Tag: Pepperfry

  • Pepperfry sparks early festive comfort this Diwali

    Pepperfry sparks early festive comfort this Diwali

    MUMBAI: Light up your living room before the lights go up! Pepperfry, India’s leading e-commerce furniture and home décor brand, is making this Diwali extra cosy with its latest campaign, This Diwali, Bring Home the Comfort You Felt. 

    The campaign invites customers to experience the comfort and style of Pepperfry’s furniture in-store, allowing families to bring home sofas, recliners, and dining sets immediately instead of waiting for deliveries. The idea is to kickstart the festive season with joy, warmth, and stress-free celebrations. 

    “Diwali is about laughter, lights, and the warmth of home. With this campaign, we want families to feel our furniture first-hand and enjoy the festival from the very start,” said Pepperfry lead, brand marketing Archana K.

    The quirky ad films capture familiar home scenes that quickly reveal the magic of Pepperfry stores. From luxurious recliners to stylish dining tables, every product blends comfort with design, letting customers celebrate in style without delay. 
    Shoppers can also enjoy Diwali dhamaka offers, including up to 70 per cent off on furniture and décor, 25 per cent cashback, free express shipping, and store-exclusive deals like a 3-seater sofa at the price of a 2-seater. 
     
    With this campaign, Pepperfry combines playful storytelling and immersive experiences, ensuring the joy of Diwali begins in its stores and continues seamlessly in homes across India. 
  • Panchayat fans elect early release, season 4 now drops on 24 June

    Panchayat fans elect early release, season 4 now drops on 24 June

    MUMBAI: Panchayat fans have spoken, and Prime Video has listened. The wildly popular rural dramedy is returning sooner than expected — with season 4 now set to stream from 24 June, pulling ahead from its earlier 2 July release date.

    What caused the shift? A quirky, tongue-in-cheek referendum-style campaign where cast members made mock “election promises” to release the show early — but only if fans cast their votes (read: likes, shares, hashtags).

    The social media blitz went viral, with the hashtag #PanchayatNow trending and a brigade of brands jumping into the fray with punny pleas and snackable slogans.

    From AJIO and Pepperfry to McCain, Taco Bell, Ixigo, and True Elements, everyone threw their hat into the digital ring. The campaign — crafted by The Zoya Co. — merged humour, nostalgia, and cultural relevance, turning brand posts into fan love letters.

    Speaking on this campaign, McCain India retail – digital lead, Sumati Kapur said, “Panchayat is more than just a show, it’s a reflection of the everyday Indian family dynamic, rooted in culture, community, and shared experiences. At McCain, we saw a natural synergy in collaborating with a show that every household relates to. Our hot and crispy snacks are a staple in family conversations, chai breaks, and everything in between just like the moments Panchayat so effortlessly captures. This partnership allowed us to create meaningful noise by placing McCain at the heart of relatable, real storytelling that resonates across generations.”

    The fan-first push is not just a win for early binge-watchers — it reflects Panchayat’s cult status. The series has struck a chord with audiences for its grounded humour and affectionate portrayal of small-town India.

    With season 4 promising a fiery face-off between Pradhanji and Bhushanji, and the usual dose of satire, soul, and sideways glances, the early drop is just the trailer to a bigger, better panchayat.

    Bring on the ballots — and the binge.

    Burger King: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Manju Devi ka manifesto menu mein chhap denge” IG

     

     

    Taco Bell: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Phulera ke har matdata ke liye Naked Taco Bilkul Muft Muft Muft!

     

     

    AJIO: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh hum naye kapdo ki gram sabha bula lenge  

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by AJIO.com (@ajiolife)

     

    Rapido: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Rapido parcel mein sirf lauki bhejenge

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Rapido (@rapidoapp)

     

    PepperFry: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Sachiv ji ko bed linen ke sath Bed free.

     

     

    Abhibus India: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh har Phulera wasi ko milegi abhibus par ek free seat”

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by AbhiBus (@abhibusindia)

     

    TBH: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Lauki ke chips banayega TBH Honest style mein!

