ITV

Tag: Walmart

  • Flipkart, Amazon reduce ad spends on Google

    Flipkart, Amazon reduce ad spends on Google

    MUMBAI: With Google launching an e-commerce platform in the near future, the country’s largest online retail stores, Flipkart and Amazon India, have slashed advertising spends on the web-search company. Both the players see this as a serious threat, as a Mint report quoted two people, familiar with the matter.

    According to a person quoted above, Flipkart and Amazon have reduced spending on Google by more than 30 per cent in the previous three months compared to months before and shifted some of that ad spending to other platforms. Until last year, the two online retailers used to spend hundreds of crores of rupees buying ads on Google.

    Google’s interest in e-commerce stems from its worry that some shoppers are going straight to Amazon to search for products rather than using Google. If this trend continues, it could threaten Google’s core business of digital advertising. Amazon is already generating billions of dollars in ad revenues in the US.

    The people added that, Google was keen on investing in Flipkart because it wanted a strategic partner to help it with its e-commerce push. However, Google wanted a much closer collaboration than Flipkart and its new owner, Walmart, were willing to offer.

    Google’s e-commerce push and the rising importance of Flipkart and Amazon in digital ads are the latest examples of how intertwined the tech business has become and how internet firms are increasingly encroaching on each other’s turf.

    Google’s retail entry may result in higher losses for existing e-commerce firms. The e-commerce market grew 23 per cent to $18 billion in 2017, according to RedSeer Consulting. India’s e-commerce market is a fraction of the size of China’s or the US. Yet, Flipkart, Amazon India and Paytm Mall bear huge losses while specialty e-commerce firms are struggling to grow sales quickly.

    A new serious entrant with deep pockets like Google will strengthen the view that India’s e-commerce market is overcrowded.

  • Walmart sells $16 billion worth of bonds for Flipkart acquisition

    Walmart sells $16 billion worth of bonds for Flipkart acquisition

    MUMBAI: American multinational retail corporation, Walmart, has decided to sell $16 billion worth of bonds to help finance its investment in Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart. 

    Walmart offered fixed- and floating-rate notes in nine parts to Flipkart. The longest bond, a 30-year security, yields 1.05 per cent points above Treasuries, less than the initial 1.2 per cent points that was being pitched earlier in the day. According to a report by Bloomberg, the deal edged out an offering Bayer AG completed two days ago.

    The American giant announced in June that it will acquire 77 per cent stake in the Flipkart Group for $16 billion. This will leave Binny Bansal and other shareholders with 33 per cent of the stake in the company.

    India is the most active and favourite playing field for most e-commerce giants today. With Walmart and Flipkart coming together as one, it will directly compete with Amazon in India. The international e-commerce website has the biggest market share in India which is the fastest growing e-commerce market today.

    Walmart and Flipkart’s deal was led by JPMorgan, Barclays and Citigroup.

  • Maurice Lévy’s office now on Airbnb

    Maurice Lévy’s office now on Airbnb

    MUMBAI: Maurice Lévy, the eccentric creative genius and Publicis Groupe’s chief executive officer is at it again! Going viral with his traditional ‘end-of-year’ address to everyone at the media agency, and the advertising community at large. Except, this will be his last such address. Maurice Lévy is set to retire by May 2017.

    Anyone familiar with Lévy’s festive videos in the past eight years knows that they are anything but a dull monologue on business and growth. Just last year, Lévy surprised everyone by donning a wig and posing for shampoo ad!

    But, before anyone could get their hopes up for something similar, Lévy starts the 2016 video in his heavy French accent, by quickly putting the overzealous viewers at bay with “No wigs, no tricks this year.”

    Lévy plans to sign off in ‘good old fashion style.”

    Touching up on the good and bads of 2016, Lévy admits that the agency’s numbers were seriously impacted by account losses. A reference to the US media accounts of Procter and Gamble and Walmart.

    “Never take your eye off the board,” was the tough lesson the agency learned.

    On the pros side of 2016, Lévy mentions winning Asda’s UK creative and media business, HP Enterprise’s global account and Coty. Referring to the major structural re-haul that the group undertook in 2016, Lévy adds that implementing ‘Power Of One’ may have been challenging for those who took on new roles, but it is working for the agency. “No Silo, No Solo, No bojo,” he reiterates.

