India's homegrown e-commerce platform Paytm Mall (owned by Paytm E-commerce Private Limited), which is empowering MSMEs across the country with online services, has announced its 'End of Season Sale' from June 25 to June 28.
The company would be showcasing best-in-class fashion collections from top international as well as national brands. It has partnered with Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, IndusInd Bank for exclusive cashback deals on all debit and credit card transactions.
Some of the exclusive deals and services on ordering from the Paytm Mall App include free shipping and an exclusive 14-day easy returns facility. The mega fashion carnival brings with it the bestselling styles from top brands like Puma, Spykar, Cover Story, Van Huesen, and the likes, and is expected to cater to the fashion and lifestyle needs of its customers at exclusive prices.
Additionally, Paytm Mall, which has been at the forefront of promoting traditional Indian handloom and artisanal work, would also be showcasing traditional fashion apparel and accessories from MSMEs, made in India brands, government-run emporiums.
Paytm Mall EOSS is also offering the best value-based deals from other key brands, including Jockey, Peter England, Fossil, Campus Shoes, Sparx, Khadim India, and Red Tape. Menswear from leading national and international brands, womenswear across thousands of styles, and footwear styles by top brands will be offered at attractive prices. The company will also be showcasing new 'work from home' and athleisure collections from various brands during the upcoming sale.
Abhishek Rajan, COO, Paytm Mall, said, "Our collection this End of Season Sale is an eclectic mix of fashion apparel from international brands as well as the best Indian handicrafts and handlooms have to offer. We are providing sellers, artisans, MSMEs from across the country, our technology, potent distribution network, and reach to help them expand their business through our efforts. Our best-in-class services including the easy returns policy make the online buying experience seamless and hassle-free."
A year ago, Tira launched its omnichannel platform, aiming to revolutionize the beauty retail sector in India. Today, Tira marks a significant milestone, experiencing remarkable growth, introducing innovative features, and maintaining a strong commitment to personalized beauty experiences. Tira has not only epitomized luxury and convenience but has also set new benchmarks within the beauty industry.
Since its establishment in April 2023, Tira has garnered over 7 million app downloads, showcasing a robust digital presence alongside its physical stores. Within a year, Tira has opened 12 retail outlets across major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune, achieving the fastest expansion rate in the beauty retail sector.
Tira boasts an extensive selection of skincare, makeup, fragrances, and more, featuring a curated mix of over 1100 global and domestic brands. Covering 98% of PIN codes across India, Tira ensures accessibility to top-tier beauty solutions for customers nationwide.
Tira's platform is crafted to offer diverse, personalized, and inclusive experiences catering to every beauty enthusiast's preferences. Introducing groundbreaking tech-forward features such as AI-driven devices like fragrance finders, free sample vending machines, and skin analyzer tools, Tira has elevated the shopping experience to unparalleled levels.
Aligned with its philosophy of Beauty "For Every You," Tira has collaborated with icons like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kiara Advani, and Suhana Khan for impactful campaigns. Tira has also introduced exclusive brands to the Indian market, including Allies of Skin, Kundal, Lady Burgundy, Patchology, Blessed Moon, Skin 1004, and provided offline retail debuts for brands like 82E.
Tira's dedication to excellence earned it the Business World Excel Award 2023 for outstanding media utilization. Expanding its market presence, Tira launched exclusive in-house labels such as Tira Tools and Nails Our Way, setting new trends in beauty.
Tira's unique Tira Treats loyalty program acknowledges brand enthusiasts with special benefits and exclusive offers, fostering stronger customer relationships and brand loyalty.
As Tira celebrates its first anniversary, it reflects on a year of achievement, growth, and innovation. The brand looks forward to continuing its journey, pushing boundaries, and redefining beauty retail. Tira expresses gratitude to every customer, partner, and team member who has contributed to its success. Here's to many more years of beauty, inspiration, and innovation.
WoodenStreet, a prominent home furniture and decor brand in India, has exhibited significant growth, boasting approximately a 50 percent increase in margins compared to the previous year. Founded in 2015 by Lokendra Ranawat, Dinesh Pratap Singh, Virendra Ranawat, and Vikas Baheti, the Rajasthan-based startup recently announced remarkable growth for FY22-23.
The company achieved a revenue of approximately Rs 200 crore for FY22-23 and has set an ambitious target of Rs 500 crore for FY23-24, signaling its determination to further expand its operations.
WoodenStreet has been maintaining a consistent annual growth rate of 60-65 percent in India since its inception. Notably, the company's margins surged by 50 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, and it has managed to maintain a positive EBIDTA of Rs 8 crore, highlighting its operational efficiency.
In an era dominated by digital platforms, WoodenStreet has successfully balanced its online and offline presence. The company has opened more than 45 new stores in the last 12 months.
WoodenStreet has strategically expanded its physical presence over the years, with over 90 Experience Centers throughout India and warehouses and R&D Units covering an extensive area of over 20 lakhs sq ft.
Lokendra Ranawat, CEO of WoodenStreet, stated, "As we set our goals for FY23-24, we're excited to introduce innovations to consolidate our market position further. Our commitment to investing in new stores remains unchanged, and we plan to open 300 stores in the next 24 months. Our growth story in FY22-23 is more than just an economic achievement. It's a validation of our continuous efforts to innovate, grow, and, most importantly, to serve our customers better each day."
To diversify and enhance the customer experience, WoodenStreet is introducing two new sub-verticals this year, namely Earthy Threads and Lightstreet. Lightstreet aims to revolutionize home illumination by offering functional and aesthetically pleasing designs. Earthy Threads, on the other hand, is venturing into the realm of soft furnishings, combining traditional artistry with contemporary sensibilities.
As WoodenStreet embarks on another fiscal year, it is evident that the brand is not merely pursuing numerical growth but is on a mission to redefine India's furniture and home decor landscape.
Founded in 2015, the brand presently operates over 90 experience stores across India and maintains a network of more than 350 delivery hubs, offering a vast selection of over 30,000 home furniture, decor, and home furnishing products.
As India gears up for this year's World Cup season, the nation is poised to relive the excitement and emotional rollercoaster that cricket brings. Joining the fervor is Lenskart, a prominent name in the Indian retail eyewear industry, as it underscores the significance of eyewear across diverse subcultures with the introduction of Blue Billion—a collection tailored for ardent cricket fans.
Participation in this grand sporting event and aligning the brand with the unparalleled euphoria of cricket exemplifies Lenskart's adaptability and growth in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
Ramneek Khurana, Co-Founder of Lenskart stated, "India is set to celebrate the cricket spirit, and Lenskart aims to be an integral part of this journey, ensuring that fans not only view the world through their lenses but also experience the magic of cricket through the lens of enthusiasm and passion."
The Blue Billion Collective offers eyewear suitable for all age groups, genders, and style preferences, united by a common love for cricket. It features a wide range of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and sports glasses from collections such as Vincent Chase, Lenskart Air, Boost, and Hooper. The collection seamlessly blends the colors of Team India with inspiring cricket-themed prints.
Designed with sporty elements, these eyewear pieces are characterized by excellent grip, innovative materials, secure fits, and athletic features. Moreover, Blue Billion caters to young cricket enthusiasts with dedicated kids' collections, ensuring that fans of all ages have access to stylish eyewear that reflects their passion for sports. Blue Billion is a collection bound together by the love for cricket and created for every fan who cherishes this sport.
VAHDAM India, a prominent Indian tea and wellness brand deeply rooted in the country, is taking India's finest teas and spices worldwide. The brand has just unveiled its inaugural 'Experience Store' at the renowned Khan Market in New Delhi. The VAHDAM India TEA ROOM is set to provide customers with an immersive and enjoyable tea-buying venture, showcasing a diverse array of high-quality teas, drinkware, accessories, gifts, and assortments.
This strategic move reflects the brand's commitment to an omnichannel approach and global expansion, capitalizing on the increasing demand for premium tea and wellness products in India.
The VAHDAM India Tea Room offers customers an immersive visual and sensory experience in a serene and inviting setting. Tea enthusiasts can explore and savor the rich heritage and diverse flavors of Indian teas.
Visitors to the store will have the chance to sample from a selection of over 100 signature blends before making a purchase. The curated selection includes VAHDAM's best-selling signature blends, available in both loose-leaf and tea bag formats, along with indulgent gift sets, exquisite drinkware, and more.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Chief Coordinator, G20, India Presidency said, “VAHDAM India has ventured beyond borders, taking India's choicest teas, including Darjeeling, to every corner of the globe. In today's interconnected world, this is precisely the direction we need to move in. VAHDAM is not just a tea brand, it is an embodiment of India's essence, presenting our best to the world and promoting a vibrant exchange of cultures. Congratulations on this milestone, and I look forward to seeing VAHDAM India's continued success."
Bala Sarda, Founder and CEO, VAHDAM India said, “We are thrilled to inaugurate our experience store in India, marking an important milestone in our omni-channel presence strategy. As we continue to expand our offline reach, we aim to complement our strong online presence and provide customers with multiple touchpoints to experience the essence of VAHDAM India. Over the past 8 years, we have received overwhelming support from customers worldwide, and we are confident that our offline establishment will further fortify this bond. Our unwavering commitment remains unchanged - to enable the world to embrace the essence of Indian tea. With this store located at the iconic Khan Market lutyens’ Delhi, we will be able to cater to a large set of visiting tourists, expats, diplomats, along with the local clientele.”
VAHDAM India distinguishes itself with a direct supply chain that eliminates intermediaries, sourcing premium teas and spices directly from India's finest gardens. All products are made from garden-fresh, superior-quality ingredients and hold USDA Organic and Non-GMO certifications. The brand's presence extends to over 6000 retail stores in the US, including CVS, Wegmans Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Gelson's Market, and Erewhon Markets, as well as more than 250 retail stores in Canada, including Healthy Planet, Nature's Source, and over 500 stores in the UK.
In the past year, VAHDAM India gained recognition by being featured in the Goody Bags at prestigious events like the Oscars and Emmys. The brand also collaborated with the popular Netflix original series, Emily in Paris, and partnered with renowned American singer and actress, Nicole Scherzinger, to introduce a limited-edition gift set.
This announcement coincides with VAHDAM India's recent launch of its second-largest category, Spices, with Michelin-awarded chef Vikas Khanna serving as its brand ambassador. Under this category, VAHDAM India has successfully introduced 25 single-origin spices tailored specifically for the US market.
VAHDAM India also takes pride in being a climate and plastic-neutral brand. The brand allocates a minimum of 1 percent of its revenue to educate the children of its growers as part of its flagship CSR initiative, TEACH ME.
Soch achieved a remarkable milestone in the fiscal year 2022-2023 by surpassing the 400 crore mark in topline revenue. Despite sector challenges in the last two quarters that impacted profitability for many fashion retailers, Soch demonstrated exceptional adaptability and brand resilience throughout the year.
As part of its growth strategy, Soch successfully inaugurated 18 new stores in the past year, with ambitious plans to double this number in the current year. In August 2022, Soch also crossed the significant milestone of 150 stores, further solidifying its Pan-India presence. The brand now extends its reach to over 60 cities, encompassing all prominent marketplaces, and through its e-commerce platform, it serves customers in more than 30,000 pin codes.
Soch's online business has experienced substantial growth, with its revenue surging by 125 percent, from 19 crore to 44 crore. The brand's innovative Omni-channel approach, featuring Digital Tabs in physical stores, has received acclaim for offering customers an "Endless Aisle" experience, providing five times more choices than an average brick-and-mortar store. Additionally, the introduction of digital catalogs and lookbooks has enriched the shopping journey, exemplifying its Omni channel initiative. The online business is poised to be a pivotal driver of future growth, with a target to increase its contribution to revenue from 11 percent to 20 percent by 2026.
Vinay Chatlani, CEO of Soch said, "Our success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Soch team. With a well-defined vision, we aim to achieve the 1000 crore mark within the next 3-4 years.”
Soch operates on a distinctive hybrid model that incorporates three core elements: a) Internally steering the design and creative direction for its range. b) Leveraging the capabilities of its extensive supplier network for manufacturing capability and design interpretation. c) Utilizing its internal Quality control expertise to ensure superior quality. This synergistic approach empowers Soch to maintain aesthetic control while drawing design inspiration and manufacturing capabilities from diverse regions across the country.
Boddess Beauty and House of Beauty has promoted Mansi Sharma to the role of Creative Director. In addition to her role as Co-founder, Mansi will now assume a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding the portfolio of private-label brands within Boddess Beauty.
With her elevation, Mansi Sharma brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in brand development to her new position. Her prior experience at the prestigious Eff Creative Group, an INC. 500 listed creative agency headquartered in New York, has equipped her with a diverse and extensive background in branding and marketing across various industries, including beauty, fashion, health and wellness, and finance. Notably, Mansi led the establishment of Eff Creative Group's APAC headquarters in Southeast Asia, based in Singapore, where she served as a director. Her experience in both international and regional markets positions her ideally to lead creative initiatives at House of Beauty.
Mansi Sharma expressed, "I am thrilled to assume the role of Creative Director at Boddess Beauty. I am deeply passionate about storytelling, product development, and brand launches. In my new capacity, I will be spearheading innovation and growth within our private-label portfolio, expanding its presence throughout the country. Boddess Beauty's mission is to introduce world-class innovative products, brands, and beauty practices to aspiring consumers across India. Our private-label products are deeply attuned to the specific needs and concerns of Indian skin. We are dedicated to offering products that cater to the unique requirements of our customers. My passion for branding stems from a love for products and the potential they hold to truly enhance people's lives, whether in the beauty industry or beyond."
Sharma holds an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a Minor in Psychology from New York University. Her creative vision is firmly rooted in the belief that every brand and product has a compelling narrative at its core. Drawing inspiration from her love for films and literature, she aims to infuse this philosophy into every aspect of her role at Boddess Beauty. Her mission is to redefine conventional beauty standards, addressing issues such as ageism and colorism while advocating for inclusivity and diversity within the beauty industry.
Falguni Nayar, CEO of FSN E. Commerce Ventures, the parent company of Nykaa, has envisioned India's ascension to the position of the world's third-largest consumer market by 2030. Nayar expressed her excitement about Nykaa's future prospects, according to an official statement. In collaboration with GCC's retail giant, Apparel Group, Nykaa plans to inaugurate its maiden international retail outlet by the close of 2023. This strategic move is driven by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which presents a substantial Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) market valued at over $30 billion and is currently in its nascent stages of e-commerce adoption.
During the FN Ecommerce Ventures' Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023, Nayar emphasized the entrepreneurial zeal and youthful, aspirational demographic of India, labeling it as the "optimal destination for cultivating consumer-oriented businesses and brands." Nykaa stands to capitalize on this burgeoning potential, especially given India's per capita Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) consumption, poised for growth. Nykaa already boasts an annual consumption value of $80 per capita, surpassing the national average by over five times.
"India has swiftly emerged as the preferred choice for numerous global brands looking to fulfill their growth ambitions. Our unorthodox, technology-centric approach allowed us to revolutionize and democratize both the demand and supply aspects of the industry, effectively reaching more than 98 percent of the market," Nayar stated.
Highlighting their achievements, Nayar revealed that nearly one-third of the Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) contribution in FY23 was derived from newly established ventures, all built from the ground up over the past four to five years. She attributed their success to a meticulous pursuit of product-market fit, swift execution, and a commitment to sustainable growth.
In the fashion sector, India's per capita consumption currently stands at $54 and is projected to reach $160 by 2030, following the trajectory of developed markets. Presently, Nykaa's fashion-conscious customers spend an average of $130.
Nykaa currently reigns as the nation's foremost beauty specialty retailer, operating seamlessly across online and offline platforms while maintaining its distinctive technology-centric approach, as per the official statement. Fashion, in particular, has seen remarkable growth, with a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of Rs 2,569 crore for FY23, now constituting over 26 percent of Nykaa's overall consolidated GMV.
Additionally, the company's Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) owned brands contribute 11.9 percent to the overall BPC GMV, while Fashion brands contribute 12.9 percent to the overall Fashion GMV. Notably, Nykd (lingerie brand) and 20 Dresses (western wear brand) have achieved substantial sales figures, crossing Rs 85 crore and Rs 150 crore in GMV sales for FY23, respectively.
At the AGM, Nayar underscored Nykaa's unwavering commitment to maintaining ambition, entrepreneurship, ethical conduct, and bold decision-making while prioritizing long-term profitability and value creation for all stakeholders.
MiniKlub, India's premier babywear brand renowned for its thoughtfully crafted range of apparel and baby care products, has inaugurated a new retail outlet in Kerala, located in Trivandrum. This newly launched store offers an extensive selection of safe and comfortable apparel and non-apparel items tailored for newborns up to 8-year-olds.
MiniKlub's product offerings encompass essential items for newborns, baby clothing, children's fashion, footwear, toys, travel accessories, baby care essentials, and much more, all conveniently available under one roof. This comprehensive range makes it the preferred choice for parents in the city seeking quality and convenience.
Established in 2013, MiniKlub, a part of the First Steps Babywear family, has rapidly risen to prominence as a dynamic omni-channel brand. It has established a robust presence in over 450 multi-brand outlets, prominent e-commerce platforms, and exclusive brand stores, both physical and online. With a footprint in 26 cities and 45 exclusive brand stores, MiniKlub designs its products with utmost care, prioritizing the comfort and safety of infants and children. The brand also takes pride in its commitment to sustainable manufacturing processes, ensuring that only the highest-quality products reach the market. Additionally, MiniKlub's products are available through various multi-brand outlets and major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, and Ajio.
MiniKlub extends its reach across India through its dedicated e-commerce platform, miniklub.in, providing customers with convenient access to its diverse range of babywear and childcare products.
Pepperfry, the prominent e-commerce furniture and home goods marketplace in India, has announced the promotion of co-founder Ashish Shah to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With over two decades of experience in the Indian e-commerce sector, Ashish, who co-established the company with Ambareesh Murty in 2012, brings extensive expertise to his new leadership role. Previously serving as the company's COO, overseeing operations, category management, product, and omnichannel business, Ashish has been instrumental in shaping Pepperfry's customer-centric approach, strengthening its supply-side capabilities, and ensuring operational excellence.