     

     

    Mc Cain: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Sachiv ji ke table par ab lauki nahi Mc Cain Aloo Tikki hoga

     

     

    Go Ibibo: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Binod ko Phulera ke bahar ki dunia hum dikhayenge

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Goibibo (@goibibo)

     

     

  • Celebrating mums with love, laughter, and a sprinkle of sustainability

    Celebrating mums with love, laughter, and a sprinkle of sustainability

    MUMBAI: Mother’s Day 2025  (11 May 2025) is turning into a celebration spree as brands across sectors poured their hearts into campaigns that were equal parts fun, heartfelt, and memorable. Whether it was through tasty treats, chaotic family moments, or poignant life lessons, this year’s Mother’s Day ad blitz was a masterclass in connecting with the audience.

    Blue Tribe Foods: A plant-powered party with a purpose

    At Avi Smart Park, Andheri West, Blue Tribe Foods turned Mother’s Day into a celebration of sustainability and deliciousness. The brand, known for its plant-based food products, brought together over 100 guests—mums, kids, influencers, and celebrities—for a fun-filled evening of guilt-free indulgence.

    Nikki Arora Singh, Co-founder of Blue Tribe Foods, led the event, personally engaging with guests and sharing the brand’s mission of making sustainable food choices a part of everyday life. Her warm presence added a personal touch, making attendees feel welcome and connected to the brand’s ethos.

    Guests were treated to a mouth-watering selection of Blue Tribe’s plant-based delights, including crispy nuggets, juicy kebabs, flavour-packed soya chaap, and sweet potato fries. The spread was a hit, especially among the kids, who kept coming back for more. But the event wasn’t just about eating—it was about learning.
    In a clever twist, Blue Tribe hosted a colourful puppet show for the youngest guests, using playful characters to teach them about sustainability and the impact of their food choices. Kids laughed, clapped, and—without even realising it—learned how they could help save the planet one bite at a time.

    The event’s star power was elevated by the presence of celebrities like singer and actor Shweta Pandit and TV actress Jaswir Kaur, who added glamour to the evening. But at its heart, the event was a community gathering—an opportunity for Blue Tribe to showcase its commitment to a greener future while creating lasting memories for mums and kids alike.
    Pepperfry

    Pepperfry: celebrating the lovable chaos of family life

    Furniture and home decor giant Pepperfry took a different route, leaning into the sweet chaos of family life with its Mother’s Day campaign titled Trying to Get It Right.  The ad, a humorous and heartwarming slice of family life, captures a classic scene: a well-meaning dad and his enthusiastic kids attempting to give mum the perfect Mother’s Day experience.

    The film begins with the young son proudly announcing “the plan” for the day—a perfect breakfast in bed (which quickly turns into a mess), a no-mess afternoon (that’s anything but), and a veggie-loaded dinner (with a side of drama). But as the dad and kids stumble through their well-intentioned efforts, it becomes clear that perfection is not the goal—love is.

    Pepperfry smartly weaves its products into the storyline—from the stylish breakfast table used for the morning surprise to the elegant crockery and plush silk pillow covers that subtly elevate each scene. The message is clear: it’s not about getting everything right—it’s about trying, together.

    The ad’s relatable humour, combined with a heartfelt message, struck a chord with families, making it a memorable and shareable Mother’s Day moment.

    Ashok Leyland: honouring the quiet strength of mothers

    Ashok Leyland, the commercial vehicle giant, took a more profound approach with its Mother’s Day campaign, celebrating the quiet heroism of mothers—their unwavering dedication, resilience, and protective spirit. 

     The campaign used powerful storytelling to draw a parallel between the strength of mothers and the reliability of Ashok Leyland vehicles.

    The film opens with simple, everyday scenes of mothers silently supporting their families—packing lunch boxes, staying up late to help with homework, ensuring everyone is safe on the road. As the narrative unfolds, the connection becomes clear: just as Ashok Leyland’s vehicles keep people safe and secure on the road, mothers are the silent guardians of their families.

