Tag: Nitin Chhabra

  • Wrangler launches exclusive co-branded merchandise collection with Social

    Wrangler launches exclusive co-branded merchandise collection with Social

    Mumbai: Wrangler has partnered with Social to launch an exclusive co-branded merchandise line. Launched at an event held in Mumbai, this marks SOCIAL’s debut into co-branded merchandise, featuring a limited-edition collection that fuses Wrangler’s style with Social’s cultural influence.

    The WranglerX social merchandise collection fuses the essence of both brands into a lively and playful lineup. Inspired by Wrangler’s Western roots—with cowboy and biker elements—and Social’s signature touches, like bracket branding, beer pong and noodle boxes, this collection delivers bold colours and character. With oversized tees and sweatshirts for men and cropped tees for women, each piece blends Wrangler’s adventurous spirit with Social’s vibrant and party-ready style. This is a collection that is young, fun and packed with personality—made for life’s exciting ride.

    Sharing his excitement, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra, the exclusive licensee of Wrangler in India said, “This collaboration with SOCIAL is a bold fusion of fashion and urban culture, bringing together two dynamic brands that celebrate self-expression and creativity. With this exclusive merchandise, we’re curating an experience that embodies the pulse of the city and the spirit of adventurous optimism.”

    Commenting on this collaboration, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd chief growth officer Divya Aggarwal added, “At SOCIAL, we’re all about creating immersive experiences that connect our communities. Our co-branded merchandise with Wrangler takes this collaboration a step further, blending music, fashion, and culture into a tangible form. Together, we’re offering our guests a unique way to celebrate the adventurous spirit and urban creativity that define both brands.”

    Collective Artists Network, India’s leading new media company specializing in talent and pop culture brought the Wrangler X SOCIAL collaboration to life, organizing events at SOCIAL’s outlets across India. Collective Artists Network co-founder & chief revenue officer Sudeep Subash expressed his excitement about the partnership: “By creating events that blend fashion, culture, and community, we’re enabling both brands to authentically connect with their audiences and celebrate individuality. This co-branded collection is not just about style; it’s about making a memorable impact.”

  • ace turtle appoints three senior leaders to drive business growth

    ace turtle appoints three senior leaders to drive business growth

    Mumbai: ace turtle, a technology-native retail company has announced the appointment of three distinguished leaders to its senior management team. Rahul Rajan has been appointed as chief business officer – retail of fashion brands, Agnes Raja George as AVP and business head of Wrangler & central planning and Jitender Singh as AVP & business head of Lee. These strategic hires aim to bolster ace turtle’s growth and further its goal of revolutionising retail through technology.

    Commenting on the appointments, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra said, “We are excited to welcome Rahul, Agnes and Jitender to our leadership team. All of them bring extensive experience in retail and technology along with proven track records that will be invaluable as we continue to drive strong business growth. We continue to leverage our unique technology-driven operating model to launch new brands and scale the business of existing brands across India strengthening our position in the Indian retail industry and delivering exceptional value to our customers.”

    Rajan will help drive growth across online and offline retail channels for all the fashion brands in ace turtle’s portfolio. He joins ace turtle with 15 years of experience, including seven years as a successful business operator and previously as a strategy and investment professional. Rahul’s expertise spans P&L management, strategy and business planning, business development and creating product and tech roadmaps. He joins ace turtle from Flipkart where he played a pivotal role in building new businesses in beauty, FMCG and fast fashion, and scaling complex multi-billion-dollar apparel businesses. He holds an MBA from IIM Mumbai.

    George, with close to 23 years of experience in the fashion retail industry, Agnes specialises in P&L management, brand building, marketing, inventory planning, cash flow management and supply chain management. He has a proven track record in managing brands across department stores, exclusive brand stores, online marketplaces, and multi-brand outlet trade in India. Before joining ace turtle, Agnes founded and scaled the women’s wear brand De Moza and held various leadership roles at Landmark Group India, Aditya Birla Fashion and Lifestyle.

