Tag: Skybags

  • VIP Industries bags Orient Electric’s former boss as new chief executive

    VIP Industries bags Orient Electric’s former boss as new chief executive

    MUMBAI: VIP Industries, India’s largest luggage manufacturer, has appointed Atul Jain as its new chief executive and managing director. Jain previously transformed Orient Electric, where he delivered 60 per cent revenue growth and a 2.5-fold increase in market capitalisation during his six-year tenure.

    The executive brings a formidable pedigree in digital transformation and sustainability. At Orient Electric, a CK Birla Group company, he strengthened sales and product teams whilst launching premium offerings and investing in brand-building. His efforts yielded a 400 basis points improvement in margins between 2017 and 2023.

    Before Orient Electric, Jain spent six years at Samsung Electronics, rising to global senior director for home appliances with oversight of 20 emerging markets. He also served as country head for consumer electronics in India, where he grew the durables business at double the industry rate.

    His career spans blue-chip companies including a stint as chief operating officer at Chinese technology firm LeEco. Earlier roles included chief marketing officer at Bharti Airtel and brand manager at Coca-Cola.

    Jain has been an active angel investor since 2016, backing startups in consumer goods, education technology and sustainability. He also served as chairman of the Indian Fan Manufacturers’ Association from 2019 to 2021.
    VIP Industries, known for its Skybags and Aristocrat brands, has been seeking to revitalise its business as travel demand rebounds post-pandemic. The company’s shares have gained 12 per cent this year but remain below pre-Covid levels.

  • VIP gets a Multiples makeover as Piramal family packs up stake

    VIP gets a Multiples makeover as Piramal family packs up stake

    MUMBAI: After decades at the top of the luggage chain, VIP Industries is zipping into a new era. In a strategic shake-up that marks the end of an era and the start of a fresh chapter, the Piramal family has signed a definitive agreement to offload up to 32 per cent of its stake in VIP Industries to a consortium led by Multiples Private Equity. The deal will see control of Asia’s largest luggage maker shift to the new investors, triggering a mandatory open offer worth a whopping Rs 1,437.78 crore for an additional 26 per cent stake at Rs 388 per share.

    While the sale hands over the reins, it’s not a full goodbye, the Piramal family will remain shareholders, with Dilip Piramal stepping into the role of chairman emeritus. “This is a pivotal moment for VIP. With Multiples stepping in, we’re setting the wheels in motion to reclaim our leadership in the Indian luggage market,” said Piramal.

    Multiples, known for backing big-name disruptors like Delhivery, Licious, and Dream Sports, now adds another heavyweight to its portfolio. “We see enormous potential in VIP’s legacy and brand value,” said Multiples founder and CEO Renuka Ramnath. “This is not just a transaction, it’s a transformation play.”

    As per the open offer filing, Multiples and co-investors including Samvibhag Securities, Mithun and Siddhartha Sacheti, will collectively acquire up to 4.54 crore shares, translating to a 31.89 per cent stake. If fully subscribed, the open offer alone could cost them over Rs 1,437 crore in cash.

    The deal values VIP Industries at more than Rs 5,500 crore and includes a shareholder agreement that allows Multiples to take over management control. It is subject to approval from the Competition Commission of India and will be executed in line with SEBI’s takeover code. Legal advisors on the deal include AZB & Partners for the Piramal family, and Khaitan & Co for Multiples.

    Founded in 1971, VIP Industries has sold over 100 million pieces of luggage and commands a presence in 45 countries. Its brands VIP, Skybags, Carlton, Aristocrat, and Caprese are household names. But the past few years haven’t been baggage-free, with stiff competition and changing travel habits weighing down growth.

    This strategic sale could help VIP travel light again. With Multiples now in the driving seat and a fresh burst of private equity fuel, the legacy brand is gearing up for its next long-haul flight.

  • Skybags unveils exclusive ‘Skybags x The Archies’ backpack collection

    Skybags unveils exclusive ‘Skybags x The Archies’ backpack collection

    Mumbai: Skybags, the vibrant youth-centered brand from the House of VIP Industries, has announced an exciting collaboration with the upcoming Netflix original movie ‘The Archies’. The Archies Backpack Collection’ by Skybags is a range of new backpacks that not only celebrates the much-anticipated Gen-Z-focused movie but also redefines the standards of style and innovation for the youth.