This appointment follows the unfortunate passing of Ambareesh Murty, Pepperfry's co-founder and former CEO, who played a pivotal role in ushering in a transformative era for the Indian furniture and home goods online shopping marketplace. Under Ambareesh's guidance, Pepperfry became known for its unique blend of quality, affordability, and convenience, revolutionizing the way Indian consumers shop for furniture.
"Pepperfry remains steadfast in its mission to offer a diverse range of well-designed products to help customers create inspiring and functional living spaces. Pepperfry has always been committed to enhancing the way people create homes, and I am honored to lead this incredible team of dedicated individuals who share this passion. The best tribute to Ambareesh will be to build upon the foundation we laid and strengthen Pepperfry's position as India’s leading furniture and home products company," commented Ashish Shah, CEO of Pepperfry.
Over the past few months, Pepperfry has undertaken various initiatives that have propelled the company toward sustained profitability, a milestone that is now within reach. Demonstrating this progress, the company has secured $23 million in funding from existing shareholders, including institutional investors and family offices, underscoring their confidence in the company's vision and strategic plans for the future.
This latest infusion of capital will further enhance Pepperfry's ability to cater to the evolving needs of its ever-growing customer base, which now exceeds 10 million, through a robust omnichannel presence, a resilient supply chain, and technology-driven innovation. Pepperfry, under Ashish Shah's leadership, will reaffirm its core proposition of offering a wide variety of products and leverage its network of 190+ Studios spanning over 100 cities.
Pankaj Makkar, MD, Bertelsmann India Investments, an early backer of Pepperfry said, “We've been partners with Pepperfry for nearly a decade now. I've seen the company grow quickly, thanks to the capable leadership of co-founders Ambareesh and Ashish. After Ambareesh's unfortunate and untimely passing, it's only natural that Ashish takes the helm as CEO. He will continue to lead the company towards a promising future, driving excellence across all areas of business and technology.”
Good To Go, the rapidly growing omnichannel meat and seafood delivery startup, is excited to announce its latest expansion initiatives that are poised to revolutionize meat purchasing and enjoyment in both North and South India.
In a significant strategic move, Good To Go is set to acquire the renowned TenderCuts brand, a leading player in South India and the largest in Chennai. This strategic acquisition will combine Good To Go's offline expertise and best practices in North India with TenderCuts' established omnichannel market presence and strong brand recognition in Southern India. As a result of this collaboration, customers in both North and South India will gain access to a comprehensive range of high-quality, hygienically packaged fresh meats and seafood, all conveniently delivered to their doorsteps.
Angad Singh, Founder and CEO of Good To Go said, "We are thrilled to welcome TenderCuts into the Good To Go family. This move will position us as the leading brand in South India, offering a remarkable variety of fresh meats to a broader customer base, while also contributing to the growth of local businesses."
As part of this acquisition, Happy Chops, a technology platform that provides an online storefront and procurement support to local butcher shops, will also join the fold. Happy Chops has already empowered over 300 local stores in Chennai. This successful model will be extended to Delhi-NCR through the acquisition, promoting values of inclusivity and sustainability by empowering local enterprises. Presently, Good To Go operates 11 stores in Delhi-NCR, while TenderCuts manages 16 stores in Chennai. This strategic partnership is poised to unlock synergies that will propel Good To Go to an annualized brand value of Rs 300 crore in the next 12-18 months.
The Ayurveda Co. (TAC), is charting an impressive course of growth both at home and abroad. The company has firmly established itself as a formidable player in Direct-to-Consumer (D2C), Ayurveda, and e-commerce, experiencing an astonishing 500 percent increase in revenue from March to October 2022.
In a strategic move, the company is set to extend its retail presence to tier II and III cities across India, with a target of opening 50 exclusive stores by the end of the fiscal year. Building on its successful entry into the Dubai market, TAC is gearing up for expansion throughout the MENA region. With a current Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of Rs 120 crore, the company is diligently working towards achieving breakeven by March 2024 and is eyeing profitability before Diwali in the same year.
Over the past two years, TAC has undergone a remarkable transformation, solidifying its position as a leader in the realms of D2C, Ayurveda, and e-commerce. The coming year promises to be an exciting chapter for TAC as it unveils a range of innovative products, demonstrating its commitment to Ayurvedic principles and innovative solutions that cater to modern beauty and wellness needs.
The demand for TAC products in India exhibits a dynamic pattern across different tiers and regions. While Tier I cities contribute a substantial 35 percent of the demand, it's the Tier II markets that are driving the momentum with a significant 40 percent share. Tier III and beyond regions also account for a substantial 25 percent of the demand. Geographically, the North and West regions each contribute 30 percent to the demand, closely followed by the South at 25 percent and the East at 15 percent.
Param Bhargava, Co-Founder, T.A.C - The Ayurveda Company said, “The current market size of Ayurvedic wellness products in India stood at Rs 626 billion in 2022, showcasing the growing opportunity within the sector. In alignment with the Ayush Sector Vision 2047, we aim to be a torchbearer of Ayurvedic principles, making them accessible and relevant to the modern world. Our products and initiatives are centred around holistic wellness, guided by Ayurveda's wisdom. As our local and global presence expands, we steadfastly uphold our dedication to honoring local regulations and preferences, fueled by an overarching aspiration to establish T.A.C as a renowned Ayurvedic emblem, disseminating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda to a worldwide audience.”
The data on the consumption of TAC products reveals intriguing trends in age-wise adoption. The age group of 18-24 accounts for a significant 50 percent of the consumer base, indicating that younger generations are actively seeking out these products. The 25-34 age bracket closely follows, making up 30 percent of the demand, showcasing sustained interest in this segment. Consumers aged 35 and above contribute 20 percent to the demand.
In contrast, offline channels maintain their significance by accounting for a larger 60 percent share, underscoring the continued importance of traditional retail avenues.
As TAC expands its global reach, the company remains committed to adhering to local regulations and preferences while upholding the authenticity and quality of its Ayurvedic solutions. The ultimate vision is to establish TAC as a globally recognized Ayurvedic brand, promoting the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda on an international scale.
In the midst of the global fascination with the Korean wave, Lenskart has ventured into the world of K-Pop with its latest offering - the K-Pop collection by Lenskart Studio. Lenskart Studio is dedicated to seamlessly blending fashion and eyewear, and they have achieved just that with their latest eyewear range. The K-Pop Collection presents an opportunity to embrace your fandom with luxury acetate eyeglasses featuring vibrant color-blocked rims and ultra-sleek sunglasses in vivid shades.
While the eyewear in this collection steals the spotlight, Lenskart is captivating India with an innovative launch campaign that merges the enchanting realm of K-Pop with cutting-edge AI technology. In a pioneering move, Lenskart introduces the visionary world of Astro IRIS - a virtual K-POP band entirely created through Artificial Intelligence.
Each member of the four-person band is meticulously crafted, complete with a detailed character profile that reflects their unique personality and preferred eyewear style. The campaign revolves around the collection launch as the band members guide the audience through a journey celebrating the extraordinary phenomenon of K-POP.
The introduction of the K-Pop collection represents a significant milestone for Lenskart, underscoring its unwavering commitment to emphasize the importance of eyewear across various subcultures. It showcases the brand's ability to adapt and thrive in a swiftly evolving market landscape.
Rare Rabbit, the omni-channel menswear brand, recently inaugurated its newest store at the Mall of Ranchi in Jharkhand, as revealed by a company representative on social media last week. This expansion follows the opening of their 100th offline store in April at Vega City Mall, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru.
"The excitement is unparalleled! Our latest store at Mall of Ranchi is now up and running! We are thrilled to broaden our reach and continue delivering exceptional service and top-quality products to our valued customers. Heartiest congratulations to the Ranchi team," announced Sandeep Sindhu, North Area Visual Merchandiser at The House of Rare, in a LinkedIn post.
Rare Rabbit is a prominent menswear apparel brand known for its diverse product range, including t-shirts, boxers, joggers, sliders, smart casuals, sportswear, ethnic wear, polo t-shirts, checkered shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, graphic t-shirts, puffer jackets, bomber jackets, hoodies, shorts, Bermuda, and track pants. Notably, the brand caters to a wide range of sizes, offering garments from S to 4XL.
In addition to physical outlets, Rare Rabbit also operates in the digital retail space through its e-commerce platform, The House of Rare. Furthermore, the brand is present on various online marketplaces, including Myntra, Flipkart, Ajio, Nykaa, and Tata CLiQ. Established in 2015, Rare Rabbit was founded by The House of Rare, a Bengaluru-based fashion retailer and subsidiary of Rahamani Textiles Pvt. Ltd., under the visionary leadership of Manish Poddar.
Nandus has achieved a significant milestone by becoming net profitable in July 2023. This self-funded Bengaluru-based startup's accomplishment is a beacon of hope amidst the economic fluctuations and challenges faced by the meat industry.
As the first Indian brand in the meat retail sector to attain this feat, Nandus reported a commendable 15 percent growth in overall revenue in July 2023 compared to July 2022. The company also achieved an impressive 27 percent growth in same-store sales for July 2023 over the same period last year, specifically in the same channels. Additionally, Nandus showcased a substantial 51 percent like-for-like growth spanning from August 2022 to July 2023, compared to the previous year.
Since its inception in 2016, Nandus Foods Pvt. Ltd., an omnichannel meat retailer, has projected a promising like-for-like growth of 35 percent over the fiscal year 2023. This stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to core business values and prioritizing customer satisfaction.
With net profitability achieved and a promising market potential, Nandus is ambitiously expanding its operations across key functions. The company is also engaging in discussions with potential investors for external equity financing to fuel its upcoming phase of growth.
Narendra Pasuparthy, the Founder and CEO of Nandus expressed, "This is a significant moment for Nandus and all involved. Amid global economic slowdown and industry challenges, Nandus has demonstrated continuous expansion by focusing on quality and customer-centricity. Our distinctive strength lies in owning and controlling the entire supply chain from farms to retail outlets, and even to the final mile delivery to customers' homes."
In an era where numerous well-funded direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands have surfaced, Nandus stands out as the first Indian brand to achieve profitability without external funding. The company has excelled in attracting and retaining customers while generating profits.
In February 2023, Nandus reached the revenue milestone of Rs 100 crore, solidifying its position as India's most successful and organized omnichannel meat retail brand. Poised to be a market leader in India's growing meat retail industry, the company is set to expand its business-to-consumer (B2C) and D2C presence, further strengthening its operational foundation.
Nandus' vision revolves around providing fresh, healthy, and high-quality meat products to Indian consumers. With approximately 73 percent of the population consuming meat, there exists a substantial market demand. Consumers now seek trusted brands that prioritize hygiene, health, and safety, which Nandus diligently upholds through its fully-integrated farm-to-fork operations, ensuring transparency and traceability.
Operating primarily in Bengaluru, Nandus operates nearly 50 stores in the city, adhering to an omnichannel model that encompasses in-store retail, home delivery, e-commerce website, app, call center orders, and various e-commerce platforms. The brand's growth strategy includes owned and franchise stores, further solidifying its position in the market.
In a recent seed funding round, Freakins, a home-grown denim fashion brand targeting Gen Z women in India, has secured $4 million. Matrix Partners India and Blume Ventures led the investment. The funds raised will be utilized to enhance the brand's omnichannel presence, expand operations, and increase consumer engagement.
Apart from Matrix Partners India and Blume Ventures, Freakins also attracted investments from more than 30 angel investors, including notable names such as Revant Bhate (Mosaic Wellness), Navin Agarwal (Sonal Apparels), Chakradhar Gade (Country Delight), Utkrishta Kumar (Meesho), Asish Mohapatra (OfBusiness), and prominent influencers like Aayush Wadhwa, Tarini Shah, and Agastya Shah.
Freakins' primary objective is to offer premium denim wear for women across India. With an extensive lineup of over 1500+ styles, the brand caters to diverse body types, preferences, and occasions, featuring trendy fits, washes, and rips. The brand is led by a young team that understands the pulse of Gen Z and sells its products through both direct-to-consumer channels and marketplaces.
The company was founded by Puneet Sehgal and Shaan Shah, with Sachin Shah as a partner. Puneet brings extensive experience in business leadership and supply chain management from previous roles at Hopscotch and Amazon. Combined with Shaan's marketing expertise and consumer insights, they have successfully created a brand that resonates with today's consumers.
The raised funds will be strategically deployed to strengthen the brand's supply chain capabilities by establishing partnerships with denim, knits, and woven fabric manufacturers. Freakins aims to expand its presence in other geographical locations, invest in top talent, and introduce new product variations. Additionally, with a focus on collaborations with creators, the company plans to launch exclusive collections tailored to its consumers' preferences.
Puneet Sehgal, Founder and CEO of Freakins said, "Freakins was launched with the goal of providing denimwear for diverse body types. Our unique approach has strongly resonated with the youth nationwide. The funding will facilitate our expansion into new categories, enhance our manufacturing capabilities, and extend our distribution footprint. By controlling the entire process, from storefront to design and factories, we ensure exceptional quality control and faster turnaround times, enabling us to adapt to evolving consumer preferences."
Rajat Agarwal, Managing Director at Matrix Partners India stated, "We believe that our country will witness the rise of several large consumer businesses in the coming decade. As disposable incomes increase, a significant portion will be allocated to discretionary consumption. Apparels form a crucial part of this discretionary basket, and we believe Freakins is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the fast fashion opportunity among Gen Z. Their innovative supply chain, product design, and influencer-led brand-building strategy have impressed us. We are excited to partner with Puneet, Shaan, and the Freakins team as they aim to establish India's next fashion powerhouse."
Apurva Dixit, AVP Investments at Blume Ventures, remarked, "Freakins represents Blume's substantial investment in consumer brands. At Blume, we focus on investing in brands that exhibit sustainable and profitable growth while targeting large markets. Apparel is a massive yet highly competitive category. We see both strong operational expertise and influential design sense in Puneet and Shaan. Freakins has the potential to become a household name in the fashion industry."
With the denim wear market in India projected to grow at an impressive 25 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years, Freakins aims to meet the fashion-forward needs of the younger generation. Dexter Capital Advisors served as the exclusive advisors for this funding round.
Lenskart, a leading omnichannel eyewear brand, has successfully raised $100 million in funding from private equity firm ChrysCapital. The investment comprises both primary and secondary share purchases, bringing Lenskart's total funds raised to approximately $1.6 billion. Lenskart has stated that this financing will be utilized to support its expansion and growth initiatives.
Amid a selective flow of funding into startups and a prolonged deal closure process by investors, Lenskart has managed to secure the backing of ChrysCapital just three months after raising $500 million from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) at a valuation of $4.5 billion. This further highlights the viability of Lenskart's business model.
Peyush Bansal, Founder and CEO at Lenskart said, "We believe that with the help of technology, customer centricity, and significant investments in the supply chain and talent, we can address the issue of vision correction. Eyewear, as a lifestyle category, is still in its early stages, presenting ample opportunities to create glasses that can significantly enhance our quality of life, as seen in shoes, apparel, and watches."
Headquartered in Gurgaon, Lenskart serves 20 million customers through its omnichannel approach and is expanding its presence beyond India to cover the Middle East and parts of Asia. Rajiv Batra, senior VP at ChrysCapital, which manages assets worth over $5 billion across eight funds, highlighted Lenskart's acquisition of Japanese D2C eyewear brand Owndays as a strategic move that positions them for further expansion in more than 10 Asian countries, in addition to India.
Smytten has recently unveiled Indore's inaugural product trial experiential store at Phoenix Citadel Mall. This store offers a remarkable opportunity for customers to explore and test over 800 products from renowned brands such as Plum, mCaffeine, Colorbar, Just Herbs, Power Gummies, The Man Company, and more. Shoppers can conveniently access trial packs across various lifestyle categories, enabling them to experience the products at their own convenience in the comfort of their homes.
With existing offline stores in Noida (NCR), Chandigarh, Bhopal, Surat, and Udaipur, the Indore store expands Smytten's unique proposition by fostering deeper connections between new-age D2C brands and consumers during the pre-purchase phase.
At the store, customers can browse through categorized sections of trial packs or explore the trending aisle for a curated discovery experience featuring the most popular brands. By paying a nominal fee, visitors can select up to six trial packs to take home and try. The fee can then be redeemed towards the purchase of full-size products through the Smytten app. Whether customers want to sample a product before making a purchase or seek guidance on its suitability, the Smytten store provides an extensive range of trial packs across trending lifestyle categories and brands. This initiative also benefits D2C brands by offering valuable insights into consumer preferences, helping them optimize their product-market fit.
Siddhartha Nangia, Co-Founder of Smytten said, “We are excited to launch Indore’s first-ever experiential store, where shoppers can try out products from trending brands and provide valuable feedback through our seamless app interface. Our vision behind Smytten has always been to create an unforgettable pre-purchase experience for Indian consumers. With our offline presence, we aim to connect better with the ever-evolving consumers. The Indore store offers a whole new experience and a wide range of products for consumers to try."
Smytten intends to aggressively expand its retail footprint to offer an omnichannel experience to consumers in many Indian cities. The objective is to facilitate and provide customers access to the top trending lifestyle brands during their purchase decision journey. For most new-age D2C brands, their primary sales channel remains online. With Smytten’s offline presence, the partner brands will get offline exposure in tier ll markets. The store's aesthetic curation caters to the needs of millennials and Gen Z consumers by providing a unique and tasteful retail experience.
Zara, the renowned global fashion brand, has experienced a significant surge in its revenue within the Indian market. According to the latest annual report of Trent Ltd., Zara's India revenue for FY23 reached Rs 2,562.50 crore, showcasing a remarkable growth rate of 40.42 percent. Moreover, the company's profit for the same financial year, ending on March 31, 2023, also witnessed a substantial increase of 77.66 percent, amounting to Rs 264.30 crore.
The operations of Zara stores in India are managed by Inditex Trent Retail India Private Ltd (ITRIPL), a joint venture. In the previous fiscal year (FY22), ITRIPL reported a total income of Rs 1,824.82 crore and a profit of Rs 148.69 crore.