    Singh brings 22 years of experience across online and offline channels, and across sports & fitness, lifestyle, FMCG and consumer durable categories. He has a strong background in building and leading direct and matrix teams to drive sustainable business growth. Before joining ace turtle, Jitender was senior director at Myntra, where he significantly grew the HRX and Nautica brands. His previous experience includes roles at Decathlon, 3M, Café Coffee Day, and TTK Prestige.

    Since 2023, ace turtle has expanded its leadership team significantly to enable rapid and sustainable growth as it continues to expand its licensed brands portfolio. The company is the exclusive licensee of iconic global denim brands Lee and Wrangler, globally renowned toy retail chain toys “R” Us and Babie “R” Us and California-based casual wear brand Dockers for India and other South Asian markets.

  • ace turtle appoints Karandeep Singh Jaiya as chief business officer

    ace turtle appoints Karandeep Singh Jaiya as chief business officer

    Mumbai: ace turtle, India’s leading technology-native retail company today announced the appointment of Karandeep Singh Jaiya as the chief business officer. In his new role, Karandeep will lead business operations of a cluster of brands. His vision and strong leadership skills will propel the expansion of ace turtle’s fashion and toys portfolio, fostering innovation, and enriching the shopping journey for customers nationwide.

    Karandeep boasts a remarkable 25 years of experience with extensive retail domain expertise across India and the UAE. He excels in various areas, including P&L management, buying & merchandising, and retail operations. His proficiency spans diverse categories and formats, encompassing apparel, homeware, beauty products, fashion, and electronics. Additionally, he possesses proven skills in crafting buying and revenue strategies for e-commerce platforms.

    Commenting on the appointment, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra said, “Our brands are in a strong growth phase with tremendous potential. We are delighted to have Karandeep onboard and believe his business acumen, rich experience, and leadership will be critical in driving the business of our brands across India.”

    Karandeep brings a proven track record of leadership to ace turtle. Prior to joining, he served as brand head for Jack & Jones at Bestseller India, where he helped grow the brand’s market presence. His experience spans key leadership roles across India and the Middle East. Notably, he managed a $180 million business as business head at Lifestyle, Landmark Group, Dubai, overseeing 180 stores and e-commerce channels across the GCC. Early in his career, he spent 14 years at Shoppers Stop leading their buying & merchandising function. There, he successfully revitalized their denim business and managed a significant revenue portfolio.

    Embarking on his new role, ace turtle chief business officer Karandeep Singh Jaiya said, “As the retail industry shifts to tech-driven omnichannel mode in India, ace turtle stands at the forefront of innovation in this realm. I am deeply inspired by the company’s relentless pursuit of retail innovation, setting new standards in the industry by utilising its proprietary technology, through data science from design to fulfilment to meet the ever-evolving needs of the customers. I look forward to partnering with the talented team at ace turtle and helping deliver business growth, seamless operations and exceptional value to our consumers.”

  • Lee launches new denim collection for women designed by Suneet Varma

    Lee launches new denim collection for women designed by Suneet Varma

    Mumbai: Iconic denim brand Lee announced the launch of “Denim Beyond Definition”, a signature collection for women that redefines denim elegance. Specially crafted by India’s leading couturier Suneet Varma in collaboration with ace turtle, the exclusive licensee of Lee in India, this eclectic collection is a part of Lee’s strategy to offer a fashion-forward and lifestyle-centric denim experience to its customers.

    The collection marks the first time Lee is experimenting with bold styles for its Indian customers. It features captivating elements like gold foil prints, plaid patterns, and metallic riveting. Tailored for a youthful audience, Suneet Varma’s signature style is thoughtfully retained with embellishments, intricate threadwork, and mirror detailing gracing Gen-Z wardrobe essentials such as corsets, bell-bottom jeans, and maxi skirts. This collection stands as a testament to the boundless nature of denim, symbolizing a contemporary and transformative narrative in the world of fashion.