    As Lévy goes on share a few tips on client retention, viewers are immediately made aware of some overzealous movers and packers clearing out his cabin. However, he was able to point to winning GSK, Asda’s UK creative and media business, as well as HP Enterprise’s global account and Coty.

    Investing in 90 different start-ups to mark its 90th anniversary was the most adventurous thing, Lévy admits in the video. Lévy’s delivery of these hard-hitting facts with a poker face, as one of the removal man tries hard to take off his signature ‘I am the boss’ coffee mug off the table in vain is a comic masterpiece. One can’t miss the fact that only Lévy is able to lift the mug with ease. Is that a hint?

    As a truckload worth of ‘chocolate jars’ is retrieved from his locker, Lévy makes a few forward-looking statements. “Now, we must more than ever act as one, think as one and work for our clients as one in order to win and succeed. The group needs you, clients need you and, as always, I’m counting on you. So what’s next? ”

    Being optimistic about the group’s future he adds, “We have built an incredibly strong foundation both, in culture and expertise, that runs deep through the foundation of the group. The founder of Publicis Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet, whom I admire enormously, once said: ‘The trick to realising your dreams is to remain a child your whole life.’

    “I have applied this to my Publicis dreams and that is my wish for you this year. May 2017 bring you and your families happiness, health and plenty of dreams. Plenty!” he says before walking off the empty room.

    The video concludes with his empty room being rented off on Airbnb. For real! Click on the ‘Book Now’ button and you’d be taken to Airbnb’s promotions page where they are away a day in the office of Maurice Lévy as part of the Airbnb Night At program.

    The prize is packaged as an Airbnb ad for two guests to stay at an apartment in Paris. Now isn’t that a fine parting gift to an esteemed client?

  • Maurice Lévy’s office now on Airbnb

    Maurice Lévy’s office now on Airbnb

    MUMBAI: Maurice Lévy, the eccentric creative genius and Publicis Groupe’s chief executive officer is at it again! Going viral with his traditional ‘end-of-year’ address to everyone at the media agency, and the advertising community at large. Except, this will be his last such address. Maurice Lévy is set to retire by May 2017.

    Anyone familiar with Lévy’s festive videos in the past eight years knows that they are anything but a dull monologue on business and growth. Just last year, Lévy surprised everyone by donning a wig and posing for shampoo ad!

    But, before anyone could get their hopes up for something similar, Lévy starts the 2016 video in his heavy French accent, by quickly putting the overzealous viewers at bay with “No wigs, no tricks this year.”

    Lévy plans to sign off in ‘good old fashion style.”

    Touching up on the good and bads of 2016, Lévy admits that the agency’s numbers were seriously impacted by account losses. A reference to the US media accounts of Procter and Gamble and Walmart.

    “Never take your eye off the board,” was the tough lesson the agency learned.

    On the pros side of 2016, Lévy mentions winning Asda’s UK creative and media business, HP Enterprise’s global account and Coty. Referring to the major structural re-haul that the group undertook in 2016, Lévy adds that implementing ‘Power Of One’ may have been challenging for those who took on new roles, but it is working for the agency. “No Silo, No Solo, No bojo,” he reiterates.

    As Lévy goes on share a few tips on client retention, viewers are immediately made aware of some overzealous movers and packers clearing out his cabin. However, he was able to point to winning GSK, Asda’s UK creative and media business, as well as HP Enterprise’s global account and Coty.

    Investing in 90 different start-ups to mark its 90th anniversary was the most adventurous thing, Lévy admits in the video. Lévy’s delivery of these hard-hitting facts with a poker face, as one of the removal man tries hard to take off his signature ‘I am the boss’ coffee mug off the table in vain is a comic masterpiece. One can’t miss the fact that only Lévy is able to lift the mug with ease. Is that a hint?

    As a truckload worth of ‘chocolate jars’ is retrieved from his locker, Lévy makes a few forward-looking statements. “Now, we must more than ever act as one, think as one and work for our clients as one in order to win and succeed. The group needs you, clients need you and, as always, I’m counting on you. So what’s next? ”

    Being optimistic about the group’s future he adds, “We have built an incredibly strong foundation both, in culture and expertise, that runs deep through the foundation of the group. The founder of Publicis Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet, whom I admire enormously, once said: ‘The trick to realising your dreams is to remain a child your whole life.’

