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Tag: Valentine’s Day

  • Valentine’s Day spending rebounds in India

    Valentine’s Day spending rebounds in India

    MUMBAI: Well, well, just as we were getting cynical about love and that romance is on the way down here is some contrarian news from affiliate network Admitad. According to data provided by it, the worst is behind  us and love is blossoming; couples have returned to gifting with consumption rising  15 per cent during Valentine’s Day (VD) week. 

    Analysis of over 500,000 orders revealed an average spend of Rs 2,000, with mobile devices accounting for more than half of all purchases. Hotel bookings surged 20 per cent as couples opted for weekend getaways, whilst food delivery orders rose 15 per cent. Fashion items dominated gift choices at 25 per cent  of purchases, followed by cosmetics at 15 per  cent and electronics at 12 per cent. The most dramatic growth came in flowers and luxury goods, which saw sales spike 89 per cent and 67 per cent  respectively compared to non-holiday periods.

    Digital-savvy shoppers maximised value, with 20 per cent claiming cashback and 12 per cent  using promotional codes. Affiliate stores influenced over a quarter of purchases, whilst online media recommendations drove 15 per cent  of sales.

    The strong performance marks a sharp reversal from 2024’s 10 per cent  decline in Valentine’s spending, suggesting renewed consumer confidence in Asia’s third-largest economy.

  • Love and offers are in the air for brands this Valentine’s Day

    Love and offers are in the air for brands this Valentine’s Day

    MUMBAI:  Cupid’s arrow  is getting ready to strike again this  14 February.  From candlelit dinners to surprise proposals, romance is in the air as India marks another Valentine’s Day with both traditional gestures and modern twists. It’s hearts and flowers  that are exchanging hands as Valentine’s day returns in style. India’s romantics are bringing out the chilled champagne and wrapped chocolate boxes as they  prepare to celebrate love’s special day as Valentine’s celebrations begin. 

    And brands are tracking the mushiness that’s pouring out: from solo travel rewards to luxurious getaways, brands across India are crafting innovative Valentine’s Day campaigns that are celebrating both romance and independence this February.

    Cadbury is leading the charge with a tempting Turkish holiday promotion for purchases above Rs 850, whilst confectionery rival Hershey India is taking a more emotional approach with its “Sometimes, Love Sounds Like…” campaign, featuring six short films celebrating everyday expressions of love.

    For those seeking culinary indulgence, Social outlets are offering retro-themed celebrations with KitKat-infused desserts and attractive “1+1” beverage deals. ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations is unveiling a limited-edition collection starting at Rs 179, featuring specialities like chocolate heart bento cakes and strawberry noir pastries.

    Fashion retailers are joining the celebration, with Pantaloons offering Rs 1,000 off on purchases above Rs 3,999, while Relaxo footwear is presenting tiered discounts up to 20 per cent across its brands. Beauty giant Nykaa’s “Pink Love Sale” is promising up to 60 per cent discounts on premium brands through 16 February.
    In a refreshing twist, redBus is celebrating singlehood with its “Sabse Single Kaun?” campaign, offering the winner free lifetime solo travel. Similarly, boAt and Flipkart Minutes are partnering with actor Arjun Kapoor for a witty campaign targeting singles, promoting noise-cancelling headphones as the perfect escape from Valentine’s Day festivities.

    FNP’s “Pyaar Aisa Karo” campaign is emerging as a marketing triumph, attracting 165 brand partnerships within 48 hours, demonstrating how the season of love is evolving into a significant retail opportunity across sectors.

    Says a marketing consultant: “Normally, Valentine’s Day only works for certain product categories and services in terms bumping up sales. This year, however, there’s a lot of optimism around as the government has given a heavy income tax incentive in the hope consumers will pump the extra savings back into the economy.”

    It’s  the consultant’s job to see  the cup as  half full, not half empty. 

    We shall only know if love triumphed, or the pocket did – a few months down the line.  Until then, fall in love, or at least enjoy the feeling of being in love with YOURSELF!