    In the spirit of the groovy 1960s, ‘The Archies’ reimagines the legendary Archie Comics in a live-action musical set in India. The film marks the debut of Agastya Nanda as Archie Andrews, Khushi Kapoor as Betty Cooper, Suhana Khan as Veronica Lodge, Vedang Raina as Reggie Mantle, along with Dot as Ethel Muggs, Mihir Ahuja as Jughead Jones, and Yuvraj Menda as Dilton Doiley. The film has already created a lot of buzz on social media. Celebrating pop culture, the new Skybags collection includes a range of trendy backpacks, including daypacks, professional backpacks, and school and college backpacks inspired by the film. Tailored to fit the interests, functional needs and style of India’s Gen Z, Skybags’ new backpack collection promises to add chic flair and sophistication to any look.

    Directed by Zoya Akhtar, The Archies has struck a chord with the Gen Z demographic and created unmatched cultural significance over the last few months. By introducing a range of Archies-themed backpacks, Skybags aims to create a powerful connection with their consumers, blending style with the beloved Archies fandom.

    Renowned for its cutting-edge designs, innovative features and fashion-forward aesthetics, Skybags has been a leader in the Indian luggage market for many years. The brand will roll out an extensive 360-degree campaign for this collaboration across print, digital, and outdoor advertising with eye-catching hoardings, below-the-line (BTL) activations, and the in-store experience. To add an extra layer of excitement, exclusive giveaways are offered for those who choose to purchase through the official website, enhancing customer engagement and making this collaboration even more exciting.

    VIP Industries Ltd VP marketing Praful Gupta expressed his excitement about the collaboration, saying, “This partnership with The Archies is a remarkable step in our journey to engage more deeply with India’s youth. The Archies, with its huge cast, has already garnered a massive fan following, and we see great potential in this collaboration. ‘Skybags x Archies’ represents the perfect blend of style and sophistication, offering a unique, trendy product range that resonates deeply with the spirit of the youth.”

    Get ready to immerse yourself in the nostalgia of Archies with a modern twist as “Skybags x Archies” is set to redefine your backpack game. This much-awaited Skybags collection is available at VIP retail stores, all top e-commerce platforms, departmental stores, leading multi-brand outlets and the Skybags webstore at www.skybags.co.in.

  • Skybags launches #BackToCool campaign to showcase latest collection

    Skybags launches #BackToCool campaign to showcase latest collection

    Mumbai: The youth-centred brand from the illustrious house of VIP Industries, Skybags has launched new #backtocool campaign to unveil the stylish 2022 backpack collection. The campaign is all set to help the nation’s Gen Z celebrate a stylish return to normalcy.

    Capturing the thrill of finally going back to normal life after the pandemic, the chic new #BackToCool campaign highlights how Skybags’ backpacks are synonymous with style among the discerning Gen Z. 

    Shot in a vibrant, colourful and edgy style, the commercial features all the exciting aspects of this special time- reuniting with friends in real time, playing team sports together, partying and socialising with the squad, and celebrating together in-person after a long hiatus- all while sporting the contemporary backpacks from Skybags’ latest collection.

    This campaign aptly showcases Gen Z as they truly are – bold, vivacious and always on the move! The audacious new video also demonstrates how perfectly Skybags backpacks fit into their lives and focuses on riveting features that the brand offers such as built-to-last straps, premium back support with air mesh, rain covers and a 12-month international warranty. Complete with a young cast and hip music, the campaign aims to celebrate people’s desire to get back to normal life with a bang and will resonate with Gen Z audiences as they return to life as it was before the pandemic.

    For over 50 years, VIP has revolutionised the luggage category with continuous product innovations, adherence to quality and international aesthetics. Their youth focused brand Skybags is a pioneer in the Indian market, offering distinctive designs, innovative features and appealing aesthetics for younger audiences. Building upon the success of their previous campaigns, the brand has raised the bar with the #BackToCool campaign by combining the joie de vivre of Gen Z with the effortless style of Skybags.