    The campaign balances emotional storytelling with a clear brand message, making it a tribute to both mothers and the brand’s core values of dependability and strength.

    Nova Dairy: nostalgia in every sip with #GlassFullofLove

    Nova Dairy chose to celebrate Mother’s Day with a splash of nostalgia through its #glassfulloflove campaign. The campaign invites users to share their favourite memories of mums making them drink their daily glass of milk—an experience that almost every Indian child can relate to.

    Running from May 11 to May 13, the campaign encourages participants to post photos or reels of their cherished milk memories on social media, using the hashtag #GlassFullofLove. The most touching entries will be featured on Nova Dairy’s Instagram page, with the best one taking centre stage.

    For Nova Dairy, the campaign isn’t just about promoting a product—it’s about celebrating the everyday acts of love that mothers perform. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest gestures, like ensuring kids drink milk, are the ones that leave the deepest impact.

    Ravin Saluja, Director of Sterling Agro Industries Ltd, summed it up perfectly: “Mothers have always been the cornerstone of our families, ensuring our well-being with simple acts of love, like reminding us to drink our daily glass of milk. Through this campaign, we aim to celebrate these everyday moments that hold a special place in our hearts.”

    Kotak Life’s Viraasat: the quiet legacy of a mother’s wisdom

    Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance struck an emotional chord with its Viraasat campaign, a tribute to the priceless lessons mothers pass down to their children. Conceptualised in collaboration with creative partner Wondrlab, the campaign moves away from sentimental clichés and instead celebrates the everyday wisdom that becomes a mother’s true legacy.

    The film beautifully captures how mums teach life’s most important lessons—not through grand speeches but in quiet, consistent actions. Whether it’s the habit of saving money, the value of honesty, or the importance of resilience, these lessons shape who we become.

    “A mother’s true legacy lies in the way she shapes hearts and minds. Her values don’t just stay with us—they become us,” said Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance CMO Ashish Nair. With its poignant storytelling and relatable theme, the Viraasat campaign resonates deeply, reminding viewers that the greatest inheritance we receive isn’t wealth—it’s wisdom.

    Siyaram’s: The only call that matters

    Siyaram’s brought a tear to many eyes with its campaign, which emphasised that in a world of constant notifications, a mother’s call is the one we can’t ignore. The film’s honest storytelling and real-life situations made it a moving tribute to maternal love.

    Heritage Foods: Learning over winning

    Heritage Foods embraced the nurturing power of mothers with ‘The Power of Learning over Winning.’ The campaign highlighted how mums teach values, patience, and growth over medals, reminding us that real success is measured in life lessons.

    Nissan India: Unstoppable mums

    Nissan Motor India’s campaign was a tribute to the spirit of modern mums who balance countless roles — from being caregivers to achievers. The film shattered stereotypes, showing real mums who are confident, resilient, and unapologetically themselves.

    Navneet Education: Mums as first teachers

    Navneet’s campaign celebrated mothers as the first and most important teachers. The film beautifully captured quiet, everyday moments where mums taught their children — from school lessons to life skills — proving that learning begins at home.

    Sujata Appliances: #MaaToWohBhiHai

    Sujata Appliances honoured not just biological mothers but also nannies, caregivers, and women who mother in spirit through their #MaaToWohBhiHai campaign. It was a heartfelt tribute to the unsung heroes who nurture without the title.

    From Blue Tribe Foods’ plant-powered celebration to Nova Dairy’s nostalgic milk memories, from Pepperfry’s humorous chaos to Kotak Life’s heartfelt wisdom—this year’s Mother’s Day campaigns were a masterclass in creative storytelling. Brands didn’t just advertise—they connected, celebrated, and left a mark.

  • Pepperfry names Shubbam Sharrma as new chief growth officer

    Pepperfry names Shubbam Sharrma as new chief growth officer

    Mumbai: Pepperfry, India’s e-commerce furniture and home decor platform, has appointed Shubbam Sharrma as chief growth officer, marking a significant step in the brand’s journey to redefine growth. With over 17 years of expertise across retail, e-commerce, and omnichannel ventures, Sharrma is set to lead Pepperfry’s strategic expansion, focus on customer acquisition, and boost operational efficiency.