  • &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    MUMBAI: Love is in the air, and &pictures is turning up the romance dial with its Full On Ishq Film Festival—a cinematic extravaganza celebrating love in its most dramatic, passionate, and unpredictable forms. Running from 9- 14 February, this special lineup brings viewers a daily dose of heartwarming love stories, leading up to the highly anticipated channel premiere of Kisko Tha Pata on Valentine’s day at 2 pm. Because what’s Valentine’s without a little bit of love, longing, and drama?

    Kisko Tha Pata, directed by Ratnaa Sinha, is a deep dive into the unpredictable world of romance, exploring love, passion, and obsession set against the charming backdrop of Raipur. Starring Ashnoor Kaur, Akshay Oberoi, and Aadil Khan, the film promises an emotional rollercoaster ride.

    Following the journey of Shreya (Ashnoor Kaur), a young woman navigating complex emotions, the story also introduces Devansh (Akshay Oberoi), a man whose world is shattered by heartbreak, and Dhairya (Aadil Khan), a free-spirited biker who believes in living in the moment. This tale of love and destiny is bound to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

    Sinha shares, “Kisko Tha Pata is a story that dives deep into the unpredictability of love. It’s about choices, emotions, and how destiny plays a role in shaping our relationships. Love isn’t always easy, and this film beautifully captures its raw, unfiltered essence. I’m thrilled that audiences will get to experience this poignant tale on &pictures this Valentine’s Day.”

    Kaur adds, “Shreya’s journey is one of self-discovery, heartbreak, and resilience. She’s a character that will remind many of their own experiences with love—whether it’s the euphoria of falling in love or the agony of watching it slip away. Kisko Tha Pata is a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.”

    Oberoi, who plays Devansh, shares, “Devansh’s story is about heartbreak, healing, and finding redemption. He’s someone who loved deeply, lost painfully, and is struggling to put himself back together. Valentine’s Day is all about love, and Kisko Tha Pata shows that love isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.”

    Khan, portraying Dhairya, comments, “Dhairya’s character brings refreshing energy to the film. He is someone who sees love in its most free-spirited form—without boundaries or expectations. His journey is about embracing the moment, about hope, and about finding happiness even in the face of uncertainty.”

    In addition to Kisko Tha Pata, &pictures has lined up an impressive selection of romance classics to keep the love alive throughout the week. The festival features Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Sanam Teri Kasam, Geeta Govinda, Satyaprem Ki Katha, and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana—a mix of modern and classic love stories that promise drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.

    So, if your idea of a perfect Valentine’s celebration includes cozying up with timeless love stories, &pictures has got you covered. Whether you’re swooning over intense love triangles, dramatic heartbreaks, or soul-stirring reunions, there’s a film for everyone.

     

     

  • Layers of Love campaign by Bakingo makes Valentine’s Day extra sweet

    Layers of Love campaign by Bakingo makes Valentine’s Day extra sweet

    MUMBAI: Love is best served sweet, and this Valentine’s Day, Bakingo is layering up the romance with its “Layers of Love” campaign. The leading online bakery is crafting confections that don’t just taste divine but also tell a story, one delicious layer at a time.

    Bakingo’s Valentine’s collection features an exquisite range of desserts, each symbolising the depth and beauty of relationships. From multi-layered cakes representing strong, lasting connections to delicate pastries mirroring tender moments, every creation is designed to make celebrations extra special. Just like love, these desserts are built with care, precision, and the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is a heartfelt indulgence.

    “At Bakingo, we believe love isn’t just about grand gestures, it’s the little moments that truly matter,” said Bakingo co-founder Himanshu Chawla. “With ‘Layers of Love,’ we wanted to capture those emotions in every slice, making Valentine’s celebrations more meaningful. Whether it’s our best-selling heart cakes or personalised treats, we aim to add a touch of sweetness to every love story.”

    Bakingo’s special Valentine’s range is available for order on its website as well as on food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. 