    Sharing his perspective, Suneet Varma said “For me ‘Denim beyond definition’ has been an exciting journey of pushing the boundaries of denim fashion. Beyond the challenges inherent in molding denim and merging it with Indian couture, I viewed it as a tremendous opportunity to do something new. It goes beyond the conventional, offering a unique blend of elegance and comfort. This collection is an ode to those who carve their own path in the world of fashion, and I’m thrilled to bring this fusion to Lee’s customers in India.”

    Commenting on the collaboration, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra said, “We take pride in introducing trendsetting collaborations that redefine the fashion landscape in India. ‘Denim beyond definition’ by Suneet Varma aptly captures this essence and is a testament to our commitment to offering innovative and stylish experiences to our customers. This fusion of denim and Indian couture encourages individuality and is a bold step into the world of fashion and lifestyle. We look forward to launching more such exciting collaborations for our customers in India.”

    The collection seamlessly blends the casual comfort of denim with the glamour and sophistication of fashion. From statement-making jeans to elegant denim dresses and chic separates, it encapsulates the perfect fusion of contemporary style and timeless elegance. With a rich heritage in denim craftsmanship, Lee stands as a symbol of durability and style, now reimagined through the creative lens of Suneet Varma. Customers can buy the collection at select Lee stores across India and on www.lee.in.

    ace turtle is the exclusive licensee of Lee in India and other South Asian markets. Lee is currently available at exclusive brand outlets and leading departmental store chains such as Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons and Centro among others. The legendary global denim brand is also available online at its dedicated webstore www.lee.in along with popular online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, Tatacliq and Nykaa.

  • Ace Turtle teams up with Funky Monkeys to launch Indoor Play Areas across its Toys“R”Us stores in India

    Ace Turtle teams up with Funky Monkeys to launch Indoor Play Areas across its Toys“R”Us stores in India

    Mumbai:  ace turtle, a technology-native retail company and Funky Monkeys, India’s premier indoor play center today announced their partnership to launch Indoor Play Areas at Toys“R”Us stores across the country. The first collaborative venture between Funky Monkeys and ace turtle will unfold within the expansive 12,500 sq ft. Toys“R”Us flagship store is located at Linking Road, Bandra in Mumbai.

    The new space will showcase the best of what each brand offers and will ensure that kids who visit have the time of their lives from the moment they set foot in! Funky Monkeys will be opening its play center on the top floor of the Toys“R”Us flagship store, offering its signature play and birthday party experiences for kids. Spanning multiple floors with a wide assortment of international and Indian toy brands, the Toys“R”Us flagship store, launched in December 2023, has redefined the toy shopping experience. With the new addition of the Funky Monkeys Play Area, families and kids can now look forward to a greater experiential shopping experience in the store.

    “Partnering with Toys“R”Us India is a unique opportunity for Funky Monkeys to offer our unparalleled play experiences for kids in a fun, safe and clean indoor environment. Toys“R”Us globally has been the most trusted destination for children and parents looking for toys for more than 70 years and we are excited to partner with them and share our expertise in Indoor Play Management,” said Funky Monkeys Play Centers founder & managing director Binita Bodani Putcha.

    “We look forward to opening many more Centers along with Toys“R”Us as they expand to other cities across India. Kids and parents can now experience a world-class integrated experience of shopping for toys and playing within the same space!” said Sanjay Ghadiali, Co-Founder & Director, Funky Monkeys Play Centers.  

    Commenting on the partnership, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra the exclusive licensee of Toys“R”Us in India said, “We are excited to have partnered with Funky Monkeys Play Centers, India’s premier indoor play centre & birthday party venue for kids and to launch a play area at our Bandra store. At India’s largest high-street toy store, we aim to offer more than just a visit – we want families to enjoy a memorable and delightful time together, creating moments of joy and recreation. We look forward to providing the globally renowned and signature toy shopping and playing experience to kids and their parents in Mumbai.”

    Funky Monkeys Play Centers are exclusively designed for children aged 6 months to 14 years and offer hands-on discovery and learning through spontaneous and unstructured ‘Free Play’, while incorporating elements of fun and entertainment. Each centre has two play zones – a Toddler Zone & a Junior Zone, offering a unique environment for kids to ‘Play & Learn’ in along with a full-service café and birthday party area.  