    In his role as CGO, Sharrma will expand Pepperfry’s presence in the home categories, launch new product segments, and elevate B2B growth through initiatives like the multi-tiered channel partner program and partnerships with Horeca and corporate clients. His proven track record in driving transformative growth makes him a valuable addition to Pepperfry’s leadership team.

    Welcoming Sharrma aboard, Pepperfry co-founder & CEO, Ashish Shah said, “We are delighted to welcome Shubbam to the Pepperfry family. His extensive experience in driving growth in retail, coupled with his deep understanding of the consumer landscape, makes him the ideal leader to spearhead our next phase of expansion. We are confident that Shubbam’s vision and expertise will be instrumental in solidifying Pepperfry’s position as the undisputed leader in the furniture, mattress and home décor market.”

    Expressing his excitement, Sharrma said, “I’m thrilled to be part of Pepperfry during this exciting phase of its growth journey. For anyone looking to buy furniture, Pepperfry has become the go-to destination. Our aim would be to further enhance this segment with tech-driven innovation and omnichannel integration to complete more and more customer journeys and make the business funnel more efficient. By fostering content and community engagement, we will democratize access for D2C entrepreneurs, helping to bring the best curated collections to our customers”.

    Sharrma added, “Our vision is to blend new-age and legacy brands, creating a one-stop destination for all things home—truly the best of both worlds. Furthermore, we see immense potential in the B2B segment, particularly in building a curated platform for architects and interior designers to meet their discerning clients’ needs. As any B2B client setting up a workspace requires extensive furniture and decor, we are committed to developing efficient channels to serve this segment effectively. Together, we will set new benchmarks for customer-centricity, operational excellence and innovation.”

    Prior to Pepperfry, Sharrma was chief business officer at ImpactGuru, where he drove multi-city growth and optimised operations, marketing, and HR processes. He played a pivotal role in CarDekho’s success in the used car retail space and has consulting experience with KSA Technopak and RedSeer, advising on digital transformation and growth strategies.

  • Pepperfry enters luxury furniture & home decor market

    Pepperfry enters luxury furniture & home decor market

    Mumbai: Pepperfry, an e-commerce furniture and home decor marketplace, has forayed into the luxury furniture and home decor category. This launch caters to customers seeking high-end, unique pieces.

    The luxury furniture segment offers over 650 items from 25 brands, including Freedom Tree, Orange Tree, and Ziba Homes. The home decor segment features over 1000 products from 30 brands like Jaipur Rugs, Noritake, and India Circus. The collection includes sofas, dining sets, carpets, lamps, and lights, crafted with premium materials.

    Pepperfry chief business officer Hussaine Kesury said, “Our leadership in the furniture, mattress and home decoer segment has always been fueled by innovation and a deep understanding of our customers’ evolving needs. Recent consumer insights show a clear surge in demand for premium furniture and home decor, with more customers seeking luxurious, high-quality options for their homes. Leading brands have echoed this demand, reinforcing the need for a dedicated luxury segment. With our vast omnichannel presence across 100+ cities and 150+ stores, expanding into this space was a natural progression. We are excited to offer discerning customers a curated selection of luxury furniture and home decor, further cementing Pepperfry’s position as the premier destination for all home furnishing needs.”

    In the next quarter, Pepperfry will expand its offerings by adding premium and luxury brands across its omnichannel platform. In response to growing demand for luxury goods, the brand plans to introduce over 5,000 exclusive products from national and international brands in the furniture and home decor category. This move strengthens Pepperfry’s position as a key destination for customers seeking premium home products.