“The incremental store openings for Zara continue to be calibrated with a focus on presence only in very high-quality retail spaces,” it said.
ITRIPL is a 51:49 JV between Spain’s Inditex, which owns luxury fashion brand Zara, and Tata group’s retail arm Trent Ltd. Zara, which competes with the likes of other foreign brands such as H&M and UNIQLO in India, operates 20 stores across 11 cities.
However, in FY22 the entity was operating 21 stores. Inditex group of Spain has another similar 51:49 JV association with Trent, which operates Massimo Dutti stores in India. It has also reported revenue growth of 45.54 percent during FY23.
“The entity for Massimo Dutti operates 3 stores and recorded revenue of Rs 89 crore in FY23,” it said.
Massimo Dutti India Pvt Ltd had reported a profit of Rs 11.14 crore in FY23. The business of both entities is essentially limited to the distribution of Zara and Massimo Dutti products in India. Both entities are required to source merchandise only from the Inditex Group.
“The business of these entities is essentially limited to distribution of Zara and Massimo Dutti products in India,” said Trent.
Moreover, as per the JV agreement choice of product and related specifications are at Inditex’s discretion.
“Further, the entities are dependent on the Inditex group for permissions to use the said brands in India subject to its terms and specifications,” it said.
Five executives at India's Nykaa have resigned, a spokesperson said, the latest departures at the beauty company amid intensifying competition and a falling stock price. Among the exits are Chief Commercial Operations Officer Manoj Gandhi, Chief Business Officer of fashion division Gopal Asthana, and Chief Executive Officer of wholesale business Vikas Gupta - all executives of Nykaa.
Shuchi Pandya, a vice president of Nykaa fashion division's Owned Brands business, and Lalit Pruthi, a vice president of finance at the fashion unit, have also resigned.
A Nykaa spokesperson said, "some of these mid-level exits as a part of the standard annual appraisal and transition process, wherein, people exit due to performance or to pursue other opportunities."
"Voluntary and involuntary exits are expected in a fast-paced, growth-focused, consumer tech organization with over 3,000 on-roll employees," the company said.
Gandhi, Asthana, and Gupta declined to comment, while the other two executives did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Nykaa competes with Indian conglomerates Tata Group and Reliance, both of which have interests in the beauty sector, as all companies compete for a share of the fast-growing $16 billion beauty and personal care market in the world's second-most populous country.
Nykaa, whose parent is FSN E-Commerce Ventures, had surged 96 percent in a blockbuster market debut in 2021, fetching a near-$14 billion valuation. But its stock has plunged amid a broader rout in startups, falling around 68 percent from the all-time high in November 2021.
CaratLane has launched it's brand new and beautiful collection, En Vogue. This collection is conceptualized, designed, and brought to you for the woman who wants to be a source of aspiration because of her global fashion sensibilities. Curated with inspiration from international trends, these designs take fluid forms molded in 18kt gold and are studded with diamonds and pearls. These designs are multifaceted so they can effortlessly blend in with every style and give a woman a unique identity. Flaunt them at your social gatherings, and be the center of attention!
Kinnari Shah, Head of Design and Merchandise said, “We see an increasing trend in everyday jewelry as it is becoming an elevated style statement for the women of India. Our customers are constantly seeking new designs that are trending globally. We have launched En Vogue by CaratLane to fulfill the needs of many such women and make global trends accessible in the fine jewelry segment in India. These stylish designs are available at a price point of Rs 15,000 onwards.”
The collection entails a variety of 20 designs across categories of rings, bracelets, earrings, and ear cuffs. Make them a part of your ensembles to showcase your one-of-a-kind style and make heads turn everywhere! These designs will take your style quotient a notch higher and make heads turn!
Nandus has crossed the revenue milestone of Rs 100 crore for FY 2022-’23, with one more month for the year to close. The latest numbers consolidate Nandus market position as the most successful, organized D2C omnichannel brand in the country. Nandus has been operationally profitable and this milestone, proves that they are the most responsible and successful brand in this segment with a clear march towards 100 percent profitability.
As part of the Nanda Group, a 60-year-old poultry business that has revolutionized the industry in India, Nandus was launched in 2016 with the aim of bringing its own products directly to the consumer with 100 percent traceability and transparency. Currently, the hyperlocal brand operates 50+ stores across Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
The plan is to launch 20 new omnichannel outlets in the next financial year. For FY 2023-’24, Nandus is looking at a revenue of Rs 200 crore. In FY 2021-’22, the company reported a turnover of Rs 67 crore, recording a 2X growth by the end of this fiscal while achieving operational profitability.
Narendra Pasuparthy, Founder and CEO, Nandus said, “We have had an incredible start to 2023! Nandus is on an impressive growth path and I’m immensely proud of the fact that we could do this on our own merit, in our own way – while being completely bootstrapped. As a team of 450+ passionate professionals, we put in our best effort, while making a conscious decision to stay away from the toxic valuation game that is played out by most start-ups today. We focused on building a company that is structurally sound and strong on business fundamentals with a clear path to profitability.”
“Meat is a passionate and more considered purchase than other staples. As a meat brand, it is important to build trust. We are farmers who bring our products directly to you with 100 percent transparency, and our 60 years of expertise give us an upper hand when compared to the other players. The journey of a thousand miles, they say, begins with a single step. And I am deeply grateful to all our employees, customers, partners, advisors, and well-wishers for their persistent support and worthy guidance. At Nandus, we are committed to building an enduring company that continues to positively impact the lives of millions of people and create opportunities for economic growth,” noted the entrepreneur, who returned from the US to join the family’s poultry business more than 15 years ago.
Since Nandus inception in 2016, the endeavor has been to make fresh, healthy, and high-quality meat and meat products accessible to Indian consumers. Given that nearly 73 percent of the country’s population consumes meat, there is a huge market to cater to. Also, the new normal has shifted the spotlight on health, safety, and hygiene, consumers today are making a conscious choice of buying from trusted brands that vouch for high standards of hygiene, health, and safety of their products and services. At Nandus, since they have complete control over the product and retail supply chain, they are in a much more trusted position in the market.
Operating on an omnichannel model, Nandus includes retail and home delivery services via the company’s e-commerce website, app, and call center orders as well as e-commerce marketplaces and quick commerce apps. As a brand that has fully-integrated and farm-to-fork operations, Nandus USP is its hyperlocal meat purchasing experience, and its promise to customers of guaranteed safe and healthy meat that is easily available and rightly priced.
Pepperfry has announced the elevation of Piyush Agarwal to Vice President, Supply Chain. Piyush joined Pepperfry in 2021 and has been instrumental in conceptualizing and driving various initiatives in Supply Chain. Through his commitment to excellence, leadership, and fortitude, Piyush has successfully established a robust warehousing and logistics network for Pepperfry. Anything new?
Under his leadership, Pepperfry has moved all its warehouse operations in-house. The company launched a spanking new warehouse in Gurgaon last year and accelerated 24-hour furniture delivery in key metros. Piyush has also ensured great cost efficiencies during an inflationary economic period. He has led end-to-end supply chains including, last mile distribution, inventory replenishment, indirect procurement, primary and secondary logistics, and imports and exports.
Ashish Shah, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Pepperfry said, "At a time when multiple bottlenecks have disrupted global supply chains, Piyush has brought great control on our operating costs and efficiencies through a solid grasp over various parts of our supply chain. His promotion is a testament to his domain expertise, hard work, and constant hustle towards building an unparalleled, cost-efficient big box supply chain network.”
"I am thrilled to take on more challenges. We will continue to strive harder on making timely deliveries and provide quality experiences for our customers. Our team is poised to address any sectoral challenges and I look forward to further strengthening our logistical operations as we build dream homes for tomorrow,” said Piyush Agarwal, VP, Supply Chain, Pepperfry.
11 years ago, Pepperfry disrupted the hyperlocal furniture market by creating India’s largest big-box supply chain network. PepCart provides first-mile and last-mile logistics services to buyers and sellers in over 500 cities. PepCart successfully delivered more than 10 million shipments in 2022. It has a team of more than 1,000 supply chain professionals spread across 31 distribution centers, delivering through a fleet of 300 vehicles and assembling furniture at customers’ homes. The company’s specialized build-to-suit warehouses in Mumbai, Gurugram, Jodhpur, and Bangalore cater to the unique storage requirements of the furniture and home goods, supporting customers around the clock through phone calls, emails, and 24/7 chat services.
Moonshot, an Omni-channel DaaS (Distribution as a Service) platform offering emerging, regional, and established D2C brands access to general trade, modern trade, e-commerce, and quick commerce via its tech-enabled plug-and-play solution and distribution network, is aiming to increase the reach of its services Pan India and across categories by the end of the year 2023.
The company is looking forward to acquiring four to five brands and enabling a few international brands to enter the Indian market landscape by the end of the year. Currently, Moonshot is live in the Food and Beverage category, and in the upcoming months, it will be adding Personal care to its network.
The company is planning on expanding its distribution system by bringing over 3500 FMCG distributors into its network by the end of 2023. Moonshot is currently operational in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir, and as part of its expansion plan for this year, the network of the company will be expanding in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in the next few months and will be covering pan India by December 2023.
Atul Bahl, Co-founder, Moonshot Distribution System, said, “ At Moonshot Distribution System, we are initiating the widespread reach of our portfolio companies to achieve scale geographically with zero fixed costs and helping them grow 100 percent month-on-month. We offer extensive insights into packaging, pricing, weightage, schemes, and promotions best suited to increase consumer off-take for our partner bands from both national and regional perspectives. Due to our vast market reach and our constant feedback loop, we provide deep data analytics to both our brands and our distributor network helping them optimize demand and supply with extreme efficiency.”
Dhruv Jain, Co-founder, Moonshot Distribution System, said, “At Moonshot Distribution System we are creating a robust network of distributors and warehouses throughout the country. Our deep understanding of the regional complexities in both logistics and operations is what helps our partner brands scale exponentially. With over 15 brands and over 200 SKUs in our ever-growing product basket, we reduce the cost of distribution for every brand.”
Anant Agarwal, Co-founder, Moonshot Distribution and Promoter MMG India said, “Running Coca-Cola and McDonald’s in India has given the group direct access to the consumers, hence we understand the Indian consumer needs and the dynamic consumer environment really well. The Indian landscape was always predominantly dominated by very large and old brands which have deep distribution in the market, but the market has experienced a big change in the last 4-5 years with more and more new-age DTC brands and products entering the market through the e-commerce networks. While there are a lot of players who aid these brands through the online network we understood this gap in the market and started Moonshot Distribution System, which is an Omnichannel distribution platform. Moonshot is helping brands increase their reach in their market not only through e-commerce but also through physical distribution through GT and Modern trade which is the hardest nut to crack for all new-age brands and products. We also aim to become a house of brands in the future with an all-India Distribution Network.”
Moonshot follows an internal checklist for selecting the brands and has a waitlist of around 1200+ brands. At present, the company is looking after the distribution for brands such as Besht, Betterbite, Sartaj, Meva Bite, Trick or Treat, BTW among others, and is planning to onboard more than 50 brands across over 25 categories by the end of FY24.
TenderCuts has announced the launch of a brand-new venture, HappyChops - a marketplace to empower local meat shops with the latest technologies, robust supply chain, and accelerated growth.
As India’s first integrated marketplace, Happy chops connects meat vendors with their customers online. They enable local meat shops with a lean supply chain, thereby providing easy access to quality products with doorstep delivery at competitive prices. That apart, the company also plans to provide these shops with digital payment infrastructure and access to credit and insurance in the near future.
The company has already onboarded 100+ chicken and mutton shops in Chennai. By March 2023, the company plans to get 300 more neighborhood shops onboard and expand to 10 more cities by June 2023.
The Chennai-based start-up empowers traditional meat shops with digital technologies, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, customer relationship management (CRM), a point of sale (POS) platform, and automated customer support. All they need is a mobile phone, and voila, they are tech ready to cater to the demands of consumers in their neighborhoods.
Nishanth Chandran, Founder and CEO, TenderCuts and Happy Chops, said, “With Happy Chops, we aim to create a revolution by bringing together the large community of local meat shops in India and enabling them with cutting-edge technologies and efficient supply chains that we have perfected at TenderCuts over the last seven years. Through this inclusive model, our endeavor is to elevate the customer experience as well as amplify the income potential of partner shops. So far, the response has been phenomenal and we’re excited to see this first-of-its-kind initiative to champion the cause of neighborhood meat shops, and transform the industry.”
Given the proliferation of digital adoption and home delivery of food and beverages since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a huge untapped market opportunity to transform the way India consumes meat. Happy Chops is looking to address the value-conscious clientele in 150+ tier l and tier ll Indian markets through a marketplace model.
Since its inception in 2016 in Chennai, TenderCuts has been a pioneer in providing fresh meat and seafood to customers directly from farm to fork, through its own branded omnichannel shops. Powered by its proprietary technology stack and effective supply chain, the company rapidly expanded to 3 markets and gained market leadership. The new venture aims to leverage this capability and revolutionize the local meat and fish buying experience by empowering local players with technology, delivery, and self/store pick-up facilities. It’s a win-win situation as customers get quality products in hygienic and safe packaging while forgoing the long queues at the store.
Hyundai Motor India Ltd has announced the launch of an Omni-Channel Retail Experience for its customers across India. This industry-first initiative would allow customers to shop seamlessly across multiple sales channels; Hyundai Website, Physical Dealer Showrooms, and myHyundai app, resulting in enhanced customer convenience and flexibility.
Tarun Garg, COO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “As the lines between the physical and digital world blur, the world of Automotive retail is witnessing a dramatic change. Customer buying journeys are becoming increasingly non-linear, with today’s tech-savvy customers demanding Omni-presence from brands that allow them to engage in both online and offline shopping at their convenience. In our relentless pursuit to induce customer delight and take our customers ‘Beyond Mobility’, HMIL is pleased to announce an Industry First initiative of Omni-Channel experience for our customers. We firmly believe that this initiative will make customer journeys seamless as well as thoroughly enjoyable and convenient.”
“To ensure a smooth Omni-Channel experience for its customers, HMIL has integrated all customer touchpoints with a focus on allowing customers to switch between offline and online shopping formats at any point in their buying journey. Customers can now move between the showroom and online experience on Hyundai’s Click to Buy Website as many times, without breaking their buying journey. Customer buying journeys will also be synced with their personalized profile page on Hyundai’s unified App- ‘myHyundai”, he further added.
In order to build a digitally-enabled sales team and facilitate quick adoption of this new retail format, HMIL has conducted extensive training and special sessions with more than 20,000 Dealer staff in recent months to support their customers and offer a timely resolution of their queries.
Indian omnichannel beauty company Sugar Cosmetics launched its 50th High Street Store at Anna Nagar East, Chennai, announced Pushkar Basu, retail manager, High Street at Sugar Cosmetics.
The Mumbai-based direct-to-consumer (D2C) cosmetics brand is expanding its offline space with the addition of more standalone stores across the country. In June 2022 Sugar Cosmetics opened doors to their 100th brick-and-mortar store at VR Chennai, Anna Nagar.
“Its been a rocking 2022 for Sugar Cosmetics and what would be the best way of saying Alvidaaaaa year- 2022 with our December 22 Store launches – Mani Square-Kolkata, Elante-Chandigarh, City Center-Siliguri, DN Regalia-Bhubaneshwar Orion Gorakhpur, and we are sure that we will achieve greater heights which no other brand has achieved and stay tuned for more store launches,” said Ashish Singh, Senior Retail Manager of Sugar Cosmetics. In January 2023 the brand opened three stores in Bangalore, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
The brand products are currently available across more than 45,000 multi-brand outlets spread across 500+ cities in the country. It currently operates 125+ stores on its own and plans to ramp up this count to 200 stores by March 2023.
Sugar Cosmetics is a cruelty-free makeup brand founded by Vineeta Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee in 2015. After primarily working as a D2C brand early on, the brand quickly ventured into offline trade in 2017. It also sells its products on marketplaces including Amazon, Flipkart, and Nykaa.
In May 2022 Sugar Cosmetics closed its $50 million Series D funding round led by the Asia fund of L Catterton with participation from existing investors like Elevation Capital, A91 Partners, and India Quotient. Sugar has endured a long trek to be in the current position, said Kaushik Mukherjee, Co-founder, and COO.
The New Shop, India's first omnichannel convenience commerce company, has announced hiring 5000 employees in PAN India by June 2024. It intends to hire across roles and levels including supply chain, Business Development, sales, technology, training, procurement, and operations. This is a strategic move by the brand aligned with its expansion plans of opening 700+ stores within the next 18 months.
The NEW Shop will be hiring resources in the fields of marketing, sales, and operations within its headquarters in Delhi. For the remaining roles, it will be sourcing regional talent. 5 percent of the overall hiring will be allocated to filling senior leadership positions.
To hire high-quality talent, the brand has partnered with various leading recruitment portals and headhunters. Alongside, as various start-ups and brands are laying off employees, The New Shop is making efforts to reach out to these companies for seeking talent references as well as to recruit laid-off employees. Additionally, the brand is also sponsoring renowned colleges and universities fests and working with their placement cells to onboard new, deserving talent.
The New Shop has grown rapidly over the last 18 months and has grown to 73 franchise stores. As it plans to scale further, the demand for a skilled workforce is high. Additionally, each store of the brand requires 6 employees on average for the smooth functioning of their omnichannel offerings. The company further supports its franchise partners in not only hiring the staff but even training their in-store sales and operations teams. Recruiting new talent in the coming months will help the brand achieve both of these goals.
Aastha Almast, Co-Founder and Head of Business, The New Shop said, “At The NEW Shop, we strive to provide convenience to the new-age and modern consumers of India as well as provide ease of setting up a business for our franchise partners. We are thrilled that we are walking on the right path as we have witnessed exceptional growth on both fronts over the last few months. Aiming to scale further, we need quality talent to support us in our growth journey as well as that of our franchise partners as we plan to open 700+ stores within the next 18 months. With the onboarding of new employees, we not only envision expanding The NEW Shop family and continuing to walk on the growth path but even support our franchise partners.”