    In 2023, ace turtle unveiled the first Toys“R”Us store in India in Hyderabad and the flagship Toys”R”Us store in Mumbai both of which have received phenomenal responses from customers. ace turtle plans to expand the retail footprint of Toys“R”Us to other cities in India this year. Additionally, customers across India have been shopping for their favourite toys from the online store.

  • ace turtle appoints Pradeep Mukim as chief commercial officer

    ace turtle appoints Pradeep Mukim as chief commercial officer

    Mumbai: ace turtle, India’s leading technology-native retail company has announced the appointment of Pradeep Mukim as its chief commercial Officer. In his new role, Pradeep will lead the sourcing function and outlet business, in addition to driving strategic initiatives for ace turtle.

    Pradeep brings a wealth of experience and expertise to ace turtle, having spent over thirty-three years in the fashion and apparel industry in India. He has a proven track record of success in building and managing high-performing sales teams, developing winning sales strategies, and forging strategic partnerships. Most recently, Pradeep served as co-founder & CEO at Onip Lifestyle, a startup he founded in the school uniforms segment. He has held several leadership positions, including chief operating officer at Reid & Taylor India, head of International Business Development at Reliance Brands, senior vice president at VF Corporation.

    Commenting on the appointment, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra said, “We are excited to welcome Pradeep to the ace turtle leadership team. As a rapidly growing company with ambitious expansion plans for our brands, having Pradeep, a fashion industry veteran and a former entrepreneur aboard is invaluable. His extensive experience, strategic vision, and passion for building customer-centric businesses will be critical as we continue to leverage technology to launch new brands and scale the business of existing brands.”

    Expressing his delight, ace turtle chief commercial officer Pradeep Mukim said, “I am deeply impressed by ace turtle’s innovative and technology-driven approach to scaling business of global fashion and lifestyle brands in India. I am excited to partner with the talented team here to accelerate the company’s growth and unlock new avenues for success.”

    Since 2023, ace turtle has expanded its leadership team significantly to enable rapid and sustainable growth as it continues to expand its licensed brands portfolio. The company is the exclusive licensee of iconic global denim brands Lee and Wrangler in addition to iconic American toy retail chain Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us and California-based casual wear brand Dockers for India and other South Asian markets.

  • Lee onboards Sara Ali Khan as its brand ambassador in India

    Lee onboards Sara Ali Khan as its brand ambassador in India

    Mumbai: Iconic denim brand Lee has announced that it has onboarded Sara Ali Khan as its brand ambassador in India. It has also launched a new brand campaign titled “Lee: Home of the Real Denim” that aims to enhance Lee’s reputation as the preferred denim brand for young audience.  

    Lee, the legendary denim brand has maintained its strong connect with the millennials and Gen Z. Today, it is synonymous with denim and serves as both a symbol of globalization and a youthful spirit. Ever since 1889, Lee has always stood for its pioneering spirit and innovation, such as the world’s first-ever zip fly jeans – 101Z in 1927, iconic ‘Hair-on-hide’ leather label and ‘Lazy S’ back pocket stitching. The legendary denim brand has thus transformed from a practical-and-durable-workwear maker to a contemporary-and-trendy fashion giant.

    Denim never goes out of style and through the two ad films, Lee highlights the narrative “If it’s not Lee, it’s not Denim”. The campaign focuses on holistic and self-deprecating humour with stylish, fun and modern women in the forefront. Sara making an entrance embodying fashion police and donning the ever-so-easy and comfortable denims from Lee makes the audience question their fashion choices and make a mental note to switch over to Lee. Sara, with her magnetic presence, brings the films the required flavour and attitude.

    Below is the link to the first film that will go live on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Google apart from OTT platforms on 10 December 2023.

    The first film will run for a month and the second film will go live in January 2024.

    Commenting on the campaign, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra said, “We are delighted to have Sara Ali Khan as the brand ambassador of Lee in India. Sara embodies the spirit of Lee with her authenticity and flair. Lee’s legacy extends to over a century combining the heritage of denim with the contemporary ethos of embracing one’s true self. We are confident that the campaign will help to build on Lee®’s brand equity and help us drive more customers to our retail stores and online channels. We aim to significantly grow Lee’s business in India by the end of the current fiscal year.”