  • Pepperfry & Infra.Market partner to elevate CX and product range

    Pepperfry & Infra.Market partner to elevate CX and product range

    Mumbai: E-commerce furniture and home décor company – Pepperfry and Infra.Market, a construction materials company with its in-house brand Ivas, have announced a partnership to enhance customer experience and expand product offerings. Pepperfry products will be available in Infra.Market stores, while Ivas will be featured in Pepperfry locations, creating a one-stop destination for home needs.

    Starting from October, the companies will launch store-in-store (SIS) formats of Pepperfry in Infra.Market locations in cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolhapur, Sangli, Aurangabad, Alibaug, Panvel, Nagpur, and Nashik. Ivas will also support Pepperfry’s modular furniture segment in stores across Mumbai, Pune, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Kolkata. This collaboration will provide a curated selection from multiple brands, allowing customers to visualise and plan their projects effectively.

    Over the next three months, Pepperfry plans to establish more than 20 SIS formats in Infra.Market stores, while Ivas aims to increase its presence in Pepperfry locations.

    Speaking about the partnership, Pepperfry co-founder and CEO Ashish Shah said, “This partnership with Infra.Market and Ivas, reiterates our mission to deliver a comprehensive and seamless home solutions experience to our customers. With this collaboration, we can leverage each other’s extensive network of stores and supply chain infrastructure to enhance our offering and provide a one-stop destination for all home needs to our customers – from tiles, custom modular furniture, electricals, paints, sanitaryware to home decor, mattress and furniture, all under one roof. Customers across these cities will now have access to 1,000s of brands and 100s of product categories through a unique omnichannel experience.”

    The collaboration aims to meet the demand for comprehensive home and construction material solutions by introducing dedicated sections in Infra.Market and Pepperfry stores, featuring building materials alongside home furnishings.

    Ivas, backed by Infra.Market, is transforming the home building and renovation sector by offering a wide range of products, including tiles, slabs, quartz, sanitaryware, bath fittings, fans, lighting, appliances, modular kitchens and wardrobes, designer hardware, and laminates.

    Infra.Market co-founder Aaditya Sharda added, “Our partnership with Pepperfry marks a significant step in our commitment to simplifying home building by offering customers unparalleled access to diverse solutions that meet their needs.” He further added, “At Ivas, we understand that homemakers invest their hearts into creating comfortable spaces. Our collaboration with Pepperfry enhances this endeavor by seamlessly connecting high-quality building materials with stylish décor options. Together, we are addressing the diverse needs of homeowners across India by bridging construction and furnishing, ultimately transforming houses into dream homes.”

  • Pepperfry launches ‘Why Wait for Diwali’ campaign

    Pepperfry launches ‘Why Wait for Diwali’ campaign

    Mumbai: E-commerce furniture and home décor company – Pepperfry has launched its new campaign, ‘Why Wait for Diwali.’ The campaign, built on the idea that Diwali shopping often becomes a last-minute rush, encourages customers to start shopping early. By showcasing common frustrations like out-of-stock items, missed deals, and the stress of rushing, Pepperfry connects with families preparing for the festive season. The campaign highlights the benefits of planning ahead, taking advantage of the ongoing sale, and enjoying a smoother shopping experience both online and in-store. ‘Why Wait for Diwali’ aims to help customers celebrate the festival without the pressure of unfinished shopping.

    The message unfolds through a movie-style ad that depicts a family caught up in a frantic last-minute “mission planning” for their Diwali shopping. The family prepares for their shopping as if executing a military operation, using tactical lingo and serious expressions. As they start planning, they discover that an essential piece of furniture is out of stock, and their carpenter is unavailable for urgent repairs. Tensions rise as family members argue, capturing the stress of last-minute festival preparations. The ad concludes with a clear message: “Why wait for the last-minute chaos when you can shop peacefully now? Our ‘Why Wait for Diwali’ sale is already live! Avoid the rush, avoid the stress—shop early!”

    Speaking about the latest campaign, Pepperfry’s lead – brand marketing  Archana K said, “At Pepperfry, we understand the chaos and frustration that often comes with last-minute Diwali shopping. Through this campaign, we’re adding a touch of humour to remind people that the festive season doesn’t have to be stressful. By planning ahead and taking advantage of our ongoing sale, families can shop with ease, enjoying a wider range of choices and a more relaxed experience. Diwali is a time for joy and togetherness, and we’re here to help our customers celebrate with peace of mind, leaving the last-minute rush behind.”