The New Shop aims at adding 10,000+ successful entrepreneurs in the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem who will in turn create millions of job opportunities by 2030. This way, the brand wants to contribute to building a self-reliant India and emerge at the forefront of empowering entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship. Hiring employees is the first step taken by the brand in this very direction.
Zlade, a home-growndigitally native, omnichannel personal care brand that has been on a rapid rise in this industry, has inked an exclusive partnership with BIC, a leading manufacturer of shavers and razor blades to introduce a complete portfolio of men’s and women’s shaving razors to India. With over 75 years of experience in the industry, BICas an industry veteran will lend its manufacturing expertise to Zlade in a bid to offer superior quality smart shaving solutions.
Zlade has also raised a round of funding from multiple family offices, includingShivanssh Holdings(VikasPoddar Family Office) and Amit Kalyani, amounting to $1.5 million. The brand is also in advanced talks to raise another $1.5 million in equity funding from marquee investors and family offices.
According to IMARC, India is one of the fastest-growing markets for men’s grooming products. It was valued at $ 1.86 billion in 2021 and has a projected CAGR of 7.93 percent during 2022-2027. Zlade seeks to capitalize on this booming trend with its consumer-first approach and offers high-quality products at competitive prices compared to other leading brands in the segment.
Thomas Brette, BIC Group Partnerships and New Business Officer said, “Our partnership with Zlade is part of the business-to-business strategy for our Blade Excellence division. Zlade is on a strong growth trajectory. Its founders have built a team with a solid focus on resolving consumer pain points and we are excited to support with our blade innovation and manufacturing expertise.”
“We are delighted to joined hands with BIC. As a pioneer in the men’s grooming segment in India, we are singularly focused on building a brand that owns the men’s shaving and intimate grooming space. Over the past 4 years, it has been our constant endeavor to align with the right partner for getting superior quality razors to the Indian consumer at the right price. As we boost our operations by building an omnichannel presence, we needed the support of a legacy brand that could guide us on scaling up our capabilities,” said Mihir Vaidya,Co-founder, and Co-CEO of Zlade.
“We have spent the last 10 months with BIC in selecting product offerings specifically to cater to the needs of the Indian consumer. The result is a portfolio of premium razors and affordable ready shavers that will cater to the entire Indian demographic; from urban India to the remotest village in the country, delivered through our deep proliferation via online and offline distribution,” he added.
“Zlade has shown tremendous growth by transcribing change in the men’s intimate grooming industry through innovative and A-class quality products. They are the pioneers of new-age men’s grooming solutions, creating a strong niche as a company. Our investment in Zlade is in line with our thesis of investing in branded consumer products that are catering to problems of new India, scaling consistently, and have high recall value. We, as a family office are excited to partner Zlade on their journey ahead. “ added Yash Poddar, Co-Principal and Chief Investment Officer, Vikas Poddar Family Office ( Shivanssh Holdings).
Amit Kalyani, Bharat Forge, one of the early investors in Zlade, congratulated the team and said, “Zlade is a technologically innovative company and I am happy to be a part of their journey. I have known the founders for a long time.”
Zlade has witnessed exponential development since its inception and has also joined the Government of India’s Startup India initiative. It has a substantial online presence, with a major presence on marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Nykaa, and BigBasket in addition to its own D2C website. Present in more than 10,000 retail outlets across 13 states in India, the brand aims to grow to1,00,000 retail outlets in FY24.
India’s largest streetwear aggregator, Crepdog Crew (CDC) has raised an undisclosed amount in seed round funding from marquee investors and industry veterans including Rahul Kayan (Director, SMIFS Ltd); Harminder Sahni, founder Wazir Advisors and one of the earliest angel investors in India; fashion designers Masaba Gupta and Nikhil Mehra, Pharmeasy co-founders Dharmil Seth and Siddharth Shah and chairman Yogesh Shukla, and Ankit Solanki, angel investor, and partner Capillary Ventures.
At the forefront of the hype culture in India, CDC envisions using this fresh capital to scale its e-commerce business and community-based retail footprint.
Since 2019, CDC has gone from strength to strength, expanding from an Instagram page to a website to a 6,000 square feet flagship store, CDC Experience in New Delhi, that houses the biggest sneaker wall in India, the widest collection of Indian streetwear designers, a basketball court, a craft coffee café, Brisk and even a burger shop. Plans for 2023 include opening CDC’s second experiential retail store within the next three months in Mumbai.
The sneaker sector in India has been one of the fastest growing sectors in India - India’s sneaker market share is currently growing at 12-15 percent and is expected to catch up to the global sneaker market that stands at $6 billion - a fact that has not gone unnoticed by investors. But what makes CDC’s success story even more exciting is its focus on curating and nurturing homegrown streetwear fashion talent. CDC currently retails more than 40 streetwear brands on its website and 20 brands – exclusively – at its flagship store.
Yogesh Shukla, Chairman PharmEasy said, “The Indian sneaker market is literally going places and CDC being a marketplace will continue to play a larger role by helping resellers and fulfilling the demands of sneakerheads. But what gives CDC an edge is their curation and support of young talented designers on their online platform, and in-store. This combination of sneakers and fashion makes it a very exciting proposition to be invested in.”
The brand has already witnessed 350 percent year-on-year growth since its inception in 2019 and aims to further spread its reach by opening more stores across the country. Today, crepdog logs more than 6 lakh visitors every month, and the platform delivers over 500 pairs of sneakers per week to customers spread all across India every week - establishing itself as a profitable multi-crore business and India’s one-stop shop for everything sneaker and streetwear related.
Masaba Gupta, Fashion Entrepreneur, and Actor said, “Young India is leading the charge, blazing ahead with purpose and a plan, and which is why I am thrilled to be backing an incredibly exciting business like Crepdog Crew led by a team of young founders. CDC has caught on to the burgeoning global sneaker resale culture, which is steadily growing into a community of its own here in India. Re-sale is cool not just for yourself, but for our planet as well.”
Angel investor and partner Capillary Ventures Ankit Solanki invested in CDC because he believes “CDC is well poised - both with their retail and digital presence - to attract Indian teens interested in hype wear and luxury apparel spenders who are getting younger.”
The search for a pair of the coveted Yeezys is what led to the creation of Crepdog Crew, and today is the country’s most trusted sneaker and streetwear aggregator with a turnover of Rs 25 crore. Friends and co-founders Anchit Kapil, Bharat Mehrotra, and Shaurya Kumar saw a gap in the market and today have a platform that can be counted on for product authenticity and accessibility for all.
Anchit Kapil, Co-founder and CEO Crepdog Crew said, “Our commitment to providing enthusiasts authentic products and the best Indian streetwear designs within the best shopping experience is what drives us and has seen us become a one-stop shop for the community. This investment is an exciting next step for the brand. It gives us the impetus to continue our mission which is to reimagine the convergence of community and sneaker and streetwear culture and lifestyle.”
Digital beauty and personal care brand Recode Studios reported net sales of Rs 15 crore on the back of a net profit of Rs 48 lakh for FY 2022.
Recode Studios has always kept up with the momentum of a significant rise in revenue year-on-year in FY22. Supported by the two pillars of quality and affordability, the brand is carving its impact in the Indian beauty and cosmetic market. The brand's yearly sales climbed from Rs 25 lakh in 2018 to Rs 2 crore in 2019 and 2020, which is 8X the growth. The brand registered an increase of 2.5 percent in 2021 with Rs 5 crore in sales; and a magnificent growth rate of 300 percent with Rs 15 crore by the end of 2022.
Recode Studios' in-house brands accounted for 75 percent of the total revenue, while other brands accounted for the last 25 percent. In addition, the company claims to earn a 30 percent commission from selling third-party brands on its podium from an array of brands such as London Pride Cosmetics, Wow Skin Science, Riyo Herbs, Malibu, Chic Nutrix, among others, besides Recode's in-house products.
The startup offers a range of beauty products for makeup, skincare, and more. Products such as eyeliner, primer, and liquid lipstick, account for nearly 50-60 percent of the total revenue, wherein the average basket value is Rs 1,100.
After working primarily as a D2C brand early on, Recode Studios adopted an omnichannel strategy wherein brick-and-mortar stores account for 40 percent of its total sales. In addition, the brand has partnered with several stores across the country and has opened over 300 offline stores and three franchise stores, with stores in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra being on the cards. The brand intends to expand its periphery in the Northeast and the South of India and gradually, within three to four years, towards the Middle Eastern market.
Dheeraj Bansal, Founder of Recode Studios shared," The year 2022 marked the beginning of economic recovery, with brand growth graphs on the positive side. But with the threat of new variants of Covid hovering around the economy, things are expected to become uncertain again. But the lessons learned in the last few years will lead business entities to strategize well and make the best of the available resources."
As one of the few sustainable fashion brands in India, Ammarzo is committed to sustainability. Now it is expanding from just an e-commerce startup brand to entering the retail market.
For being India's sustainable brand in 2021 and 2022, it won several honors. Now that it has received a number of funds and is no longer simply a little start-up, the Ammarzo brand is growing. The company is currently entering the UAE market and considering expanding to retail as well. Ammarzo was mostly e-commerce up until recently, but it is presently growing, moving into retail, and entering the UAE markets in a very short duration.
The objective is to offer apparel of a premium quality and style that is recognized on a worldwide scale while maintaining our costs as near as we can to those in the affordable range.
Ammarzo Brand raised its angel investment round of funding by joining hands with Safexpay's founder, Ravi Gupta. Ammarzo is a sustainable and conscious fashion, e-commerce brand that is now making its way to the UAE and Indian retail markets as well. Being a brand owned by woman entrepreneur and actor Chahatt Khanna, they have strong values for women empowerment, and the majority of their employees are women.
Ammarzo is not simply another women's fashion brand; instead, it has a strong link to the strength and pride of a girl and actively supports women's emancipation via skill development and education. At Ammarzo Fashion, women have made up around 80 percent of the workforce since the company's founding in 2018.
Ammarzo is a pioneering sustainable fashion company in India and has received several accolades from CNBC Business Awards, Midday Awards, and other important business awards. The company formerly primarily sold women's clothing, but they just debuted a men's range. Not to forget that the Ammarzo Foundation, is gaining popularity and donates 10 percent of its profits to organizations that support the welfare of children and animals.
Premium menswear brand DaMENSCH announced the launch of its ultimate Popcorn collection. Made with sustainably sourced cotton, the range features popcorn trousers, round neck full sleeves t-shirts, and Henley full sleeves t-shirts. The fabric goes through a special finishing process that gives it a texture resembling fluffy kernels of popcorn. The newly launched collection is synonymous with the brand's continuous strides in creating high-quality, innovative, and conscious products.
Known for their expertly crafted and responsibly made high-quality statement casuals, DaMENSCH has forayed into relaxed formals with this launch. The popcorn collection is a must-have this season for men who want to enhance their style. With a refined minimal aesthetic and the comfort of chinos that trousers usually lack- DaMENSCH popcorn trousers feature High-IQ dyes that use 50 percent lesser water. The trousers give an added smart edge and the knit structure design makes them comfy for work and even comfier for your casual outings.
DaMENSCH Popcorn T-Shirts are crafted with a superior fabric blend that uses sustainably sourced cotton and High-IQ dyes which are more sustainable and provide stronger darker and brighter fade-proof colors. The unmatched style of popcorn textured t-shirt can be worn for office or casual meetings.
“As we continue to expand our exciting range of fashion portfolios, we are delighted to bring a unique popcorn collection to satisfy the need for comfort for our Da-man community. We saw that our popcorn category is growing fast in the last few days especially after receiving the phenomenal response to our Herringbone popcorn t-shirt. At DaMENSCH we combine innovative technologies and designs to bring something extraordinary and trendy for modern men that are distinct in features and most desirable in feel,” said Gaurav Pushkar, Co-founder, DaMENSCH.
DaMENSCH's current line of products includes innerwear, t-shirts, joggers, pajamas, shorts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. The brand has an experience store at Mantri Square Mall, Bengaluru, and is also available on platforms like Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, and Meesho.
JUSTDOGS, an omnichannel retailer of pet care products and services, has unveiled a new avatar as a key step towards accelerating the brand's growth in the next phase.
JUSTDOGS has served the pet parent community for over a decade with the aim of aiding in a longer, happier, and healthier life for pets and making the pet parenting journey smooth and joyous.
‘JUSTDOGS - Unconditionally Yours’, this new positioning has been inspired by pets, as their love for us comes without any conditions or hidden agendas. With this new brand identity, JUSTDOGS aims to position itself as a friend, someone that pet parents can reach out to for anything that helps them be the best pet parent; be it a product, service, or advice.
The brand is for those who want to change their lives with pets. JUSTDOGS is the go-to confidante that champions this journey of unconditional love from beginning to end. The brand envisions itself to be synonymous with pet care in India and its mission is to create an environment where every person who connects with the brand, will gain a deeper understanding of pets and their importance of them in our lives.
“JUSTDOGS has taken huge leaps and we are on a robust growth trajectory for the coming years as well. With the rapid acceptance and growth of pet care; we envision strengthening the pet parents community’s affinity with the brand and clearly defining the ‘customer centricity and love for pets as the heart of JUSTDOGS.’ The rejuvenation movements have been conducted keeping its ethos intact as JUSTDOGS provides products and services that aid in a longer, happier and healthier life of a pet; and help pet parents in making the parenting journey smooth, convenient and better,” said Ashish Anthony, founder, JUSTDOGS.
“The paradigm shift from 'being pet owners to being pet parents’ has fueled the novel approach for JUSTDOGS. JUSTDOGS aims to inspire pet parents with its authenticity that enables them to adopt and raise pets more easily and provide a better quality of life,” added Poorvi Anthony, co-founder, JUSTDOGS.
Pet adoptions, especially for cats and dogs, recorded a sharp increase as consumers looked to ‘animals for companionship’ throughout the long months of home seclusion that Indian consumers have been subject to since the pandemic. “The new brand mantra is equipped to address this changing relationship between humans and pets where they are more than a parent to their pets, we look at households where a pet is loved and addressed as a sibling, child, niece, and nephew and always an important factor in all family decisions made,” she added.
Kashyap Sanghani, Head of Marketing, JUSTDOGS, commented, “The heart-shaped ribbon in blue is our key brand element that represents the relationship tied with unconditional love between pets and pet parents. The new brand positioning is a reflection of our loyalty toward pets. Choosing the color blue symbolizes the brand’s serenity, stability, inspiration, wisdom, health, and reliability. JUSTDOGS is a torch bearer of pet care in India, it indeed encourages us to bleed blue.”
Leading omnichannel beauty retail chain Health and Glow celebrated its silver jubilee, marking its long legacy of 25 years in the beauty and personal care space.
The journey dates back to 1997 with the opening of Health and Glow’s first store in Chennai. Since then, Health and Glow has emerged as one of the largest networks of beauty and personal care products with over 175 stores across Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Cochin, Kolkata, Pune, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Mangalore, and others.
Health and Glow launched its private label products including a clean beauty range. The brand recently introduced its own line of color cosmetics which offers a fresh assortment of vegan, cruelty-free everyday makeup products. Taking personalization to the next level, Health and Glow introduced an AI-enabled skin personalization tool called ‘H&G Skin Expert’, an advanced tool that aims to recognize every skin type to create a personalized skincare routine.
Over the years, the brand has strengthened its omnichannel existence, providing customers the comfort of choosing a plurality of channels that prevails in the retail landscape of today. Health and Glow are constantly innovating to survive the hypercompetitive and cluttered beauty and personal care space. Be it the omnichannel approach which offers an unprecedented solution or a wide range of products from different categories to cater to the all-round needs of customers, Health and Glow have everything under one roof. Apart from the best of brands, they offer an exclusive range of skin and hair care products from across the globe like Dermafique, Neutrogena, Hairlogic, Lisse Design to name a few.
K. Venkataramani, MD, and CEO Health and Glow, said, “We are thankful to our consumers for trusting the brand and showering us with immense love. We welcomed many new consumers to our family in these years and the affection and trust we have received are overwhelming. As we celebrate our big milestone we want our customers, partners, stakeholders, and employees to take part in all the gala celebrations and commemorate this happy time together.”
To mark its silver jubilee, Health and Glow has announced its much-awaited 25-year anniversary exclusive sale, under which the brand is offering exclusive offers, deals, sales, and other interesting activities to be implemented in-store and online. The consumers can avail of up to 50 percent discount on a wide range of products, Up to 35 percent off on skin care, 25 percent off on perfumes, and 15 percent off on professional hair care, including buy 2 and get 1 offer on H&G cosmetics. The sale will remain live on all offline stores and the website throughout this month.
Meat and meat products online platform Licious expects its revenue to cross the Rs 1,500 crore mark in 12 months but it is not planning an initial public offer before 2025-26, according to company co-founder Vivek Gupta. The company, which serves 28 Indian cities, including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata, through its online channel, is also looking to have a presence through offline retail stores besides expanding its product offerings.
"We are right now at around Rs 1,000 crore run rate. In 12 months maybe we should look at Rs 1,500 crore kind of run rate. In the last 12 months also we would have grown more than 50 percent and that is how we look at. Every point of time revenue run rate goes up by 50 percent in a 12-month period, is what I will continue to look at even in the future," Gupta said.
In the ongoing fiscal, Gupta said Licious will cross the Rs 1,000 crore revenue milestone, adding the company is also working with a very "sharp focus on driving profitability".
"My sense is that next calendar year of 2023, maybe 12 months from now we should be able to hit EBITDA profitability," he said.
On IPO plans of the company, which claims to be the country's first direct-to-consumer unicorn, Gupta said, "...first the company should earn financial independence. We need to be EBIDTA profitable and I will not take this company public before we start generating cash profit."
When asked about a possible timeline for going public, he said, "My fastest sense of the IPO will be in the financial year 2025-26, (it) looks more reasonable to me..."
By then, he said Licious will be a very different business, an "Indian homegrown brand loved by consumers and then generating cash that is a dream status".