  • Nu Republic-Blinkit team up to deliver love-infused tech this Valentine’s

    Nu Republic-Blinkit team up to deliver love-infused tech this Valentine’s

    MUMBAI: Forget roses and chocolates—this Valentine’s Day, Nu Republic® and Blinkit are turning up the volume on love with an exclusive collection of tech gifts that fuse high performance with bold style. The leading lifestyle technology brand has joined hands with India’s fastest quick-commerce platform to make last-minute gifting as seamless as a bluetooth connection.

    Why settle for the usual when you can gift cutting-edge sound wrapped in sleek, romantic designs? Nu Republic’s latest Valentine’s Day lineup introduces the Pop Love Wireless Speaker and Epic X3 Wireless Earbuds Love Edition—both drenched in a striking red that screams passion. Designed to elevate both aesthetics and performance, these devices ensure that lovebirds can groove to their favorite tunes with premium sound quality.

    Key Highlights of the Collection:

    . Pop Love wireless speaker: A 6W RMS output powerhouse featuring Nu Republic’s signature X-Bass® technology, Bluetooth v5.3, and an impressive 14-hour playtime—because love (and playlists) should never run out.

    .  Epic X3 wireless earbuds love edition: Engineered with ENC technology for crystal-clear calls, X-Bass® for deep sound, and a 48-hour battery life—perfect for those who like their music (and relationships) long-lasting.

    .  Blinkit exclusive: Quick, last-minute gifting made effortless with instant doorstep delivery—because love shouldn’t have to wait!

    In an era where speed is everything, Nu Republic and Blinkit are making premium wear-tech gifts more accessible than ever. This collaboration guarantees that procrastinators (or spontaneous romantics) can still impress their special someone with top-notch gadgets, delivered in minutes.

    “We are thrilled to collaborate with Blinkit to introduce this exclusive Valentine’s Day collection,” said Nu Republic founder Ujjwal Sarin. “At Nu Republic, we believe in fusing technology with self-expression, and this collection embodies that ethos—bold, powerful, and designed for those who seek innovation in every aspect of life.”

    Echoing the excitement, Blinkit category and revenue lead, Anish Shrivastava stated, “At Blinkit, we are always looking for ways to bring joy and convenience to our customers. This partnership with Nu Republic is a perfect fit, combining fast delivery with stylish and thoughtful gifting options to make this Valentine’s Day truly special.”

    The Nu Republic Valentine’s Day Collection is available exclusively on Blinkit, ensuring instant access to these must-have gifts.

    .  Pop Love wireless speaker – Rs 699

    .  Epic X3 wireless earbuds – Rs 699

    This Valentine’s Day, ditch the clichés—because love sounds better with music! 

  • WeddingWire India launches free ring giveaway campaign for Valentine’s Day

    WeddingWire India launches free ring giveaway campaign for Valentine’s Day

    MUMBAI: Rings – to add to the romance and engagements – will be in the air  come Valentine’s day 2025. And they are coming courtesy global wedding technology platform The Knot Worldwide’s Indian subsidiary WeddingWire India. Its egging on couples to get engaged this February through its Valentine’s Day campaign, Put A Ring On It, running from 21 January to 9 March 2025.  

    Three lucky couples stand a chance to win a pair of Tanishq engagement rings  worth Rs 1.5 lakhs which it has sponsored.  The campaign coincides with February’s engagement season, when around 14 per cent  of Indian couples traditionally get engaged. It aims to resonate with couples beginning their journey towards marriage, making the milestone even more memorable.

    WeddingWire India consumer marketing manager Snigdha Johar said:  “Indian weddings are evolving, and today’s couples seek meaningful ways to mark their engagement. Through Put A Ring On It, we’re not just offering prizes – we’re celebrating the beautiful moment when two people decide to share their lives together, while providing them with the resources to plan their perfect wedding.”

    Winners can choose their ideal rings from Tanishq’s premium Soulmate collection, featuring pairs crafted from the same natural diamond, symbolising unity. The campaign also acknowledges India’s typical four to six month wedding planning window, offering couples immediate value and long-term support through WeddingWire India’s comprehensive planning services.

