to take away from this latest installment from the big boys. This series is the first among the many digital-first properties that we plan to launch on zeezest.com.”

    “Bangalore was all new to me which made it a voyage of discovery,” said co-host Sid Mewara. “Through the research, we did on the ‘Urru’, we knew we wanted to cover some of the staples such as the tiffin rooms, the military hotels and the craft beer scene. Personally, I love how progressive the city is, an oasis of sorts and can’t wait to show the viewers what we have in store.”

    “Bangalore, for me, has always been work-related,” said co-host Shashank Jayakumar. “But just delving deeper made me realize that the city has held on to its European connections from colonial times. What I like, though, is that a majority of the population has managed to still be true to its roots. You will still see them in afternoon drinking sessions with idli, chutney on the side, or with Chicken 65 as a starter and I love Bangalore for that.”