Gupta said Licious has in total acquired around 28 lakh consumers till now, doing 11 lakh transactions a month with average order ticket sizes ranging between Rs 600 and Rs 650.
He said the company has been able to sustain the growth momentum witnessed during the pandemic having witnessed a little dip in the October-December period of last year when COVID-19 started settling down.
On expansion plans, he said at present Licious is not present in modern trade and general trade distribution too much with only one or two products to test the market.
"So, that is one channel we are looking forward to investing in, distributing Licious products in model trade. Second thing we are experimenting is with our Licious own stores, and exclusive business outlets. We have as of today seven such stores which are either opened or a few of them are getting opened. These two channels we will continue to dial up in the next 12 months," he said.
Also, he said Licious plans to introduce new products, including widening the portfolio of the ready-to-eat meant segment along with different flavors encompassing tastes of different parts of India.
No matter what your beauty goals are, a healthy skin barrier is the key to fresh and nourished skin. Due to the hectic lifestyle, external aggressors such as UV rays and air pollution can create extensive damage to the skin, breaking the skin’s protective barrier.
Without a strong protective barrier, your skin allows more toxins and environmental pollutants to enter, making it sensitive and resulting in inflammation, breakouts, dryness, and itchiness. Hence, finding a barrier-boosting ingredient is crucial to combat these aggressors. Ceramides, a powerful ingredient that plays an important role in skin’s barrier function, they are our body’s first line of defense and are much needed to repair and maintain the skin barrier.
Enriched with a trifecta of power-packed scientific ingredients - Ceramides, Beta Glucans, and Omega 3,6,9, introducing the all-new Nykaa SKINRX Ceramide Moisturizers, in the day and night variants. Curated for oily and normal to dry skin types, they protect and replenish the lipid molecules to reveal healthy deeply nourished hydrated skin.
To allow for comfortable application, the variant for oily skin is oil-free and spreads evenly without feeling heavy, in contrast to the variant for dry skin, which has a creamy texture, non-sticky, lightweight, and is rich in fatty acids. Both variants are supplemented with antioxidants and the all-essential SPF, which creates a protective layer on the skin, fighting UV Rays. Meanwhile, the night moisturizers are created with the benefits of 5 different ceramides that work to neutralize the harmful effects of the day, restoring the lipid barrier and leaving the skin deeply nourished.
Vishal Gupta, Executive Vice President, Nykaa Beauty Private Label, Nykaa Beauty said, "At Nykaa SKINRX, every product is enhanced with the power of clinically proven ingredients and appropriate concentrations, that come together to effectively provide real and visible results. With the launch of the new Ceramide Moisturisers, we want to help create a holistic skincare regime that will fight against external environmental stressors. We have built the SKINRX portfolio to develop a full skincare solution for our consumers according to their skin type.”
Nykaa SKINRX Ceramide Moisturisers are dermatologically tested, fragrance and alcohol-free, while also being free of parabens and silicones. They will be available on the Nykaa website/app as well as in stores across India and are priced at Rs 399 for the day variant and Rs 449 for the night variant.
E-commerce retailer Nykaa Fashion has announced the onboarding of Janhvi Kapoor as the company’s brand ambassador. The company claims that this move is an endeavor to have Kapoor’s influence and popularity transcend the world of fashion as the brand has deepened its relationship with the artist who will be seen in new avatars.
Janhvi is a true, modern style icon who has already established her flair in the beauty game with Nykaa, Adwaita Nayar, co-founder, Nykaa and CEO, Nykaa Fashion, said. “She brings great relatability and influence to the table and we cannot think of anyone more apt to represent the spirit of our fashion offering,” he added.
In the ad film, Kapoor shows excitement on spotting a few of her favorite products with ‘One Nykaa Two Apps: Two Apps, Double the Fun’. Celebrating fashion on fleek, the film opens with Kapoor instantly spotting her favorite beauty and fashion picks and declaring that true fans never just use one app because, with Nykaa Beauty and Nykaa Fashion, the curations and the offerings, multiply.
Riding on the success of the first #ShukarHaiSUGARHai television ad, SUGAR Cosmetics, one of India’s leading omnichannel beauty companies and a cult favorite amongst Gen Z and Millennial consumers, launched the second commercial of its #ShukarHaiSUGARHai campaign – a wedding-themed slice of life moment, featuring powerhouses Ranveer Singh and Tamannah Bhatia.
The latest ad highlights and reinforces the brand’s USP of long-lasting makeup and has been launched on television, OOH, and digital platforms. This will further be amplified across 45+ channels comprising top GECs, regional GECs, movie channels, music channels, regional news, and high-definition channels in 9 languages including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Bhojpuri, Kannada, Oriya, Bengali, and Assamese.
This #ShukarHaiSUGARHai campaign narrates a moment that is personally relatable to the brand’s core audience - that of their wedding banquet where SUGAR plays a key role as a brand that can be depended on to stay flawless, no matter what surprise comes her way. In an intimate setting with the families of the two protagonists, the campaign continues the story of Ranveer Singh (playing Vihaan) and Tamannah Bhatia (playing Arya). The frame opens with Tamannah getting ready for her special day, applying SUGAR Cosmetics’ makeup, and Vineeta Singh, Co-Founder, and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics (playing Vihaan’s sister) by her side.
In the next scene, Ranveer can be seen raising a toast and professing his love for his beautiful wife. When Tamannah looks at him with tears in her eyes, Ranveer playfully warns her that “Makeup kharab ho jayega”. Reacting with surprise, Tamannah simply smiles back and without a worry says, “Oh please, SUGAR ka make-up hai”. The commercial then concludes with Ranveer and Vineeta exclaiming “Shukar hai, SUGAR hai!” – the central theme of the storyline and the campaign for the brand. This reinforces that SUGAR Cosmetics’ makeup is long-lasting and SUGAR and its collection of world-class products are what the viewer can rely on - especially during the most important and priceless moments of her life.
Vineeta Singh, Co-founder, and CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics said, “We have been ecstatic to see the phenomenal success of the first #ShukarHaiSUGARHai’s campaign. With 200+ ad units on OOH and coverage across 45+ channels, our story made it to the trending list on Twitter and was organically picked by the most prestigious media pages, influencers, and brands. We are thrilled to see how this recreation of the relatable moments from a SUGAR customer’s life has reached billions of households through Vihaan and Arya’s stories. With the wedding season around the corner, we are thrilled to release this beautiful new film which captures a priceless moment from the life of every bride-to-be. With SUGAR on you, you can just soak in your best moments without having to worry about smudging your makeup – and we couldn’t be more pleased to have this thought come to life with our campaign ambassadors – Ranveer and Tamannah.”
The initial #ShukarHaiSUGARHai campaign saw huge success across television, OOH, print, radio, and cinema and was additionally amplified across various mainstream digital, and social media channels, OTT, and various retail touchpoints. As part of its launch strategy, the brand also engaged with consumers through interesting contests across social media handles, and gamified fun filters!
The virality of the #ShukarHaiSUGAHai campaign not only made it reach to the Twitter Trending List but the hashtag also intrigued brands such as Myntra, Volkswagen India, Burger King, Noise, Shaadi.com, Bewakoof, and Lenskart to jump onto the bandwagon by tweeting their own versions of #ShukarHaiSUGARHai, leading to 250+ participants in the trend.
Followed by a $50 million Series D fundraise led by the Asia fund of L Catterton, the largest global consumer-focused private equity firm in June’22, the brand recently announced Bollywood Superstar Ranveer Singh as its newest investor. The partnership with Ranveer and Tamannaah aims to further cement SUGAR’s position as a fan favorite and create new pathways for customer acquisition, especially with the Gen Z and millennial audiences in India.
Neal’s Yard Remedies is excited to launch its first exclusive brand shop at DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Neal’s Yard Remedies is UK’s No. 1 Organic and Vegan skincare brand. Founded in the UK in 1981, Neal’s Yard Remedies has over 316 stores globally. From becoming the UK’s first certified organic health and beauty brand to helping ban plastic microbeads, Neal’s Yard Remedies is a truly pioneering force.
The Brand is known for its natural, sustainable, and organic ingredients and the products are made from ethically-sourced herbs, botanicals, and essential oils. Neal's Yard Remedies offers collections in the areas of skincare, bath and body, aromatherapy, and well-being in addition to men's and mother-and-baby product lines.
Early this year, the brand debuted exclusively on House of Beauty's Omnichannel platform, Boddess, online and offline store. After a high-powered launch on Boddess.com, the brand has seen an exceptional response from its Indian customers. House of Beauty (HOB) is a fast-growing, rapidly expanding Beauty and Wellness Specialist Company, focusing on launching International and Cult Celebrity beauty brands via various platforms across India and enabling the brands to penetrate into the Indian market. House of Beauty asserts itself as a Brand building platform aligning with Brand Strategy and establishing International brands in India via Aspirational Distribution, Omni Channel Marketing, Investment in Branding, Retail Distribution, Digital Marketing, Education, Training, Local Operations, E-commerce, and other channels.
Sanjali Giri, VP International Brands - House Of Beauty, Neal’s Yard Remedies said, ”In order to assist our customers in striking the true balance between inner beauty and beauty of the environment, Neal’s yard Remedies as it is today - Full of Life and Colors. We are eager to work closely with Neal’s Yard Remedies throughout the coming years and expand our reach to the Indian Market. We are aggressively planning to grow with the innovation of Clean Beauty as green beauty is and always has been the driving force for us.”
Since Neal's Yard Remedies first opened their doors, they have believed that inner health supports outer beauty. Offering a wide range of natural remedies including herbs, homeopathy, flower remedies, and aromatherapy.
FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd (NYKAA) announced the appointment of Rajesh Uppalapati as their new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to strengthen Nykaa’s position as a best-in-class consumer technology platform.
An accomplished technology leader with over two decades of experience building world-class products, platforms, and services for large-scale organizations as well as start-ups; Rajesh joins Nykaa after a successful stint at Intuit, as Vice President of Product Engineering.
“Rajesh is entering Nykaa with decades of experience in delivering world-class products and platforms. This comes at an exciting time in our business where we are extending our offerings across multiple business verticals and platforms. We continue to prioritize elevating consumer experience, product discovery, and hyper-personalization. I look forward to the role Rajesh will play in accelerating our tech-enabled innovations and furthering our growth momentum powered by disruptive technology,” said Falguni Nayar, Founder, and CEO, Nykaa.
Nykaa has carved a niche for itself by creating a seamless, omnichannel experience backed by the latest and robust technological capabilities and this new, strategic appointment in its executive team reflects the company's focus on tech for the future.
As Nykaa continues to push the boundaries of meaningful and secure technology-led consumer engagement, Rajesh’s expertise in this area is poised to support the company's vision to innovate at scale.
“I am thrilled to join Nykaa to help accelerate the company's effort towards building platforms offering superior security, accessibility and personalization that engage with their millions-strong consumer base for the long term. I look forward to leveraging my knowledge of making platforms and products more efficient and embracing the most relevant external technology trends to create a more immersive shopping experience for Nykaa’s shoppers,” commented Rajesh Uppalapati, CTO, Nykaa.
SUGAR Cosmetics - one of the fastest-growing premium beauty brands in India has roped in Amit Aggarwal as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee the company's financial operations including financial planning and analysis, reporting, taxation, risk management, and treasury operations.
Apart from strengthening the core leadership team by focusing on corporate governance and risk management, he will additionally champion growth initiatives while leading the finance controlling, legal, tax, customs, business risk, and compliance teams.
Prior to joining SUGAR, he was leading the Finance team at Marico Limited as its Head of Finance - India Business. With over two decades of experience, he has also been associated with large multinational companies such as Nestle India and Price Waterhouse Cooper. A Chartered Accountant and alumni of IIM Kolkata, he has managed various roles in finance functions ranging from planning, costing, project management, controlling, accounting, business partnering, and assurance.
Vineeta Singh, Co-founder, and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics said, "We are delighted to welcome Amit as our Chief Financial Officer. His vast experience and ability in handling financial decisions will help us grow responsibly toward our goal of an eventual IPO. We look forward to him working closely with our numerous business units to implement the company's vision of balancing aggressive expansion with an eye on profitability.”
Amit Aggarwal upon his appointment as CFO said, "I'm thrilled to join SUGAR Cosmetics, one of India's largest cosmetics brands, and take on the responsibility of their Chief Financial Officer. It is very exciting to be a part of such an ambitious team that’s building such an admired brand. I look forward to collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to accelerate the company's strategic growth and path to profitability while strengthening its fundamental systems, processes, and governance.”
Radiohead Brands, makers of Jimmy’s, a leading non-alcoholic mixers company forayed into a new category of mixers with the launch of Sparkling Beverages in three variants - Tonic Water, Ginger Ale, and Classic Lemonade. The new sparkling range will be introduced in 250 ml cans.
With the launch of these new ready-to-drink and mix beverages, Jimmy’s is the only brand in India with a complete range of both carbonated and non-carbonated mixers.
Ankur Bhatia, Founder, and CEO of Radiohead Brands, said, “We put a lot of effort in crafting our mixers, ensuring fine flavor craftsmanship and perfectly balanced taste profile. For this range we partnered with Ball, the world’s leading Can manufacturer, to ensure the packaging is of similar global quality standard, which brand Jimmy’s is now known for. All three products are made with 50 percent less sugar than a most leading carbonated beverage in the market, without using any artificial sweeteners.”
Crafted using the finest quality ingredients, Jimmy’s Sparkling Beverages caters to the demands of a larger audience base. The flavor craftsmanship of the Sparkling Beverages is a testimony of India’s fast-growing love for cocktails and mixed drinks, and a new homegrown ability to create high-quality craft beverages in India. This launch takes India’s flavor innovation and beverage craftsmanship to the highest global standards.
Jimmy’s Tonic Water features the finest natural quinine and has been crafted specifically for Gin lovers with a focus on highlighting the complex botanicals that feature in most Gins. Jimmy’s Ginger Ale is infused with a blend of two naturally sourced gingers, one lends a warm and spicy note, while the other adds a rich freshness. Jimmy’s Classic Lemonade is light and refreshing, with a citric bite from Lemon and a hint of zesty lime.
“The design of the cans is in sync with our current range of bottles, minimalistic and bright pop colors, that Jimmy’s is well recognized for,” added Ankur.
These Sparkling Beverages from Jimmy’s, come in 250 ml cans and will be priced at Rs 60. The new variants are available on the website and leading online and offline retailers.
Radiohead Brands, founded by Ankur Bhatia and Nitin Bhardwaj, was conceived to bring a world-class craft cocktail experience to consumers’ homes through Jimmy’s Brand. In a short span, Jimmy’s has become the fastest-growing brand in the new and upcoming spirits mixers category, clocking 200 percent growth in Y-o-Y, now available in over 10,000 outlets. The Can range will aid the brand in expanding its distribution footprint further. Now in its 3rd year of operations, the brand is well on its way to delivering a 100 crore revenue by the next financial year.
Skincare brand Earth Rhythm has announced entry into the offline retail market with the opening of 12 kiosks in Tier I and II cities as part of its offline expansion plans. Post the initial launch phase, the company wants to expand to open more than 70+ kiosks spread across India and offshore markets.
O2O (online to offline) or omnichannel strategy is seen as a trillion-dollar opportunity worldwide, the company aims to aim to generate 10 percent of the total revenue for FY 2022–2023 via omnichannel business. The cities where Earth Rhythm kiosks are being launched are New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Raipur, and Dehradun.
The kiosks display close to 90 products across its major four categories - Face, Hair, Bath, and Body and Makeup. By October, Earth Rhythm will also be launching a kiosk in Hyderabad city.
There has been an increase in direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands in India. The D2C market in India, which was estimated to be worth $33 billion in 2020, is anticipated to grow to $100 billion by 2025, according to Statista research. According to Avendus Capital, the D2C beauty and personal care market in India alone is predicted to reach $4.4 billion by 2025, with a staggering CAGR of 29 percent.
Harini Sivakumar, CEO, and Founder at Earth Rhythm Expressed, "We're thrilled to expand our brand offline with the launch of our first retail footprint at Pacific Mall in New Delhi. It's crucial to establish our presence offline as well after making a lot of noise online on the major e-commerce sites. Modern technology makes it possible for businesses to interact with clients online, including chatbots, social media, and virtual appointments. However, nothing fully matches a consumer relationship that is built in person. Many customers still enjoy making in-person purchases from brick-and-mortar establishments. Going hybrid, therefore, gives us a competitive advantage and aids in growing our clientele."
Owing to its strong web presence in the skincare sector, Earth Rhythm is abreast of consumers’ skincare needs end to end and continuously improves its offerings to meet these requirements. People in India and throughout the world behave in a balanced manner when making purchases both online and offline.
Launched in 2019, Earth Rhythm has grown by over 500 percent between FY ending 21 and 22 and is targeting a Rs 90 -100 crore ARR for FY 2022 – 23. The brand is prepared to launch 70+ kiosks in India and international markets (the Middle East and the US) over the course of the following year, with a clear focus on attracting new customers.
Wonderchef a known brand in cookware and kitchen appliances that provide German standards of quality, Italian designs, and constant innovation witnessed a strong spike in its sales amidst the ongoing festive season.
“We are upbeat about the festive season, usually, 40 percent of our annual sales come from this period. We anticipate Rs 250 crore in brand sales during this period. Moreover, this Diwali, we have exciting schemes for high-spending customers. Apart from interesting product combos, we have also announced a consumer offer - Wonderchef Lao, Paris Jao, in which customers can win an all-expenses-paid trip to Paris upon purchase of any Wonderchef product,” said Ravi Saxena, Co-Founder and CEO, Wonderchef.
The offer being in line with the brands’ philosophy of customer delight, Wonderchef intends to make the customers’ festive season more special by fulfilling their dream of visiting the City of Love.
The brand is stocking more products and making arrangements for faster deliveries, adding 6 regional warehouses to meet the festive season's demands while working on new partnerships with a few logistics service providers.