    Backpacks are quickly becoming an essential fashion accessory for youngsters across India. Cognizant of this need, Skybags’ latest collection boasts of an exciting range of cool backpacks, trendy laptop backpacks and stylish rucksacks. With new price points and new categories like PU backpacks, biking backpacks and daypacks, Skybags’ 2022 collection has something stylish to cater to every need. 

    At the launch of the #BackToCool campaign, VIP Industries vice president marketing Praful Gupta said, “At Skybags, we recognise that the backpack is now a go-to accessory for Gen Z and millennials. Staying true to our philosophy of ‘Move in Style’, the #BackToCool campaign aims to help our youth make a stylish return to normalcy post-pandemic. Both the campaign and the 2022 collection are deeply reflective of our audience- stylish and functional, discerning but playful, and conscious yet fun! Behind the sleek aesthetics of our new range lies over decades of design and engineering innovation, and we are excited to introduce this to the market in such a fun manner. We’re confident this campaign will resonate deeply with India’s Youth.”

  • Skybags unveils campaign ‘Chase The World’ with Varun Dhawan

    Skybags unveils campaign ‘Chase The World’ with Varun Dhawan

    Mumbai: Skybags has unveiled a new brand campaign “Chase The World” with Varun Dhawan, highlighting three of its recently launched most stylish range of luggage bags – the Globerunner, the Openskies and the Abstract. Keeping in mind the Gen Z traveller’s aspirations to stand out and explore, the campaign showcases fashion-forward bags featuring bold, colourful and maximalist designs.

    The campaign aims to rightly capture the impulsive, fun and fashion sensibilities of today’s youth. The actor and youth icon has been representing the brand Skybags for a few years now. Skybags is the pioneer and market leader in the printed hard luggage category in India.

    Varun’s vibe connects with millennials and GenZ consumers, who are looking to make a statement with stylish & eye-catching Skybags design and functionality.

    With Varun Dhawan urging youngsters to Chase the world, the campaign taps into the aspirations of a growing number of young people who want to venture out in search of new experiences, wanting to scale new heights in their lives. It is expected to stoke people’s desire to travel, encouraging viewers to get their ‘bucket lists’ out and get ready to make it real. It will resonate with the millennial and GenZ travel enthusiasts who had to spend large parts of the past two years being holed up at home on account of intermittent lockdowns.

    The campaign is ready for a 360-degree launch across a range of media like TV, Cinema, digital platforms & OOH for a maximum impact. Interaction between the brand & the audience will be on the digital platforms, where people like to share their travel experiences through pictures, Vlogs and more. These new-age travellers want to look their best across various locales, with the trendiest gear on them.

    Speaking about this campaign, VIP Industries vice-president-marketing Praful Gupta said, “The global unlock, signals the bouncing back of the travel and hospitality industry. To celebrate the new normal, we aim to connect very closely with our target millennial and Gen Z consumers who are all set to chase the world in style. We have endeavoured to reach out to the millennials who are always in quest of something truly unique and trendy. Both the campaign and the collection aim to capture this essence. Through our campaign, we are geared to cater specifically to the needs of this segment.”

     

  • Skybags celebrates ‘New Normal’ with Gen Z in new campaign video

    Skybags celebrates ‘New Normal’ with Gen Z in new campaign video

    Mumbai: Skybags, the brand from the house of VIP Industries has come out with its latest campaign titled #MyDripMySkybags targeting Gen Z. The campaign shows some youngsters celebrating the reunion of friends after more than a year and a half of online classes.

    The music video, choreographed by Shashank Dogra, is created keeping in mind the GenZ lingo like ‘What’s your drip Yo!’, and aims to connect with the brand’s target audience. ‘Drip’ which implies a cool sense of style refers to the way someone carries themselves.

    Directed by Keith Gomes and produced by Prime Focus Limited, it shows four buddies celebrating together after a long time. The campaign aims to emphasise the way the youth is celebrating the transition from #NewNormal to #BackToNormal highlighting the excitement felt by youth, who have been locked up at home due to the pandemic concerns. The hook line of the song ‘whats your drip yo’ strikes an exuberant expression of joy and optimism; for the youth preparing to reunite in the new normal.

    The video shows them sharing their excitement by slinging their college backpacks, jumping on the streets, dancing their hearts out. Through this campaign, the brand has tried to bring this imaginary story to life through music, choreography and catchy lyrics that goes with the flow of irreverent youth and their lingo.