    Participants can enter the sweepstakes via WeddingWire India’s website or mobile app.

  • Vim takes a strong stance on chores neutrality

    Vim takes a strong stance on chores neutrality

    Mumbai: This Valentine’s Day, Vim, a dishwash brand under Hindustan Unilever Ltd, has put forth a fresh perspective on modern love with their latest campaign #OwnYourOwnDishes.

    In collaboration with their creative digital agency, Interactive Avenues, and India’s first women’s channel, SheThePeopleTV, the brand has launched a special vodcast addressing gender stereotypes when it comes to household responsibilities. The thought-provoking episode features a heartfelt conversation with renowned poetess, actress and columnist – Priya Malik.

    Delving into Priya’s dynamic life experiences and unique perspectives, the vodcast talks about how love also means equality in chores and how everyone needs to own their own chores. It highlights the importance of defying traditional gender roles when it comes to managing mundane household tasks like the never-ending pile of dishes.

    “With ‘Love, Life & A Sinkful of Dishes’, our aim was to help people build stronger and more equitable relationships through modern interpretations of love. Vim is trusted by millions of Indian consumers, and we are delighted to be shaping such impactful conversations along with the brand,” said Interactive Avenues senior creative director Eshwari Pandit.

  • “At Zoomcar, we are always thinking of fun ways to make travel memorable for our customers”: Zoomcar’s Greg Moran

    “At Zoomcar, we are always thinking of fun ways to make travel memorable for our customers”: Zoomcar’s Greg Moran

    Mumbai: Zoomcar, a leading marketplace for car sharing in emerging markets which recently got publicly listed on NASDAQ, has announced a heartwarming addition to its car fleet just in time for Valentine’s Day: the ZoomChariot. Every year brands battle for the most unique ways to make their customers feel loved. This year, Zoomcar has gone above and beyond their car sharing marketplace model where local hosts share their cars with guests and introduced a special e-victoria buggy called the ZoomChariot.

    This initiative has aimed to elevate Valentine’s Day experience in the most romantic way of travel through the enchanting streets of Nariman Point, Mumbai. The inspiration behind the ZoomChariot campaign stems from the desire to offer people unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether or not you own a car, with Zoomcar you can always drive one like you own it and  indulge yourself in luxury by booking high end cars on special occasions like Valentines Day. By introducing the ZoomChariot, Zoomcar aims to cater to this sentiment, providing couples with a novel and enchanting way to celebrate their love by traveling in style.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Zoomcar CEO Greg Moran, where he talked through the inspiration and creation of this campaign.

    Edited excerpts

    On the inspiration Zoomcar took to introduce ZoomChariot

    The inspiration behind the ZoomChariot campaign stems from the desire to offer people unique and unforgettable experiences. Whether or not you own a car, with Zoomcar you can always drive one like you own it or indulge in a higher car model for added luxury on special occasions like Valentines Day. By introducing the ZoomChariot, Zoomcar aims to cater to this sentiment, providing our customers with a novel and enchanting way to celebrate their love by traveling in style, keeping convenience and freedom to journey the way you want the center of our mission.

    On the user experience of booking and enjoying a ride on ZoomChariot, particularly on Valentine’s Day

    The ZoomChariot can be directly booked on the Zoomcar app. By selecting the location as Nariman Point, Mumbai, one can fill a form where they can block their slot of choice for the ride available every 15 mins on the app. On the day of go live on 11th Feb, hundreds of customers immediately booked the ZoomChariot and all slots were sold out within minutes. We are offering the ZoomChariot again on 14th Feb.

    On the response received from customers who have experienced ZoomChariot rides

    People at Nariman Point were lining up to get onboard our ZoomChariot decorated with flowers, fairy lights and balloons. We also saw some folks post about it on Instagram and X.com tagging us. The response was overall very heart warming full of surprise and awe as people know of us as a brand to share a car from. The ZoomChariot was definitely eye catchy and people loved taking a ride with their loved ones and family.