“Diwali being one of the most significant gifting occasions apart from weddings, we have focussed on curating offers to the demands of our customers. With a well-planned inventory, reduced costs, and buoyant customer sentiments, we are optimistic about the festive season catapulting us beyond our targets for the year,” added Saxena.
Sartorial style meets a classic icon as SELECTED HOMME unveils their latest digital campaign starring Bollywood actor and Brand Ambassador Saif Ali Khan. The epitome of understated and effortless style, Saif Ali Khan presents the brand’s Autumn Winter 2022 Collection which spotlights classic and impeccable menswear fashion. The new campaign underscores SELECTED HOMME’s appeal to discerning individuals with a refined sense of style.
The campaign opens with a voice-over by Saif Ali Khan, who elucidates what fashion means to him against a series of aesthetically shot visuals. When it comes to style, Saif is in pursuit of timeless elegance, and subtle brilliance, all characteristics of the SELECTED man. Styled in the latest pieces by SELECTED HOMME, the film also highlights the textures of the new range through interspersed close-up shots of key pieces from the collection while keeping the artistic value with high lines, frames, and symmetry.
The camerawork follows Saif through a setup of big pillars, clean walls, straight lines, and off-centered angles, captured through various angles, thus transporting the viewer into Saif’s surreal world of sartorialism. A visual depiction of Saif’s style journey, the film captures how he embraces his authentic self, being comfortable, suave, and elegant in his skin.
Vineet Gautam, CEO and Country Head at BESTSELLER India, said, “With the #FeelSELECTED Campaign, we aim to bring contemporary menswear to the forefront as we strengthen our partnership with our Brand Ambassador Saif Ali Khan for four years in a row. With his charismatic sense of style, Saif truly embodies the ‘SELECTED Man’. Through this campaign, we are excited to showcase the new Autumn Winter’22 collection to our growing base of customers who value fashion that is classic, minimalist, and refined.”
SELECTED HOMME’s new Autumn Winter 22 range reiterates the importance of the right fit and attention to detail through high-quality premium clothing that seamlessly takes one from day to night. All the pieces are versatile and apt for layering for the upcoming winter season. With an emphasis on tailoring, the new range spans knits, coats, and jackets in an array of textiles and materials such as suede, leather, wool, and corduroy, thus catering to varied sartorial needs.
The digital film is supported by a robust omnichannel marketing campaign spanning OOH, Retail, Content, Events as well as Digital and Social.
Pepperfry, India's leading e-commerce furniture, and home goods company has launched its Diwali Campaign’22 - ‘Pepperfry Meme Superstars.’ Starring brand ambassadors, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, it is a first-of-its-kind 360 media campaign that incorporates memes around the brand’s omnichannel play.
The campaign highlights Pepperfry's core differentiators; a nationwide walk-in studio footprint and a wide portfolio of furniture and home décor pieces to choose from. Pepperfry has adopted a robust 360-degree campaign, with Film along with Outdoor as strong communication mediums, spanning key cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, etc. across multiple assets like Outdoor Billboards, Digital Outdoors, Bus Shelters, Cab, Bus and Metro Branding, Mall Media, Residential Association Media among others. Customers can select from 1 lakh+ furniture and home décor options online and can also experience the touch and feel of it from 200+ walk-in studios across the country.
As a consumer-first brand, the campaign was designed keeping in mind the core target audience - social media-savvy millennials. Consumers today like to have a plethora of choices and prefer a touch-and-feel experience before making a perfect furniture purchase. Riding on the back of the brand’s largest omnichannel presence in the country, Kareena and Saif feature in a light-hearted, comic film epitomizing Pepperfry’s vast range of unique offerings through their banter. This year’s campaign film will introduce a ‘MemeVerse’ concept to drive consumer proposition through a clutter-breaking format.
In the brand film, conceptualized by Lowe Lintas along with Milestone Films, Kareena and Saif are seen taking a break on the sets of a film shoot, when their concerned manager shows them images of themselves, used as memes on Pepperfry hoardings across the country. The power couple seems to be amused and laughing at their own memes. The manager seems frustrated at their reaction, to which Kareena and Saif explain that their memes are apt because Pepperfry brings the ‘wow’ factor with their 1 lakh + offerings and 200+ walk-in studios. Through the film, Pepperfry aims to address customer concerns arising from a mismatch in expectations i.e., either the lack of options in offline stores or zero touch-see-feel experience on online sites.
Naveen Murali, Head of Marketing, Pepperfry said, “With Diwali right around the corner, Indians are back to opening up their homes to celebrations and hence, also setting up or upgrading their homes for this occasion. What Pepperfry offers is what the consumer of today seeks in their furniture shopping experience - the true omnichannel shopping experience. It offers the convenience of online shopping with endless choices and the possibility to experience the ones they wish to see up close at the walk-in studios. Through this campaign, we wanted to make sure Pepperfry continue to transform the way Indians shop for furniture and build their dream homes. The ad film focuses on creating awareness about Pepperfry’s large network of walk-in studios across 100+ cities and the widest range of offerings. This campaign aims to further strengthen our position as the one-stop destination for all the things home.”
Kareena Kapoor Khan said, “I love to be involved with the smallest décor details of my home because I like things to be a certain way. I resonate with Pepperfry because it provides a wide range of products, enabling customers to decorate their homes, just the way they want. We are thrilled to be a part of this really fun and light-hearted campaign. This concept personally stood out for me because the format was novel and contemporary and touched upon a part of our daily lives.”
Saif Ali Khan said, “Our (mine and Kareena’s) association with Pepperfry for the Diwali campaign is a product of our mutual affinity towards a brand that caters so intently to help create beautiful homes. Elegance and style are something that comes to the brand naturally. Besides, Pepperfry has nailed the humor aspect of this campaign and we are sure the audience will love and relate to it.”
Sarvesh Raikar, Regional Creative Officer and Creative Head, Lowe Lintas said, “With the ever-evolving media landscape, the opportunities for reaching out to the consumers are endless. Kudos to team Pepperfry, they were clear that they wanted impact and disruption as Diwali is the most cluttered advertising season. The world is talking in memes today. We thought, applying the same in outdoors would be disruptive for our audience. The idea of portraying mega stars like Kareena and Saif as meme stars were instantly liked and we had a lot of fun executing this campaign.”
McCain Foods India, a leading frozen foods and party snacks brand announced the appointment of Piyush Patnaik as the new Managing Director for the company. In this role, he will be managing end-to-end India operations which will include manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and distribution for McCain. He will spearhead Sustainability and Innovation for the frozen foods brand across key geographies nationally.
With over two decades of extensive experience in People Management, Sales, Supply Chain, Strategy, and Business Development in the FMCG and Beverage space, he is known to strive for results. He is a qualified Chemical Engineer and has pursued his Master of Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, and Operations from NITIE Mumbai. Over the years, he has gained valuable experience working for organizations including Coca-Cola India, Dabur Ltd., and Cargill India Pvt. Ltd.
In his last role with Cargill, he worked in the capacity of Managing Director leading pan India Sales and Distribution network and multi-channel go-to-market teams across segments.
Omnichannel beauty and lifestyle retailer Nykaa announced that it has signed an agreement with the Middle East's Apparel Group to recreate an omnichannel beauty retail platform in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council).
Under this Nykaa and Apparel Group alliance, which is in a 55:45 ratio, the home-grown retailer will leverage the Apparel Group's robust infrastructure network and deep market relationships to build distinctive Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) focused beauty offerings in the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
"Over the last decade, we have focused on building a formidable assortment of beauty offerings for the Indian consumer, bringing them the most coveted brands, trends and experiences from across the globe. Emboldened and encouraged by the love and trust of consumers in India, we now look forward to recreating our distinct beauty retail value proposition internationally, beginning with the GCC, with the Apparel Group," said Falguni Nayar, Founder and CEO, Nykaa.
Nayar further added, that through this alliance, Nykaa is confident of growing the GCC beauty market and bringing the best of both brands to a new world of consumers.
Boddess Beauty, the Indian omnichannel multi-brand beauty retailer opens its second experiential store in India and plans for aggressive retail expansion to strengthen its omnichannel presence.
Following its very successful online launch in 2020 with 200+ beauty brands on its platform and its first Luxe store at Ambience Mall, Gurgaon in 2021, Boddess Beauty now opens its new store in Jaipur setting in motion the brand’s robust plans to expand its retail footprint across the country with 80+ stores in the coming 5 years.
The retail expansion is aimed at increasing accessibility to the best of International and home-grown beauty brands across skincare, make-up, body care, haircare; and world-class beauty services pan India. Located at the Mall of Jaipur, Boddess Beauty is home to a curated range of international and home-grown beauty brands and elevated service stations equipped with best-in-class skin experts, make-up artists, and beauty advisors.
True to being a ‘Global Beauty Hub’, the store features a handpicked selection of international cult favorites namely US’ Celebrity Beauty and no.1 Brow Brand - Anastasia Beverly Hills, luxury British skincare brand, Neal’s Yard Remedies, award-winning farm to Skin brand, Juice Beauty; the revolutionary innovative cosmetics beauty brand – AVON, the brand created by U.S’s celebrated YouTuber and make-up mogul himself, Jeffree Star, Supermodel Miranda Kerr’s Kora Organics, natural skincare brand - Caudalie, Korean Luxury Skincare brands Sulwhasoo, Laneige, Innisfree and many more. In addition to international favorites, Boddess Beauty also presents an array of popular home-grown brands; Mamaearth, Sugar Cosmetics, mCaffeine, Colorbar, Plum, Minimalist, and more. Luxury fragrance brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Marc Jacobs, Chopard make for premium brands across the fragrance category.
Ritika Sharma, Founder-Director, House of Beauty [Boddess Beauty], said, “Boddess Beauty was conceptualized to introduce global beauty experiences to Indian customers with a digital-first launch in 2020. Thereafter, we swiftly launched the first Luxe store in India at Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. The first non-metro store in Jaipur is another step towards increasing our retail footprint with over 80+ stores in the coming 5 years. While we continue to expand, the best of global and homegrown beauty assortments, experiences inside the store, and guidance through our beauty advisors are features that will remain consistent across our online and physical stores touchpoints at Boddess Beauty.”
Sharad Sharma, Chief Business Officer, Boddess Beauty, added, “Since its inception in 2020, Boddess has seen exponential growth in customer acquisition and will continue to blend online and in-store experiences. Opening a second store in the country within the first two years of the brand’s journey is a testament to the growing need for a premium beauty experience and our understanding of the consumer preferences across metro and non-metro cities.”
Beauty brand SUGAR Cosmetics has now become the most followed consumer brand on Instagram in India.
Established in 2015, SUGAR Cosmetics hosts a range of beauty products that are specifically curated by beauty experts who understand the wide scale of Indian skin tones and complexions. Just in March this year, the brand crossed a landmark of 2+ million followers on Instagram, proving to be one of the fastest-growing consumer brands in India.
Since its inception, the brand understood the nerve of its consumers and prioritized value-based and informative content sharing on its social media pages. The content marketing strategy for SUGAR Cosmetics is built across all channels and is very bullish as the brand has built the capability in-house to produce quality content. Instead of just showing brand product pictures, SUGAR took a route of engaging influencers across regional, macro, and micro to create content, viral makeup hacks, and educational dos and don’ts that contributed to SUGAR’s success.
Through the engagement received, SUGAR Cosmetics started to learn about where its followers’ interest lies. It rode the wave of changing the content as per the new social media features and Instagram algorithms, allowing consumers to view content that is adapted to what they want to watch over what the brand wants to show, majorly through a data-driven approach. Today, the brand has succeeded in making its Instagram page gripping for anyone who is seeking ways to up their beauty game.
This September, the brand launched #ShukarHaiSUGARHai, a television commercial featuring Bollywood powerhouses Ranveer Singh and Tamannaah Bhatia, with a guest appearance from Vineeta Singh, Co-Founder, and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics. This campaign also garnered high engagement through Instagram influencers and the #ShukarHaiSUGARHai contest that ran across channels. Earlier in February on Valentine’s Day, SUGAR Cosmetics launched the #WheelOfLove Campaign on Instagram. This gamified AR filter reached virality with more than 240k+ UGC that were uploaded.
Vineeta Singh, Co-founder, and CEO at SUGAR Cosmetics said, “Today we are proud and humbled to be one of the largest and fastest grown consumer brands in India, on Instagram digitally. Our goal from the very beginning has been to offer our audience a platform that not only provides them with engaging content but also gives them a sense of belonging. Social media is a powerful tool and this has helped us in connecting with our audience every day. We will always remain a ‘customer’ focus brand as they are the ones who determine our brand's success and recognize our true potential, for which we are truly grateful."
Resha Jain, Vice President, Content Marketing at SUGAR Cosmetics said, “We are elated to have become the most-followed consumer brand on Instagram! For us, content has always been the hero and our teams have relentlessly worked towards achieving this milestone. There have been times when the content built on our platform has been lauded as an industry benchmark and has been adapted by many other brands to their liking. We will continue our efforts to make those 15-60 seconds of content to entertain, educate and inspire the women of today.”
SUGAR Cosmetics’ presence on other social media platforms has also been growing and evolving at a tremendous speed. The brand’s YouTube page has also had a huge growth spurt this year reaching more than half a million subscribers. Twitter on the other hand has also had great engaging growth and stands strong at 30.4K+, hitting on the trending tab through the #ShukarHaiSUGARHai campaign, and garnering various tweets from other iconic brands participating in our Twitter contests and trends. The brand’s strategies for each social media page, be it LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram, differ platform-wise which makes it compelling for their followers to engage with.
William Penn, India’s leading brand for premium writing instruments and lifestyle accessories, has announced the launch of the ‘Start-up Journal’, a unique guide/workbook to inspire and help entrepreneurs structure their business ideas - from genesis to funding, and expansion.
A collaboration between Leuchtturm1917 and Tim Jaudszims, a German business angel, the 253-page journal serves as a reference and sounding board for ideas and pitch decks, growth-hacking, and fund-raising. It aims to help founders evaluate their ideas, and help them refine their business plans.
The launch of the Start-up Journal coincides with India’s rapid growth, and distinction of being home to the 3rd largest startup ecosystem, globally. Industry reports estimate the genesis of 57,000 startups in India to date, including 107 Unicorns. The current ecosystem calls for entrepreneurs and startup founders to significantly strengthen what they bring to the table and create impactful products.
The Journal’s introduction to the Indian market is in line with William Penn’s quest to bring the world’s best fine writing instruments and accessories home. The launch underwrites the company’s commitment to pan-category penetration and greater visibility for its premium lifestyle accessories.
Nikhil Ranjan - Founder and MD, William Penn, said, “The Indian startup entrepreneur stands at a unique juncture – he/she is looking at endless possibilities and immense challenges. We want to partner with them on their journey through the right lifestyle accessory for companionship and guidance. The Start-up Journal is a unique product designed by a sector expert; it offers a structured approach in the chaos that defines most startup founders’ days. I am truly delighted to see the journal in stores and believe it is the first of many unique, user-oriented accessories you will see from William Penn.”
The journal contains detailed illustrations, concepts, templates, and best practices to help entrepreneurs and founders through the various stages of their startup journey. Priced at Rs. 2,295, the Start-up Journal will be available on the brand’s website and in select stores.
Thevasa, contemporary design-led omnichannel handicrafts, and apparel D2C start-up has clocked its first round of external investment led by Singapore-based VC fund, M Venture Partners (MVP). The funding also saw participation from 35+ leading angels and experts including many prominent founders from the D2C space.
The funds raised will be used to collaborate with artisans to develop new handmade fashion and home decor products, brand building, develop an integrated omnichannel solution, scale operations and expand distribution channels. The brand is aiming for>200 percent y-o-y growth.
Thevasa is founded by husband-wife duo, Himanshu Wardhan, and Neha Kalra with the goal of bringing India's artisanal tradition to the fore. Himanshu Wardhan’s inspiration to contemporize Traditional Indian crafts thereby making them commercially viable, stemmed from his experience of enabling thousands of artisans in the last few years while leading Etsy India business. He plans to exploit his learnings of being a creative business professional, to make Thevasa a unique brand.
Thevasa is fast emerging as a trendy lifestyle brand that brings back Indian crafts with heartfelt design, developing a fresh shopping experience for the modern Indian. In the next three to four years, the firm is targeting exponential omnichannel growth by adding more than 100 EBOs and investing in the online platform thevasa.in. Thevasa aims to be the largest contemporary lifestyle brand promoting Indian handicrafts and the apparel sector. The brand is looking to expand to other handicraft categories further like home furnishing and home decor in addition to ceramics.
The funding was led by Singapore-based VC fund, M Venture Partners (MVP), and investment from 35+ investors such as Dhyanesh Shah the Co-founder of Mosaic Wellness, Amit Lakhotia the Founder of Park+, Yogesh Chaudhary the Director and Owner of Jaipur Rugs, Amanpreet Bajaj GM of Airbnb India, Southeast Asia HK and TW, Bala Sarda the Founder and CEO of Vahdam India, Hitesh Dhingra the Founder of The Man Company, Ashish Goyal and Akshay Mehrotra the Founders of Early Salary, Ananya Tripathi the CEO of WhiteHat Jr, Gunjan Shukla the CFO of OLX Autos and Emerging Markets at OLX Group; Ex-PayPal India CFO, Rishi Jaitly professor of Virginia Tech and Ex-CEO Times Bridge and Twitter India APAC VP.
Himanshu Wardhan, Co-founder, Thevasa said, “Everything Indian and anything that makes us think of our own Vasa was first the focus of Thevasa (Sanskrit for home). Our extensive travels have made us aware of how little we know about this country. We have worked hard to establish ourselves as a modern lifestyle company that revitalizes Indian crafts through cutting-edge design and develops fresh shopping opportunities for the urban Indian. This funding will make it possible to closely collaborate with artisans to provide customers, with modern designs at reasonable prices. This will also assist us in geographically expanding to southern and western India and in developing a cutting-edge retail environment for handcrafted Indian goods.”
Hiran Embuldeniya, CIO and Partner of M Venture Partners (MVP) said, “When we met Himanshu and Neha, we were impressed by their strong operator DNA, comprehensive market knowledge of the Indian handicrafts sector, and bold vision. Thevasa has committed to showcasing the Indian artisanal workmanship by building a digital-first lifestyle brand for the modern Indian consumer.''