    “I have applied this to my Publicis dreams and that is my wish for you this year. May 2017 bring you and your families happiness, health and plenty of dreams. Plenty!” he says before walking off the empty room.

    The video concludes with his empty room being rented off on Airbnb. For real! Click on the ‘Book Now’ button and you’d be taken to Airbnb’s promotions page where they are away a day in the office of Maurice Lévy as part of the Airbnb Night At program.

    The prize is packaged as an Airbnb ad for two guests to stay at an apartment in Paris. Now isn’t that a fine parting gift to an esteemed client?

  • iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    MUMBAI:iProspect India, the digital performance agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, today announced the appointment of Divya Ajitkumar as Associate Vice President – Client Services. Divya, a digital marketing veteran, comes with a decade-long work experience. She will strategically complement iProspect’s aggressive growth plans as she takes on the lead responsibility of servicing the company’s clients in the Indian market.

    iProspect India CEO Vivek Bhargava said, “We gladly welcome Divya to the iProspect team, especially at a crucial juncture wherein we look at accelerating the company’s growth. We are positive that Divya’s unique experience and global exposure will help us explore new digital marketing avenues in an efficient manner, such that it benefits the brand and the company alike. We look forward to expanding our business revenues and bagging more awards in the coming year.”

    Commenting on her appointment, Divya Ajitkumar, Associate Vice President – Client Services said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the energetic iProspect team and one of the leading digital performance agencies in the country today. Client servicing as a profile is extremely close to my heart and I believe my experience will help contribute to the company’s efforts. I’m positive there’s a lot of great work coming up. The Indian market is not an easy one, but I’m up for the challenge and keen to embrace everything it has to offer!”

    Divya started her career in digital media in New York and further utilized her curiosity and zeal to succeed in exploring the vast world of digital media. Working across different geographies and verticals throughout her career, her fortes include campaign management, activation, consulting and strategy. Having experienced different work cultures and ethics across the USA and Europe, Divya understands different market segments and has in-depth knowledge in strategizing and pitching. She has shouldered several roles at the Starcom Mediavest Group and worked closely with several top brands including Samsung, Coca-Cola, Walmart, Europcar, Flybe, Aer Lingus, Avon, Honda, CineWorld and RIM.

  • iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    iProspect India gets Divya Ajitkumar as AVP Client Servicing

    MUMBAI:iProspect India, the digital performance agency from Dentsu Aegis Network, today announced the appointment of Divya Ajitkumar as Associate Vice President – Client Services. Divya, a digital marketing veteran, comes with a decade-long work experience. She will strategically complement iProspect’s aggressive growth plans as she takes on the lead responsibility of servicing the company’s clients in the Indian market.

    iProspect India CEO Vivek Bhargava said, “We gladly welcome Divya to the iProspect team, especially at a crucial juncture wherein we look at accelerating the company’s growth. We are positive that Divya’s unique experience and global exposure will help us explore new digital marketing avenues in an efficient manner, such that it benefits the brand and the company alike. We look forward to expanding our business revenues and bagging more awards in the coming year.”

    Commenting on her appointment, Divya Ajitkumar, Associate Vice President – Client Services said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the energetic iProspect team and one of the leading digital performance agencies in the country today. Client servicing as a profile is extremely close to my heart and I believe my experience will help contribute to the company’s efforts. I’m positive there’s a lot of great work coming up. The Indian market is not an easy one, but I’m up for the challenge and keen to embrace everything it has to offer!”

    Divya started her career in digital media in New York and further utilized her curiosity and zeal to succeed in exploring the vast world of digital media. Working across different geographies and verticals throughout her career, her fortes include campaign management, activation, consulting and strategy. Having experienced different work cultures and ethics across the USA and Europe, Divya understands different market segments and has in-depth knowledge in strategizing and pitching. She has shouldered several roles at the Starcom Mediavest Group and worked closely with several top brands including Samsung, Coca-Cola, Walmart, Europcar, Flybe, Aer Lingus, Avon, Honda, CineWorld and RIM.

  • Future of retail in the age of e-commercialisation

    Future of retail in the age of e-commercialisation

    The India retail industry accounts for over 10 per cent of the country’s GDP and contributes to around eight per cent of the employment. This space is undergoing transformations due to scores of e-commerce firms gaining huge popularity. In such a scenario, it is the brick and mortar companies that are gradually feeling the heat waves of the rising competition level in the Indian market. The truth is, the future of Indian retail holds value both in offline and online retail, especially in impulse categories like fashion jewellery and accessories.  