    The ‘Why Wait for Diwali’ campaign encourages customers to begin their festive shopping early, highlighting Pepperfry’s wide range of furniture, mattresses and home décor, both online and in over 150 stores across 100 plus cities.

  • Alok Varman rejoins Pepperfry as head of supply chain

    Alok Varman rejoins Pepperfry as head of supply chain

    Mumbai: Pepperfry, an e-commerce furniture and home decor company, has announced the return of Alok Varman as head of supply chain. Alok will be instrumental in further strengthening Pepperfry’s position as India’s leading furniture and home decor company. In his new role, he will focus on optimising the supply chain to ensure a seamless customer experience across all channels. His deep understanding of Pepperfry’s business, supply chain and a proven track record will be crucial in driving Pepperfry’s continued growth by ensuring a seamless customer experience across all channels.

    Alok brings over 23 years of experience in strategic business management, supply chain, omnichannel business and customer experience spanning across sectors ranging from retail, e-commerce to B2B & B2C wholesale marketplace. As a founding team member of Pepperfry, Alok played a critical role in building its strong logistics and warehousing infrastructure. His decade-long association with the brand saw him lead the expansion of the company’s experience stores, making it an integral part of the omnichannel strategy.

    Before rejoining Pepperfry, Alok was the COO at Isho.com, a D2C eCommerce furniture startup in Bangladesh, where he enhanced customer experiences and led the brand’s entry into the Indian market. He has also held notable positions such as VP at Wydr.in, senior manager at Carnation Auto India, and manager of consumer operations at Guthy-Renker LLC.

    Speaking on the new appointment, Pepperfry co-founder & CEO Ashish Shah said, “We are excited to welcome Alok back to Pepperfry. His deep understanding of the business operations and passion for the category will be invaluable as we continue to optimise our operations towards delivering a superlative experience to our customers through our proprietary big box supply chain that reaches 300 cities across the country.”

    Expressing his enthusiasm about his new role, Varman added, “I am thrilled to rejoin Pepperfry at this exciting time and to work under the leadership of Ashish Shah. I look forward to working with the team to further optimise our supply chain, deliver an exceptional customer experience, and continue to drive the growth of Pepperfry with excellence and innovation.”

    Since Alok’s expertise spans across diverse industries, he is known for his ability to identify opportunities, build people-driven and technology-enabled processes, and cultivate value-based businesses. Pepperfry is confident that the newly-appointed head of supply chain’s leadership will drive the company to new heights, reinforcing its commitment to providing exceptional furniture and home goods to customers across India.

  • Omnichannel approach is essential because consumers switch seamlessly between online and offline interactions: Anand Baldawa

    Omnichannel approach is essential because consumers switch seamlessly between online and offline interactions: Anand Baldawa

    Mumbai: HGH India stands as India’s premier bi-annual trade show for home textiles, furniture, décor, houseware, and gifts, bridging the gap between Indian and international brands with retailers, importers, distributors, and designers in India’s flourishing market. Since its inception in 2012, the show has consistently delivered robust business outcomes, becoming an important event for anyone invested in India’s home products sector. The 15th edition of HGH India is ongoing from 2 to 5 July 2024, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai.

    Tailored to facilitate meaningful connections between exhibitors and high-potential buyers in India, the trade show has earned a reputation as a world-class, essential trade show. Here, brands, manufacturers, importers, and distributors showcase their latest innovations and full product ranges to retail professionals, trade buyers, interior designers, and the gift trade.

    HGH India provides swift access to India’s rapidly expanding home products market, which grows at 20 per cent annually. Recognised globally for its quality and focused business environment, HGH India influences product development and merchandising trends through its forecasts in design and fashion.