Presently, the brand collaborates with craftspeople all around India, fusing and experimenting with traditional design methods and amalgamating contemporary aesthetics and forms. Thevasa aims to produce designs that make daily life enjoyable. The brand meets the diverse demands of discerning customers with its line of minimal, vibrant, fresh everyday wear. The design team at Thevasa works closely with craftspeople on every stage of the production process, from drawing specific features to choosing the fabric, embroidery, and cut.
HairOriginals, one of India’s leading brands for natural hair extensions, has opened try-before-you-buy experience centers in Gurugram and Bengaluru. With this launch, HairOriginals now offers its customers free consultations and trials of 100 percent natural hair extensions based on their volume, color, and length. Since the hair extension process is expensive, the company aims to provide customers with a free trial to help them make a decision.
Customers who have already purchased HairOriginals’ extensions, can avail of free installation services with their salon partners. The company has a network of more than 400 salons across 20 Indian cities. HairOriginals has already served more than 5,000 customers QoQ in its Delhi center. It now plans to open similar experience centers in 5 more cities, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh by the end of FY 2023 to further increase its market share. As a part of its ongoing expansion efforts, HairOriginals has also collaborated with Geetanjali Salon to increase its footprint pan India.
Jitendra Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO of HairOriginals, said, “We understand the strong feelings of customers when they get hair extensions. Hence, we came up with the idea of opening an experience center to give them a try and buy option so they can see and feel the results themselves before making a purchasing decision. We will continue to increase the presence of our experience centers across India."
Piyush Wadhwani, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of HairOriginals, said, “We are excited about this new initiative and collaboration with Geetanjali. The hair extension industry is expanding, and the response to our shark tank deal in the Indian market has been fantastic. I believe that soon every woman will have some kind of human hair extension in her wardrobe, giving us an incredible opportunity. We will continue to embark on this journey with more innovations and developments.”
Apart from its try-before-you-buy experience centers, HairOriginals is also investing a significant amount in technology. The company is currently developing an AI-driven virtual trial app called 'Magic Mirror' for its customers. It will allow customers to try different hair extension products without walking into their experience centers from the comfort of their homes.
HairOriginals started its career in the Paris market. Their diamond-grade hair extensions have received positive responses at numerous international events, the most recent of which was the World Hair Congress in France. As a result, their products were introduced in the ultra-luxury segment in France. HairOriginals was recognized and funded by 3 sharks on Shark Tank India. Shortly after the episode aired, the company received $3 million in venture capital.
Revenue Based Financing platform, Klub, announced that design-focused retail brand, Chumbak has raised Rs 3 crore through Revenue Based Financing through its platform. The company will use the fresh funds to place orders of merchandise and push the discovery of its online platforms.
Founded in 2010 by Shubhra Chadda and Vivek Prabhakar, Chumbak is present in over 50+ stores across 20+ cities, catering largely to creative shoppers looking to explore and indulge in unique, joyful designs in the home category. Recently, the company raised a Pre-Series E round from Gaja Capital Fund (GCFII-A).
Vasant Nangia, CEO, Chumbak said, “The infusion of funds from Klub energizes us to be able to introduce new collections of our much-loved products. We’re optimistic about the festive season and are geared up to ensure a fantastic store experience, both online and in-store, to our customers.”
Today, Chumbak is one of India's leading design houses offering clothing, accessories, and home décor items. The idea behind launching Chumbak was to provide fun souvenirs and collectibles inspired by India, to travelers. The brand has now diversified its range to include personal care products, furniture, and decor items. Chumbak is now a family of 250+ employees and aims to double its turnover by the end of FY22.
Anurakt Jain, Co-Founder, and CEO at Klub stated, “We are thrilled to have Chumbak on board. The brand has a legacy of offering fun and joyful elements in everyday articles which appeal immensely to a whole generation of young shoppers. We are now seeing an uptick in how Revenue Based Financing is being adapted not only by young businesses but also by late-stage businesses which is a strong testament for us. We see this as the beginning of a long-term partnership.”
Klub provides digital businesses with fast and flexible capital without having to dilute equity. Since its inception, Klub has funded 300+ brands in 600+ investment rounds. The company recently closed its Rs 200 crore maiden fund successfully right before the festive season. To know more, visit the website.
Pepperfry, the online marketplace for furniture, posted a wider net loss of Rs 194 crore for FY 22, versus a loss of Rs 106 crore a year ago.
The company’s total expenses were up 40 percent at Rs 458 crore driven primarily by the rise in brand and marketing spending, which were up 79 percent to nearly Rs 130 crore.
The company said in a statement, Pepperfry invested in marketing and brand in the second half of the last financial year to accelerate growth as markets opened post the second wave of Covid to re-base the business and drive traction.
A focus on expanding its reach in Tier II and III cities resulted in the Pepperfry Studio network doubling the reach of over 140 studios by March 2022.
Employee benefits, excluding ESOPs, were up 57 percent at Rs 71 crore, while the company’s ESOPs declined by 42 percent to Rs 9 crore. Logistics costs increased 20 percent about to Rs 93 crore during the year. Finance cost was up 28 percent at Rs 23 crore.
The revenue from operations increased 23 percent during FY22 to Rs 247 crore. GMV on the platform was up 33 percent year-on-year at Rs 1,185 crore. Offline customers who visit Pepperfry Studios accounted for 36 percent of the company’s business. The growth in Studio also resulted in an increase in the share of higher-margin D2C Private Labels, which reached 41 percent of GMV in FY22.
In the supply chain, the company invested in seven new distribution centers. The net promoter score was maintained at 73 and delivery timelines were reduced to less than 10 days across India.
Pepperfry is going aggressive on expanding its offline footprint, though keeping its asset-light as it is betting big on the franchisee model. The company is expected to become profitable in the financial year 2022-2023, while it's initial public offering (IPO) of $200-250 million is in the works.
“With the worst effects of Covid behind us in the latter half of FY22, we invested behind our brand and supply chain, expanded our leadership team, and seeded new business segments such as mattresses and modular furniture. I am confident that these investments have set us up well to drive Pepperfry’s next phase of growth,” said Ambareesh Murty, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pepperfry.
Boddess Beauty, the multi-brand beauty and tech retailer, has appointed Sharad Sharma as Chief Business Officer. He will be responsible for building and expanding the brand across online and omnichannel hyper-local models across the nation. With over 25 years of experience in e-commerce, retail, business consulting, and digital marketing, Sharad will play a key role in strategizing the robust expansion of Boddess in tier ll and lll cities.
Sharad comes with a demonstrated history of working with the new age business and internet industry. Skilled in business operating models, technology platforms, operations, sales, marketing, and management functions in the internet and retail businesses, Sharad has a deep understanding of multiple business formats in digital commerce including marketplace, brand website management, and e-tailing. Sharad has built successful go-to-market and sustainable businesses across technology and consumer businesses.
Before joining Boddess, he was associated with organizations such as Havells, Welspun, Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) and Times Internet in leadership roles. He has closely worked with founders and entrepreneurs to build strategies aligned with the company's growth plans, focusing on both short and long-term goals, boosting remote work ethics, communications, team building, and overall employee growth.
Sharad Sharma, CBO, Boddess Beauty said, “I am elated to be a part of the aspiring Boddess Beauty team that aims at bringing about a much-needed change, ease and innovation in the beauty omni-channel space. We are one of the fastest growing businesses with solid fundamentals. Even in the current market landscape we are bringing a new approach to beauty driving valuable business with high-quality differentiation. The focus will be on associating with premium international and home-grown brands and bringing them closer to the Indian consumers while creating an environment that endorses the new dynamics of beauty and retail sector. I am looking forward to contributing to this thriving organization and further strengthening the brand’s upcoming retail expansion.”
Nykaa, the country’s leading lifestyle and beauty destination, launched beauty-tech pioneer Foreo across its website, mobile app, and retail outlets. Driven by a passion to redefine beauty and the at-home wellness experience for the better, FOREO’s innovations have been smartly designed, thoroughly researched, and clinically tested before launch, to deliver offerings that enhance well-being.
Delivering beauty and wellness solutions with cutting-edge technology, Foreo’s skincare devices took the beauty industry by storm, by responding to people’s needs with smarter ways of taking care of their skin. Easy to carry, beauty on the go, Foreo’s range of devices helps consumers with effective non-invasive clinical rejuvenation treatment from the comfort of their homes.
Life can be complicated; skincare doesn’t have to be! Amalgamating functionality, form, and design, Foreo delivers a beauty experience like never before, now available on Nykaa with just a click. Consumers will now have access to Foreo’s most successful product ranges globally, including the best-selling product LUNATM which is the world’s first silicone facial cleansing brush, UFOTM which redefined self-care through its pro-level facial treatment results, and BEARTM which is the world’s safest facial micro-current device with a patented Anti-ShockTM system.
Anchit Nayar, CEO, E-commerce Beauty, Nykaa said, “Over the last few years, Foreo has disrupted the beauty-tech space with their innovative technologies, bringing advanced skincare solutions into consumer homes. We now extend their product expertise to consumers on Nykaa and further strengthen our portfolio of the most innovative beauty solutions sourced from across the globe.”
Foreo spokesperson said, “Foreo believes in empowering people by removing the barriers of beauty and building confidence, a philosophy that NYKAA shares. Together we aim to deliver skincare and wellness solutions while making self-care accessible for all.”
Develop customized cleansing or treatment routines with Foreo favorites all available on Nykaa.
Pepperfry Limited, one of India's leading furniture, and home goods e-commerce companies announced the appointment of two Independent Directors to the Board of Directors (the “Board”). The Independent Directors are Sanjay Baweja, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OnMobile Global Limited, and Malini Parmar, Co-Founder of Stonesup.in. The Board shall now comprise three Executive Directors and four Non-Executive Directors.
Sanjay Baweja comes with over 34 years of experience across sectors such as technology, telecommunications, and real estate. Prior to joining OnMobile Global Limited, he worked with the Bhartiya Group as group president – of strategic initiatives. Apart from holding leadership positions at Xerox, Emaar MGF, and Bharti Airtel, Sanjay has also been the Chief Financial Officer at Suzlon, Flipkart, and Tata Communications. He is also a fellow member of The Institute of Chartered Accounts of India, and an associate of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
Malini Parmar comes with over 17 years of experience in the field of information technology and has worked with organizations such as HCL Infosystems Limited, Infosys Technologies Limited, and Wipro Technologies (A Division of Wipro Limited). She currently runs a social enterprise, Stonesoup, which aims to make sustainable living easy while creating employment for women. Malini is an active volunteer advocating responsible waste management since 2011. She has been a part of campaign groups - SWMRT, 2Bin1Bag, Swachagraha, and Period Love – Bleed Green. She was also the UN Women Industry Disruptor 2021. As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Malini was awarded by NITI Aayog for 75 Women Transforming India in the year 2022.
Ambareesh Murty, Co-Founder, and CEO of Pepperfry said, "It's great to have transformative leaders like Malini and Sanjay join our board. Their insights into strategy, environmentally sustainable growth, and risk management will help us innovate to create more value for our customers, business partners, shareholders, and communities for many years to come."
Pepperfry backed by Norwest Venture Partners, Goldman Sachs, Bertelsmann India Investments, and State Street Global Advisors has raised $240 million since its inception. The Company has built India's largest big-box supply chain that connects buyers and sellers in 500+ cities. Pepperfry has a large omnichannel footprint that covers 100+ cities with 195+ Studios.
Livspace, omnichannel home interiors, and renovation platform announced an allocation of $100 million to strategically invest in and incubate new offerings, D2C private labels, brand extensions, and content destinations across its current geographical markets in the home interiors, renovation, and related home improvement segments.
This capital allocation is in line with Livspace’s strategy to create multiple home interiors and renovation solutions, and D2C offerings which serve homeowners across various segments in its markets across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and are built on its pioneering home interiors and renovation platform.
Thus far, Livspace has deployed part of the allocated capital in acquiring a majority stake in companies such as Qanvast - Southeast Asia’s top content destination and mobile platform for home improvement - which connects homeowners and trusted design professionals. The strategic investment creates a common vision for both companies to transform the home interiors and renovation space while creating exciting new opportunities for design and architecture professionals.
Livspace is looking at investing in content destinations, direct-to-consumer interior brands, and D2C private labels which will help the company consolidate the market and create value across the ecosystem which includes homeowners, design industry professionals, brands, and vendor partners. The strategic partnerships will create new growth opportunities and synergies given the scale of Livspace’s supply chain, omnichannel distribution channels across markets, and the no. 1 brand position in the industry.
Anuj Srivastava, CEO, and Co-founder, Livspace said, “At Livspace, we have been and will always be focused on our goal of creating a sustainable business that is an industry pioneer and built on the values of creating a lasting institution. As we continue to scale across new segments in existing geographies and enter new regional markets, we are looking for successful businesses and like-minded entrepreneurs that help us scale even faster. We are looking at ideas, technologies, and world-class entrepreneurial teams that bring in additional functional expertise to drive better outcomes for all our stakeholders. In line with this, we will aggressively and methodically pursue a build-or-buy strategy to create the maximum value for the ecosystem, and deliver the best experience to our customers and ecosystem partners in our journey of becoming the go-to place for all things home.”
Ankit Shah, Chief Strategy Officer, Livspace said, “Today’s macro-economic environment combined with Livspace’s operational excellence and balance sheet strength is driving innovation in the company at every level. This has resulted in exploring new pathways – both organic and inorganic - that will drive both efficient scale and path-to-profitability. The capital and resource allocation strategy will help our business scale faster across markets, grow our margin stack further and create strong defensible moats.”
Over the last three years, Livspace has built the industry’s largest, fastest-growing, and a sustainable business organizing the highly fragmented home renovation and decor industry. The company raised over $180 million in Series F in a unicorn fundraising round earlier this year, led by KKR.
Based in Singapore, Livspace currently has operations in over 45 cities across Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle-east region. While the company is the market leader in Singapore and in India, it also launched operations in Malaysia and KSA in partnership with Ikea and has further plans of scaling in these regions. The strategic joint venture with AlSulaiman Group has already expanded in Saudi and the brand further plans to commence operations in UAE in the next 12 months. In India and Singapore, Livspace has witnessed over 100 percent growth in the last six months and 400 percent over the last two years and is a market leader with close to 70 percent market share within the organized sector.
MyGlamm comes on board as the official Make-up Partner for the reality show ‘BIGG BOSS’ as it returns for a thrilling new season on COLORS with the theme ‘Game badlega, kyunki BIGG BOSS ab khud khelega’.
As India’s largest direct-to-consumer make-up brand, MyGlamm embraces the philosophy of building a community with its users, engaging with them, and eventually creating products with their insight. MyGlamm’s association with COLORS’ ‘BIGG BOSS Season 16’ is the right step in that direction, tapping into the entertainment-loving audience present in multiple markets cutting across geo-social cross-sections.
MyGlamm is all set to accentuate the glam quotient on the show this season with a dedicated space in the COLORS BIGG BOSS house called the MyGlamm Zone, where you will see the contestants work on their glam game, get ready for the weekend episodes, and perform fun tasks and activities. This zone will also see Bollywood celebrities visit the ‘BIGG BOSS’ house over the weekends and on special occasions. MyGlamm uses a combination of technology, content, and social media to allow consumers to not only discover its products but also create rich, personalized content and tutorial-fuelled post-purchase experiences through its app.
Sukhleen Aneja, CEO, Beauty and FMCG brands, The Good Glamm Group, shared, “We are thrilled to be the Make-up Partner of BIGG BOSS Season 16! MyGlamm is a brand that empowers women to create their own glamour by taking inspiration from popular culture. With this collaboration, we aim to strengthen our endeavor to democratize beauty at a whole new level.”
“This association allows us to penetrate the tier ll and lll and below cities and leverage the immense reach and traction across consumer segments provided by BIGG BOSS. As the largest DTC make-up brand in India, MyGlamm creates innovative and personalized beauty products by understanding the beauty needs of women. We’re working with the finest global labs to create formulas that are vegan, toxin-free, with ingredients that are great for the users and are highly efficacious, marrying the best of make-up and skin care,” she added.
Pavithra KR, Revenue Head - COLORS, Viacom18, said, “BIGG BOSS is one of the most beloved and entertaining reality shows in India with a strong fanbase that is spread across the length and depth of the country offering a unique value proposition for brands. Every year we innovate to provide more value to brands who partner with us on Bigg Boss. While this association provides MyGlamm with an audience reach unparalleled in television, the programmatic integration of the MyGlamm Zone takes brand-consumer engagement to a whole new level, delivering on the brand’s need of both performance and perception. We’re thrilled about this association that will serve as a bankable platform for the brand to further deepen its community of users and interact with them.”
Furthermore, viewers can vote for their favorite contestants and the contestant with the most votes will earn the title of ‘MyGlamm Face of the Season’. Voting can be done by downloading the MyGlamm app on their devices.
Cloth Haus, a slow fashion brand, from a 35-year-old export house, Aloka Exports has marked its foray into co-ords to cater to the growing customer base. The homegrown label, which is into unique prints and comfort clothing coincides its launch with the upcoming festival season. With their new collection, the brand showcases outfits with enough sparkle and shine for your festive day look while also being easy on your pockets, aka, affordable yet stylish.
The collection is Indo-Western with a hint of tradition in each outfit. The brand combines unique, striking Indian weaving techniques with modern patterns and designs to bring something extraordinary and trendy this festive season. It is a collection of trendy co-ord sets that the modern audience will definitely love.
There are a lot of metallic brocade designs, shiny velvet material, and dark colors inspired by the traditional Benaras Silk Brocade Fabric but at a much more affordable price and in a modern way, that is co-ord sets. These sets will not only look good when worn together but they can also be paired separately with other pieces to get multiple outfits. The sets are available in pleats, prints, and weave in multiple colors to make them ideal for both the festive season and other daytime occasions. The price range of the collection is Rs. 5,000 to Rs.12,000.