     

    Over the last decade, the Indian retail industry has grown phenomenally with a remarkable shift towards organised retailing formats. It is gradually shifting towards a modern concept of retailing, which is a seamless blend of online and offline formats. This concept is called ‘Omni-Channel’ retailing, which focusses on employing all kinds of shopping channels like internet, brick and mortar, television, direct mail and radio among many others. Merging the two formats of online and offline retailing is to blend technology with smart merchandising and imbibe community building, customer engagement and targeted marketing in their operations. For instance, to tackle the queue problem at its stores, customers have the option of shopping online and opting for home delivery or store pick up at WalMart. Customer friendly tactics such as this have helped WalMart to be counted among the top five online retailers in the US with estimated revenues of $10 billion in 2013 from the online segment alone.

     

    It is predicted that the Indian retail market will grow by seven per cent over the next 10 years, eventually becoming a whopping $850 billion industry by 2020. Coming specifically to traditional retail, a growth of five per cent is expected in the same and is estimated to reach a size of $650 billion (76 per cent). Organised retail is likely to develop by 25 per cent and reach a size of $200 billion by 2020. Since the last five years, Online Retail, both direct and through marketplaces has had a roller-coaster ride in metamorphosing itself from being at a nascent level to becoming the most promising sector in India.

     

    For the future growth of the industry, retailers are also set to embrace Targetted Marketing to augment their operations and keep themselves on par with global standards. Targetted Marketing aims to make the promotions, pricing and distribution of the products and services easier and more cost effective. It envelopes all the aspects of marketing and involves breaking a market into segments and paying more attention to the ones that are of paramount importance for the company. For instance, firms can create e-mail campaigns and send to a specific set of customers depending on who the company wants to target. In order to know their target audience, companies can use various nifty tools like social media. These have helped marketers and SMEs track the target audience in real time through the fan pages of other companies. Besides this, they also provide an in-depth graphical data about every person who is connected with the page. Targetted Marketing is the mantra for finding the target audience that will help the retail sector survive cut throat competition. Innovative thinking and technology aided growth strategies are what will separate the lions from the lambs when it comes to this ever-evolving industry.

     

    (These are purely personal views of Youshine founder Ashish Sood and Indiantelevision.com does not necessarily subscribe to these views.)

  • Most Millennials still pay for TV

    Most Millennials still pay for TV

    MUMBAI: While it’s not startling that Millennials (consumers in the 16-24 year-old age group) watch a lot of TV online, it might be more unexpected that the vast majority of them haven’t cut the cord, according to a new study (PDF) from Verizon Digital Media Services (VDMS), the company’s cloud video unit.

     

    As a group that translates to multiple screens and represents about 21 per cent of total consumer spending, Millennials spend three times as much of their TV time watching online – 34 per cent versus 12 per cent among non-Millennials, VDMS found in a study that surveyed 1,000 consumers (800 Millennials and 200 non-Millennials) and based its findings in part to in-home interviews with eight selected Millennials.

     

    But 75 per cent of the Millennials surveyed haven’t cut the cord and still pay for TV through a traditional MVPD, the study revealed.  And most (64 per cent) also pay for an online streaming subscription, versus 33 per cent of surveyed non-Millennials. Only 14 per cent of the Millennials surveyed said they had never watched TV from an online source, versus 44 per cent among non-Millennials.

     

    Here is a look at how the Millennials surveyed broke down their total TV distribution time, 41 per cent was for live TV, 34 per cent online, 15 per cent on the DVR, and 10 per cent using VOD.

     

    But broadcasters could have some reason for concern. While Millennials are generally brand loyal, not a single broadcast network made the top ten list of brand loyalties among the Millennials surveyed, VDMS said.

     

    According to the survey, the top 10 brands among Millennials were: Amazon, YouTube, Facebook, Google, Walmart, Netflix, Apple, Microsoft, McDonald’s, and Samsung. Verizon was 16th.

     

    Among other findings:  40 per cent of Millennials want access to live TV online, 40 per cent want 4K/Ultra HD video, 25 per cent want device and session shifting, and 19 per cent want interactive TV.