    “We believe in the philosophy of ‘Move in Style’. To turn this thought into action, we are launching a brand anthem, #MyDripMySkybags across all our channels. The idea is to get our Gen Z audience to own their style and flex it,” said VIP Industries Limited vice-president marketing Praful Gupta. “We witness a massive potential in the backpack category that is emerging as the go-to piece of accessory for every youngster. With our new campaign we are looking at establishing a stronger presence in this space.”

  • Skybags announces ‘Canvas Project’s new edition

    MUMBAI: Skybags has announced the 3rd season of much awaited annual design event ‘The Skybags Canvas Project’, providing an opportunity to people who are creatively inclined to design a new collection for Skybags.

    The Skybags Canvas Project is a platform for the designers to showcase their creativity on a larger scale. For this online competition, Skybags has created a separate microsite that will host the contest. Designers have to download the design kit from the website and upload an original design including Skybags Logo to the microsite once created. The designers ask their peers to vote for their designs and the designs with maximum likes have a chance to win the award.

    Varun Dhawan, the Skybag’s brand ambassador, and VIP Industries VP design and development Vasant Dewaji will review all the entries and select the best design. The winning design will be featured on the Skybags latest collection. Also, the winner will be awarded a high-performance 4K desktop and the runner up of the contest will get a 4K camera. Skybags will gift a backpack to the best design of the day.

  • #PlayBackToBack for Skybag

    MUMBAI: Skybags has presented a refreshing campaign #PlayBackToBack to launch its latest range of backpacks.

    Creatively conceptualised and executed by Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi, PlayBackToBack showcases an imaginary scenario where brand ambassador, Varun Dhawan comes out of a bag portraying a non-stop life, packed with fun and style.

    The campaign is dubbed to some foot tapping background music describing the features of the new backpacks and at the same time representing multiple styles for different lifestyles. The new collection includes 81 fresh designs that reflect the passion and personality of college goers, young professionals and explorers who are ready to take on the world. From sturdy weekend rucksacks to impressive professional laptop bags to stylish college backpacks and colorful glow in the dark school bags there is something for everyone.

    Brand ambassador Varun Dhawan says, “PlayBackToBack is filmed on a very unique concept and it is extremely different from any brand film I have done so far. During the narration when I was told that I had to come out of backpack that itself got my attention and I so wanted to see how we can execute it. I hope my fans enjoy watching this campaign as much as I have enjoyed shooting it.”

    V.I.P Industries sales and marketing VP Sudip Ghose says, “As always the new collection will offer the best and the latest trends in backpacks. Today backpacks have become an essential part of our lives. People don’t just carry backpacks anymore, they wear them like an accessory. In this campaign, we have used an imaginary way of storytelling that unveils the collection and also depicts the lifestyle of our consumers which is portrayed exceptionally well by Varun.”

    Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi joint national creative director Rahul Nangia says, “Skybags is fun stylish brand, meant for the youth. The centre piece of the campaign is a film which captures the energy of the brand and its endorser, but is not limited by logic. And the best part is, it’s all been shot live. No CG!”

  • Brand Ambassador Varun Dhawan launches new campaign of Skybags in action TVC

    Brand Ambassador Varun Dhawan launches new campaign of Skybags in action TVC

    MUMBAI   Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is the brand ambassador for V.I.P Industries’ Youth bags brand Skybags’ latest backpack collection.

    Announcing the campaign at a press conference here today, Dhawan presented the ‘Backpack Collection 2016’, which offers latest designs, vibrant colors and never-seen-before prints. 

    The TVC is conceptualised and created by the team at Law & Kenneth and Saatchi & Saatchi and features Varun Dhawan showcasing the collection.

    Matching a light-hearted catchy tune, Dhawan is seen leaping through the air, moving in style, with different bags from the new collection against Istanbul skyline.

    Expressing her views on the campaign, V.I.P Industries MD  Radhika Piramal said, “As a brand we aspire to connect with young audience that is fun-loving, vibrant and who have an edge about them. The campaign is simple, yet manages to encapsulate the fun and trendy spirit of the brand and the latest backpack collection. With a design range that can cater to multiple individual preferences, we hope to tap into the market for school, college and office backpacks. We have also added a new overnighter category called ‘Weekender bags’ in our new collection.” 