    Expressing her excitement, Sara Ali Khan said, “The brand’s rich heritage, coupled with its contemporary edge, resonates with my personal sense of fashion. I am delighted to be part of Lee’s narrative, embracing its legacy and, more importantly, fuelling a new denim fervour among the vibrant and diverse young consumers of India. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about connecting with the spirit and style of today’s generation, creating a statement that transcends time.”

    ace turtle is the exclusive licensee of Lee in India and other South Asian markets. Lee is currently available at exclusive brand outlets and leading departmental store chains such as Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons and Centro among others. The legendary global denim brand is also available online at its dedicated webstore www.lee.in along with popular online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, Tatacliq and Nykaa.

  • Wrangler unveils new brand campaign with Smriti Mandhana

    Wrangler unveils new brand campaign with Smriti Mandhana

    Mumbai: Wrangler has announced the launch of its new brand campaign titled “What Shapes You, Makes You”. The campaign features Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team and one of its most prolific batters.

    Wrangler is investing heavily during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 to build greater awareness and consideration among consumers in India. The campaign highlights the enduring relationship between Smriti and her Wrangler denim emphasizing that investing in Wrangler is essentially investing in a part of oneself. Smriti is an adventurous person and is always ready to take risks, make moves and embraces courage which is what Wrangler stands for. The iconic denim brand’s campaign is built around the insight that searching through our old wardrobe makes us feel nostalgic. Occasionally, we find a piece of clothing that immediately reminds us of how far we have come in life. While we may have forgotten it at the back of our wardrobe, we haven’t forgotten how it makes us feel – it’s a conduit that keeps us grounded and in touch with our passions. It’s what shapes us, makes us.

    The brand campaign film will run on Disney+Hotstar and digital platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

    Commenting on the campaign, ace turtle CEO Nitin Chhabra said, “We are delighted to launch the new brand campaign with Smriti Mandhana for Wrangler during the Men’s Cricket World Cup that coincides with India’s festive season. This campaign marks a new chapter, aiming to inspire individuals, especially the youth, to embrace their unique journey and aspirations, and is a testament to Wrangler’s enduring legacy and its vision for the future. We are confident that the campaign will help to build on Wrangler’s brand equity and help us drive more footfalls at our retail stores and traffic on online channels. We aim to significantly grow Wrangler’s business in India by the end of the current fiscal year.”

    Expressing her excitement, Smriti Mandhana said, “My Wrangler journey has been a special one, capturing my growth and experiences. From the denim that’s been with me since my early cricket days to what it represents today, this campaign captures my journey in parallel to the continued legacy of the brand. Wrangler stands for resilience, adaptability and authenticity which are qualities I admire and work towards. I’m excited to share this connection, inspiring others to embrace their unique journeys, both in sports and life.”

    Sharing the marketing perspective, ace turtle CMO Lokesh Kataria said, “Our objective is to bring out the association between Wrangler and Smriti Mandhana with an integrated communication approach, driving greater consideration for the brand. The What Shapes You, Makes You campaign becomes our means to show this resilience through a pair of denim that have endured with Smriti Mandhana – being a constant, and shaping her to what she is today. We aim to highlight how investing in a Wrangler is investing in a relationship that becomes an integral part of our consumers, and ultimately defines them. As we unveil this seven-week campaign coinciding with the Cricket World Cup 2023, we delve into a rich backstory of innovation and consumer engagement.”

    ace turtle is the exclusive licensee of Wrangler in India and other South Asian markets. It has expanded Wrangler’s physical retail store network across India with 53 stores operational currently and many more in the pipeline. Wrangler is currently available at exclusive brand outlets and leading departmental store chains such as Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons and Centro among others. The iconic denim brand is also available online at its dedicated webstore www.wrangler.in along with popular online marketplaces such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, Tatacliq and Nykaa.