     

     

     

     

    On ZoomChariot contributing to sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions, especially with its electric chariot option

    The inception of Zoomcar is built on the strong foundation of providing and scaling sustainable mobility options while traveling. Our marketplace model is built on this foundation & ensures a sustainable solution to a growing demand from environmentally conscious customers. For Valentines Day we wanted to give our users the utmost romantic way to travel and turning an electric Victoria into a ZoomChariot was a match made in heaven.

    On logistical considerations Zoomcar took into account when planning the availability of ZoomChariot rides

    Nariman Point is one of the most iconic and enchanting streets of Mumbai where locals and tourists go on romantic walks and rides by the sea. For Valentine’s day we decided to make use of the occasion and bring out the romance by creating a ZoomChariot of the e-victoria buggy and offering free rides for a lasting memory. We launched it on 11th Feb, Sunday one of the busiest and easiest days people visit the location and also offer it again on Valentines Day for those celebrating in and around the location. The ride is scenic during a sunset and dreamy romantic later in the evening with the fairy lights on.

    On extending plans to  ZoomChariot service beyond Valentine’s Day or to other cities in India

    At Zoomcar, we are always thinking of fun, adventurous and out of the box ways to make travel convenient and memorable for our customers. While ZoomChariot was a tactical campaign to make people feel loved and elevate their Valentine’s Day plans, we aim to be a part of more such journeys in the coming days. 

  • Your favourite toons are taking over Valentine’s day- find out how

    Your favourite toons are taking over Valentine’s day- find out how

    Mumbai: Valentine’s day is here and it’s time to celebrate love and friendship. On this special day, ditch the traditional and get ready for something wacky and wonderful. Imagine if your favourite Sony YAY! toons became your Valentine. From Honey Bunny to Oggy and The Daltons, picture them stealing hearts, spreading love, and going the extra mile to make your day magical. Curious about the antics they’d pull to show their love? Let’s dive in and find out.

    Honey Bunny: Double the Trouble, Double the Fun

    These mischievous twins are always up to something with their knack for trouble and their playful pranks are guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. Get ready for a double dose of fun and laughter, and a day filled with their signature jholmaal – it’s sure to be the most hilarious Valentine’s Day ever with Honey Bunny.

    Oggy: Grumpy Cat to Sweetheart

    Even though Oggy is constantly chasing the three pesky cockroaches with his swatter, he sure has a soft side to him. If he were your date this Valentine’s Day, he is sure to surprise you with a bouquet and a basket of delicious apples. Now that’s how you win someone’s heart, Oggy style.

    Make new friends with The Daltons

    These four wacky brothers are planning to steal your heart this Valentine’s Day. The Daltons may be locked up in prison, but they’re never short on schemes to break free – their persistence is their love language. Just like they’re relentless in breaking free, they’ll shower you with affection and never give up on making your day unforgettable. So, prepare to be swept off your feet by their unique brand of love – it’s going to be a jailbreak you won’t want to miss.

  • Fortune Foods’ Valentine’s Day campaign “Language of Love”

    Fortune Foods’ Valentine’s Day campaign “Language of Love”

    Mumbai: In today’s fast-paced society, virtual chats and social media often take precedence over in-person conversations. Even during meals, couples frequently find themselves immersed in the digital world, missing the chance to connect with each other at a deeper level.

    Fortune Foods is set to address this modern disconnect with its campaign, “Language of love” focusing on the belief that every meal is an opportunity to rediscover and celebrate meaningful connections through the universal language of love: food.

    Through a series of heartwarming films, Fortune encourages couples to set aside their digital distractions, share a home-cooked meal, and let the act of savouring these moments strengthen their bonds.

     

     

     

     

    Fortune is also launching an influencer & UGC campaign to urge audiences to share their “Language of love”… asking them to share their small meaningful gestures in everyday life for their partners.