    As India targets substantial economic growth, aiming to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2025-26, it stands as the world’s fifth-largest economy with a population of 1.4 billion, presenting vast emerging market opportunities. The rising demand for home products, growing at 20 per cent annually.

    Among the brands participating in this exhibition is thinKitchen, which adopts an omnichannel approach to serve the Indian market. The brand caters to offline trade, hospitality, institutional gifting, and major online platforms such as Amazon, Tata Cliq, Ajio.com, Nykaa, Myntra, Flipkart, Pepperfry, and its own platform. Offering an extensive selection of over 1,500 SKUs and more than 50,000 product choices, thinKitchen’s collection includes prepware, cookware, tableware, serveware, barware, and kids’ items. Partnering with 30 premium brands like Amefa, BarCraft, Brabantia, and others ensures a top-tier range that meets the discerning tastes of Indian consumers.

    In terms of numbers, according to Kantar report, the Indian e-commerce market is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 19 per cent between 2022-2030, while the D2C share of e-commerce funding in India for the same period is estimated to be 49 per cent per cent. While these are still early days for D2C and while many traditional businesses have ventured into it, standalone D2C revenue remains modest at less than five per cent of overall e-commerce revenue for 50 per cent of the respondents. This outlines that the successful D2C businesses have got it right in areas such as the clarity of proposition, developing consumer insights through data enrichment and utilisation and analytics and reporting.

    Indiantelevision.com at the sidelines of this show, caught up with thinKitchen CEO Anand Baldawa, where he discussed the brand’s omnichannel approach and their ideology. He further delved into Insights and trends in the kitchen and home space as well as expansion plans and much more..

    Edited excerpts

    On thinKitchen’s omnichannel approach

    In India, every consumer is now multi-channel. With affordable data and widespread smartphone adoption, platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have thrived, offering access across channels. Consumers engage in omnichannel shopping, where online reviews play a crucial role—they provide insights not available in physical stores. Take my mother, for example; despite her age, she uses a smartphone to research online before visiting local stores to compare prices. This omnichannel approach is essential because consumers switch seamlessly between online and offline interactions. Google plays an important role in this journey, from initial research to final purchase, whether online or offline. This generational shift highlights the importance of being present across all channels to meet consumer needs effectively.

    On the role of sustainability

    Many of our products prioritise eco-friendliness. For instance, all are manufactured in socially compliant factories. Packaging incorporates recycled materials like plastic or paper whenever possible. Our warehouse operates solely on solar power, reflecting our commitment to environmental sustainability. Brands such as Amefa, Crystal, Dartington, Denby, and others actively recycle materials during manufacturing processes—clay and stone are reused, minimizing waste. Recycling initiatives extend through packaging and warehouse operations, ensuring efficiency and environmental responsibility across our business.

    On MMA Global and Publicis’ Commerce report stating over 80 per cent of D2C ventures yet to achieve profitability

    It’s an undeniable reality for any business, including D2C brands, achieving profitability takes time. Typically, there’s a three to five-year gestation period. This is why entrepreneurs need resilience, prepared to weather initial losses. As my father taught me, losses in the first year, break-even in the second or third, and profitability by the fourth year are common expectations. This holds true not just for D2C ventures but also for new manufacturing plants; expecting profitability in the first year is unrealistic. The key lies in understanding the stages of loss-making. If we’re only marginally unprofitable—where each unit sold contributes positively—it’s a matter of scaling up and building awareness. Eventually, fundamentally strong businesses, whether D2C or otherwise, can achieve profitability. In today’s market, some chase value, others prioritize cash flow; we lean towards a conservative approach to ensure long-term survival and success.

    On some trends you are witnessing in the home space

    The decision-making landscape is shifting—where once moms and mothers-in-law held sway, now daughters and daughters-in-law are increasingly taking charge. A significant change is the kitchen’s evolution from a secluded corner to the heart of the home. It used to be that what came out of the kitchen mattered more than what happened inside. Now, kitchens are open-plan, integrated into modern homes that often consist of nuclear families. The kitchen has become a central hub, blurring the lines between cooking and living spaces, with dining tables often bridging these areas. Despite challenges like Covid-19, which saw increased kitchen use during lockdowns, the kitchen remains a daily necessity, unlike guest rooms or living areas that may go unused for stretches. Influences from cooking shows like MasterChef have expanded kitchen aspirations. Alongside rising disposable incomes, people seek value and quality, willing to invest more in their culinary spaces.