    Commenting on the campaign, V.I.P Industries marketing — VP Sudip Ghose said, “Varun Dhawan’s personality syncs seamlessly with the new collection and these stylish bags are something that everyone would want to own. Bags in our new collection are not only high on style with bright colours, trendy fabrics and prints, but are also high on features. Our ‘Tri-tech series’ of backpacks are super spacious, comes with laptop and tablet compatibility, organiser, waterproof raincover and specially designed ‘aer-zone’ back comfort. Not only this, all bags come with 12 month worldwide warranty.” 

    Dhawan said, “I’m really kicked about using the new backpack collection. The backpacks have a unique design and they really do command attention. Plus it was great fun shooting for the Skybags campaign. There will be a lot to watch out for from Skybags in 2016.”

    Explaining the rationale behind the campaign, Law & Kenneth | Saatchi & Saatchi National Creative Director Rahul Nangia said, “Skybags backpacks are not meant for those who are boring and sedate. They have been designed for restless young men and women who refuse to sit down. They are bursting with energy to keep moving. That’s the spirit that this film attempts to capture.”

    The campaign will be a 360 degree one for high visibility, which includes online and offline channels such as digital platforms, television, print and outdoor.

    It is also being supported by a new microsite and an online contest through several social media platforms. Participants simply need to leap in the air and capture a photo of themselves and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #MyBigLeap. Daily winners get Skybags backpacks. One lucky participant will win a special paragliding 

  • Brand Ambassador Varun Dhawan launches new campaign of Skybags in action TVC

    Brand Ambassador Varun Dhawan launches new campaign of Skybags in action TVC

    MUMBAI   Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is the brand ambassador for V.I.P Industries’ Youth bags brand Skybags’ latest backpack collection.

    Announcing the campaign at a press conference here today, Dhawan presented the ‘Backpack Collection 2016’, which offers latest designs, vibrant colors and never-seen-before prints. 

    The TVC is conceptualised and created by the team at Law & Kenneth and Saatchi & Saatchi and features Varun Dhawan showcasing the collection.

    Matching a light-hearted catchy tune, Dhawan is seen leaping through the air, moving in style, with different bags from the new collection against Istanbul skyline.

    Expressing her views on the campaign, V.I.P Industries MD  Radhika Piramal said, “As a brand we aspire to connect with young audience that is fun-loving, vibrant and who have an edge about them. The campaign is simple, yet manages to encapsulate the fun and trendy spirit of the brand and the latest backpack collection. With a design range that can cater to multiple individual preferences, we hope to tap into the market for school, college and office backpacks. We have also added a new overnighter category called ‘Weekender bags’ in our new collection.” 

    Commenting on the campaign, V.I.P Industries marketing — VP Sudip Ghose said, “Varun Dhawan’s personality syncs seamlessly with the new collection and these stylish bags are something that everyone would want to own. Bags in our new collection are not only high on style with bright colours, trendy fabrics and prints, but are also high on features. Our ‘Tri-tech series’ of backpacks are super spacious, comes with laptop and tablet compatibility, organiser, waterproof raincover and specially designed ‘aer-zone’ back comfort. Not only this, all bags come with 12 month worldwide warranty.” 

    Dhawan said, “I’m really kicked about using the new backpack collection. The backpacks have a unique design and they really do command attention. Plus it was great fun shooting for the Skybags campaign. There will be a lot to watch out for from Skybags in 2016.”

    Explaining the rationale behind the campaign, Law & Kenneth | Saatchi & Saatchi National Creative Director Rahul Nangia said, “Skybags backpacks are not meant for those who are boring and sedate. They have been designed for restless young men and women who refuse to sit down. They are bursting with energy to keep moving. That’s the spirit that this film attempts to capture.”

    The campaign will be a 360 degree one for high visibility, which includes online and offline channels such as digital platforms, television, print and outdoor.

    It is also being supported by a new microsite and an online contest through several social media platforms. Participants simply need to leap in the air and capture a photo of themselves and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #MyBigLeap. Daily winners get Skybags backpacks. One lucky participant will win a special paragliding