    On tier 2 & 3 cities receiving exponentially growth rate in terms of sales

    Certainly, there is a rise among these cities where we’re seeing orders from. The majority of our orders come from metros and tier one cities. However, I believe the real potential lies in tier two and tier three cities. There’s substantial purchasing power there. Residents aspire to a lifestyle akin to tier one cities but often lack access. They have the means and the willingness to spend. I’ve personally spoken to people from Punjab, Rajasthan, who are eager to purchase extensively, often keeping us busy until early morning. There’s genuine purchasing power in these regions. While they may not surpass tier one cities, they are becoming increasingly significant as we expand. Currently, our distribution and delivery partners allow us to reach 90-95 per cent of zip codes within 72 hours, even in tier two and tier three cities. Online accessibility and smartphone penetration have made it easier for consumers to research and buy products with confidence. Our challenge lies in converting first-time customers, but once converted, they trust our genuine products, reliable packaging, and fair pricing, resulting in a high rate of repeat customers-up to 30-40 per cent.

    On thinKitchen’s expansion plans in next four to five years

    India’s vastness offers immense potential. With a population of 1.5 billion, my customer base here focuses on the top three per cent. According to reports, this segment comprises about 75 million people, projected to grow to 9-13 per cent by 2030. While we also serve hospitality sectors in neighboring countries like the Maldives, Bhutan, and occasionally Sri Lanka, our primary retail focus remains on India. Our goal is to consistently provide better brands, high-quality products, and competitive pricing to our valued customers.
     

  • Inderniel Shivdasani joins Pepperfry as head of strategy and investor relations

    Inderniel Shivdasani joins Pepperfry as head of strategy and investor relations

    Mumbai: Pepperfry, an e-commerce furniture and home decor company, has announced the appointment of Inderniel Shivdasani as head of strategy and investor relations. In this role, Inderniel will be responsible for leading Pepperfry’s strategic initiatives and investor relations.

    Inderniel brings over 13 years of experience in finance, strategy, investor relations, and mergers & acquisitions, having held leadership roles at prominent companies in the consumer tech and healthcare industries. Most recently, he was director – corporate strategy at Cleartrip, playing a key role in the company’s 100 per cent acquisition by Flipkart in 2021. He also served as the chief of staff at Manipal Health Enterprises, where he spearheaded strategy, expansion, and business analysis initiatives.

    As head of strategy & investor relations, Inderniel will be responsible for communicating Pepperfry’s journey and future plans to the investor community, while leveraging the company’s strengths to drive profitable growth.

    Speaking on the new appointment, Pepperfry co-founder & CEO Ashish Shah said, “We are thrilled to welcome Inderniel to the Pepperfry team. His in-depth knowledge and expertise in managing investor relations, strategy, and financial reporting, combined with his proven track record of success in scaling businesses, makes him an asset to our organisation. We are confident that he will play a pivotal role in driving Pepperfry’s future growth and success.”

    Pepperfry’s newly appointed head, IR & strategy – Inderniel Shivdasani added, “I am excited to join Pepperfry at this pivotal moment in the company’s journey. As the category creator of the organized furniture and home decor market in India, Pepperfry has been instrumental in driving the growth of this industry. It is a leading player in the rapidly expanding online furniture and home décor market, and I look forward to working with the team to enhance its investor relations strategy and drive the company’s continued success.”

    Inderniel holds a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Mumbai and an MBA from T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

    Inderniel balances his professional acumen with a passion for adventure, travel, and sports. His pursuits range from adrenaline-fueled activities like cliff and bungee jumping to challenging road trips. He also enjoys his dose of sports or a run on the beach.