Aditya Agarwal, Director of Cloth Haus said, “Cloth Haus is our tribute to the rich textile legacy of India. It is also a brand that aims to combine tradition with modern designs to give out customers exactly what they want. And co-ords happen to be just the right choice, especially with our fabric and beautiful designs.”
This festive season, be comfortable and stylish with Cloth Haus’ newest collection of co-ords sets at affordable rates. Head to the store or shop online.
Cloth Haus will soon house this range of co-ord sets inspired by traditional fabrics and designs. The brand has a single-standing store at Kemps Corner, Mumbai, and is also available on platforms like Amazon, Ajio, Myntra, Flipkart, Meesho, and Limeroad. The brand aims to have a physical presence in metro cities in the coming years.
Nandu’s, India’s largest hyperlocal and omnichannel meat retail brand, has announced its maiden round of Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP). As part of the ESOP, employees across the organization at all levels have been rewarded for their contribution to the company’s success and continued growth through challenging times. The total ESOP pool for this round is 5 percent of the company’s shareholding.
Nandu’s has been extremely mindful of the contributions of its employees towards the brand’s success. The first tranche includes employees from across the organization at all levels). The next few tranches will expand to include further more employees and ultimately cover all of them under the scheme.
Narendra K Pasuparthy - Chief Farmer, CEO, and Founder, Nandu’s said, “It has been our cherished dream to recognize and reward our employees through ESOP for their hard work and long-term commitment to Nandu’s. We already have several company policies in place to ensure a healthy and happy environment for our people. We hope that this will be yet another additional factor to motivate and retain employees as well as attract fresh talent into the company. Our long-term goal is to include more employees in this pool, thus enabling each and every employee to reap the benefit of their hard work and loyalty towards the brand.”
Nandu’s has been boot-strapped since inception, yet has continued to grow across Bangalore and Hyderabad market by expanding its offline and online stores. The company plans to expand its presence to four more cities by 2024. ESOP is yet another testimony of the company’s growth and focuses on profitability despite being bootstrapped. In fact, in keeping with its incredible growth witnessed in the last two years, the company is looking to raise funds to further expand its presence in major markets and invest in state-of-the-art technology.
Nandu’s, and the larger Nanda Group, have been pioneers in the business of organized poultry and livestock farming since 1963. The organization owns and operates the entire supply chain from farms to retail stores, and follows stringent quality checks to ensure that the highest standards of food safety practices are adhered to throughout the entire process. The values and mission of the organization have given it deep insight into why it is imperative to be transparent with its consumers regarding farming, processing, handling, storage, and logistics of the meat supply chain.
SUGAR Cosmetics, one of India’s largest omnichannel beauty companies and a cult favorite amongst Gen Z and Millennial consumers announced Bollywood Superstar Ranveer Singh as its newest investor.
This partnership between the youth icon and one of the fastest-growing premium beauty brands is expected to further cement SUGAR’s position as a fan favorite and create new pathways for customer acquisition, especially with the Gen Z and millennial audiences in India.
Ranveer Singh added, “Defying the conventional has been embedded in my DNA and I take pride in partnering with a brand that believes in empowering women. I have admired SUGAR’s ability to build a tremendous fan following over the years and I’m excited to be a part of this journey and help the brand achieve its mission of providing Indian women access to premium and quality makeup products specially formulated for them.”
Vineeta Singh, Co-founder, and CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics said, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ranveer to the SUGAR family. SUGAR is the makeup of choice for bold, independent women who refuse to be stereotyped into roles and if someone shares the same DNA as ours, it is Ranveer! His personality of being bold, quirky, and vibrant makes the partnership a natural fit.”
Kaushik Mukherjee, Cofounder, and COO, SUGAR Cosmetics said, “We are delighted to have Ranveer on board as we look forward to reinforcing our brand connect with consumers. He is undoubtedly one of the most popular youth icons in the country and his unstoppable and clutter-breaking personality fits very well with the brand ethos of SUGAR. This will help supercharge our growth trajectory as we continue scaling SUGAR aggressively to build it into a large and much-loved makeup and beauty brand.”
SUGAR Cosmetics started off as a D2C brand in 2015 that quickly ventured into offline trade in 2017. Today, the brand clocks annual sales of more than Rs 550+ crore with a physical presence with 45,000+ retail touch points across 550+ cities as of today. With an extensive portfolio of high-quality products that resonate with consumers, SUGAR has cultivated a loyal customer base and has more than quadrupled sales over the past three years. The company’s effective use of new-age, impact-focused content marketing has helped it develop lasting emotional connections with a diverse range of consumer cohorts.
Ranveer’s investment announcement comes close on the heels of the $50 million Series D fundraise led by the Asia fund of L Catterton, the largest global consumer-focused private equity firm. The upsized round saw strong interest from multiple private equity funds with continued participation from existing investors – A91 Partners, Elevation Capital, and India Quotient.
Proceeding with its omnichannel expansion in PAN India, Springfit Mattress, Asia’s Premium mattress pioneers and advocates of the good night’s sleep movement in India is planning to open 150-200 Springfit Lounge showrooms in the next 1 year.
The company has also recently announced signing the renowned Bollywood actress and youth icon Kareena Kapoor as its brand ambassador. The company will be soon launching a series of 360-degree marketing campaigns for their consumers to promote and make people aware of the importance of choosing the right mattress to ensure a peaceful sleep.
Under the fruitful leadership of Executive Director, Nitin Gupta, Springfit Mattress further cements its vision of doubling its revenue to Rs 1,000 crore, over the next five years. The company has already been producing 5 lakh mattresses annually from its five manufacturing units based in Haridwar, Meerut (2), Vadodra, and Coimbatore and aims to double it with its recent expansions and technology upgradation. Springfit’s range of mattresses goes beyond spring mattresses and includes imported latex mattresses, memory foam mattresses, pocketed spring mattresses, Back support Orthopedic mattresses, and complete bedding products including mattress protectors, body pillows, feather pillows, memory foam contour pillows, etc.
Nitin Gupta, Executive Director, Springfit Mattress said, “Mattress, furniture, and high-priced home décor are sectors that still see a preference towards offline purchases since the purchase decision is heavily dependent on a touch-and-feel element. With something as unique as our Certigaurd technology, the natural next step was to set up multiple touchpoints for the consumer. While we were looking for a brand ambassador, our focus was on a face who could identify with our motto and help us spread the right message among the masses. Kareena Kapoor is not only a youth icon but also a fitness enthusiast who believes that it is important to adopt a correct sleep pattern for a healthy state of mind.”
Ever since its inception, Springfit Mattress has had a customer-first approach. All products are developed with the aim of improving the lives of their customers which is evident in their designs, be it that of their mattresses or pillows, all of which are developed with their highly automated and certified technology. Good sleep has been an undervalued concept in the Indian household but Springfit Mattress for the last 14 years has been making a constant effort to make people aware of the importance of good sleep, for physical & mental well-being and therefore, has been innovating and promoting sleep solutions through its range of mattresses and pillows.
Over the decade, Springfit Mattress has achieved milestone after milestone; from becoming one of the most loved brands in the marketplace to clocking a revenue run-rate of Rs 250 crore. With this expansion, Springfit Mattress scripts its next chapter as not just India, but Asia’s sleep solution disruptor revolutionizing the way people sleep.
The Organic World (TOW), India’s largest organic and natural retailer recently launched Osh, the brand’s plant-based home care label – with a range of effective and safe cleaning solutions. This marks the latest milestone in the Bengaluru-based company’s endeavor toward empowering a growing number of Indian consumers with clean, chemical-free choices for a healthier lifestyle.
The new range is expected to see TOW make significant inroads in India’s household cleaners’ segment, a Rs 48,000-crore market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.6 percent in the next five years. Osh is made with 99 percent natural and plant-derived ingredients. It is completely free of harsh toxins such as sulfates, phosphates, bleach, parabens, ammonia, and others that are commonly found in popular household cleaning products.
The home care brand’s name draws from nature - Osh means dewdrop in Sanskrit – in its most pristine form, in keeping with the range’s plant-based, toxin-free compositions. All the products are vegan and cruelty-free and the fragrances used are all certified-allergen free by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). The first three products launched as part of the Osh range – laundry detergent, dish wash liquid, and floor cleaner – will be available across TOW’s omnichannel points of purchase, including 13 physical stores and online channels.
Osh products are also specifically designed to address the lifestyle needs of Indian consumers; its laundry detergent offers effective results even when used with hard water, while the liquid dishwasher can tackle stuck grease and food even after 24 hours. In keeping with TOW’s commitment to being a sustainability-focused grocer, all the products are plastic negative, with Osh recycling twice the amount of plastic it uses.
Gaurav Manchanda, Founder and MD, The Organic World, said, “As India’s leading Responsible Retailer who is consistently working to empower our consumers with more ‘better choices’ across categories, we perceived a huge unmet demand in the household cleaners vertical. We realised that there is a massive gap when it comes to natural, plant-based cleaners that are effective and safe, thereby triggering repeat purchases and a sustained shift in consumer habits. With the launch of Osh, we are looking to offer the level of performance, safety, and quality that we believe our conscious consumers truly deserve.”
The decision to enter the home cleaners’ category is in alignment with TOW’s strategy to establish end-to-end traceability and evolve the value chain to get closer to minimal environmental impact goals. Accordingly, the grocer, which already has more than 2000+ groceries on its shelves from a range of brands that meets its stringent quality standards, is already present in the organic staples, packaged foods, and healthy snacks segment with its own brand WellBe. All the fruits and vegetables at TOW are sourced from its organic farm network which includes its own organic farm, Happy Harvest Farms.
Following its launch, Osh will further the parent company Nimida Group’s vision to create sustainable value by gaining consumers across urban Indian households. It will add to TOW’s portfolio, which currently includes organic-certified, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, wholesome chemical-free everyday staples, homecare products free of toxins to safe and natural personal care essentials free of parabens and sulfates, health and wellness products, lovingly curated childcare products, and nutritious snacking alternatives – to offer more variety when it comes to making ‘better choices'.
The New Shop, the convenience commerce company announced the appointment of Monu K Bharwaj as the Head of Human Resource Division. He has a track record of working in the retail sector and has experience in human resources, competent in sourcing, screening, HR policies, business planning, and budgeting.
He holds an MBA with a specialization in HR and OB from Guru Jambheshwar University and is a strong human resources expert. As they continue to offer more services throughout India, The New Shop is excited to employ his abilities. Monu headed the HR division for WHSmith prior to joining The New Shop.
The New Shop began operating in important transit hubs, including roads and train stations, in Delhi NCR. Since then, it has had unheard-of growth as a result of seizing key strategic locations throughout the city, and it now operates over 50 stores in the NCR. The New Shop plans to have more than 1,000 stores by 2025, the bulk of which will be in residential areas, and to see exponential development. The New Shop currently operates in six cities: Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Indore, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Agra.
The brand believes that an omnichannel delivery approach will dominate the convenience commerce market because it improves brand identification and product differentiation, which are currently absent in rapid commerce or conventional retail models. It also helps win customers' confidence and loyalty. The New Shop's hyperlocal delivery approach guarantees that consumers receive convenient goods and services in 30 minutes or less, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, it seeks to change the overall Indian consumer experience by providing such instant convenience at reasonable pricing.
Aastha Almast, Co-Founder, The NEW Shop said, “Monu K. Bhardwaj has a wealth of experience in the field. I firmly believe he will lead The New Shop to its position as one of India's top convenience stores serving the entire world thanks to his outstanding vision and leadership. And we are confident that because of his management skills, he would look out for The New Shop's employees' needs and guide it to new heights in terms of business strategy.,”
The NEW Shop is a reasonably priced convenience store that offers a product selection that includes both established and cutting-edge direct-to-consumer brands. Fresh food and FMCG items such as packaged foods, snacks, tobacco, beverages, pet care, over-the-counter prepared foods, personal care, home care, cleanliness, stationery, and other essentials are sold in The NEW Shop. With a variety of offerings that redefine convenience commerce, such as ATM services, courier services, freshly cooked food, etc., the brand aims to enter not just new product categories but also new service categories.
"After having worked across leading retail chains in India, I know that The New Shop is the disruption that was much needed in the retail sector. I was amazed to see the scale and efficiency this young Indian startup has achieved in less than 2 years. I am happy to join this super charged up team to build India’s largest convenience commerce company and for creating millions of job opportunities in our country.” said Monu on taking over as the HR Head.
The Melbourne-based premium fashion brand, Forever New has been on a vigorous and focused endeavor to reinforce its omnichannel presence across all fronts. A major shift has been witnessed in the retail industry with technology changing the narrative as to how consumers shop. This emerging phenomenon of digitization, wherein the customer wants to shop at the click of a button requires a real-time check of available inventory. By bolstering its omnichannel, the Australian retail chain has been able to achieve the same which has made the process of order fulfillment easier all across the country. With a unified knowledge of the size and color availability of each piece, the entire experience of shopping digitally on the brand website has enhanced manifolds with shorter delivery time and an in-depth comprehension of stock locations.
Expanding on the importance of a robust omnichannel, Dhruv Bogra, Country Head, Forever New said, “Greater customer satisfaction has always been the prime driving force for the brand. By reinforcing our omnichannel, we have witnessed a marginally great jump in our online sales. Not only has the process become easier for our customers, wherein an individual sitting in any part of the country can order a piece as per their liking and size, but even we are better aligned to provide a seamless experience to our loyalists.”
With a strong penchant for greater accessibility, Forever New is also available across third-party e-commerce partner platforms such as Myntra, Nykaa Fashion, Tata Cliq, Shoppers Stop, and more. Undertaking this route has not only helped the brand to clinch a larger clientele but, this expansion has only been possible due to the efficacy and methodical structure of a well-organized omnichannel integration. This progressive and enterprising approach by the brand has proven instrumental in securing substantial incremental sales over the months.
Partaking on this voyage of immaculate digital integration, the retail technology solutions giant, Ace Turtle, has proven to be a formidable ally since 2021 as it has been aiding the brand by providing a Unified Commerce Platform across all its digital channels. With Ace Turtle’s forward thinking and disciplined approach, it has been able to aid the brand by assisting them in real-time inventory updates on portals and fulfilling consumer orders across various platforms from any stock points.
“It is imperative that you iron out challenges as and when they arise and we, at Forever New India are extremely happy with our decision of upgrading our omnichannel. Today’s retail market requires you to understand the pulse of your consumer and to be in sync with their needs. This has always been our objective and we are continually making an effort to work towards the same. Aggressive digital domination has undoubtedly been on the forefront of our mind; however, we have also been making progressive advancements towards our retail stores,” Bogra added.
Further cementing a robust retail presence, the brand which recently launched its store in Ahmedabad, a first in the state of Gujarat, now enjoys a presence of 41 stores pan India including a mix of tier 1 cities such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Chennai and, other cities such as Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ludhiana and more. With a strong penchant to further expand its retail outlets to other prospective cities as well, the brand aims to accomplish a total number of 45 stores by FY23.
With a pioneering attitude to adapt to the changing environment, the brand is working towards the aim of minimizing the gap between a customer and their requirements. Omnichannel integration has been a massive milestone in changing the sales narrative for the brand. Forever New has also been trying to accommodate and experiment with a diverse array of courses that might help them in supporting this aspiration during the pandemic a virtual shopping channel was formulated for their loyal customers wherein, they could get on a virtual call with the retail staff and select pieces, which were thereafter delivered in the safety of their homes
iD Fresh Food, a consumer fresh food brand, announced its foray into the Rs 10,000 crore ghee market with the launch of iD Ghee in Mumbai. The company is looking at an additional revenue of Rs 100 crore, as it plans to venture into key Indian markets with its latest product in the coming months.
Made from milk cream and non-preserved butter, iD ghee is rich in aroma and taste, setting it a class apart from the existing products in the market. A spoonful of iD Ghee is guaranteed to fill your mealtimes with enticing flavor and, of course, delicious memories!
P.C Musthafa, CEO and Co-founder of iD Fresh Food, said, “At iD Fresh Food, we are constantly exploring new ways to innovate. Innovation, for us, means addressing consumer needs using common sense. Therefore, our Ghee package is designed to include a spout that makes it easy to store and a mess-free transfer. We believe that the packaged ghee market in India is ripe for disruption. Our product team has successfully extracted cream from milk and made ghee, without any freezing, keeping it fresh – sans any added colours, flavours, or additives. This is why iD Ghee holds great promise. We are looking at capturing the top markets across India within a year.”
Currently, Mumbai is the largest packaged ghee market in India followed by Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad, accounting for more than half of packaged ghee sales in the country.
Rahul Gandhi, CMO, iD Fresh Food, said, “As preservatives-laden and processed foods increasingly become the way of life, consumers today are keen to make conscious food choices. iD Fresh Food is committed to preserving the goodness of traditional Indian foods, and pure ghee – is considered to be one of the most nutritionally beneficial products due to its medium-chain fatty acid content, which deserves pride of place in every household. Made with the purest of ingredients, iD Ghee is good for your heart health, immune system, digestive system, and overall sense of wellbeing.”
Since iD Fresh Food owns its entire supply chain, the company has the ability to exercise strict quality control and faster speed to market. Since its inception in 2005, the company has been at the forefront of innovation to revolutionize the way customers consume fresh food at home.
Earlier this year, iD Fresh Food bagged one of the largest funding deals in the food start-up space with its Series D round of Rs 507 crore. The funding round was led by NewQuest Capital Partners, a global private equity firm focused on the Asia-Pacific region, along with the existing investor, Premji Invest.
Currently, iD caters to over 45 cities, across 30,000 retail stores in India, UAE, US, and UK. The Bengaluru-based brand’s extensive natural and healthy product range includes Idly and Dosa Batter, Ragi Idly and Dosa Batter, Rice Rava Idly Batter, Malabar Parota, Wheat Parota, Wheat Chapati, Natural Paneer, Natural Thick Curd, ‘Squeeze and Fry’ Vada Batter, Smart Sip Tender Coconut, Grated Coconut in a Coconut and three customized blends of Instant Filter Coffee Liquid.
Zodiac symbols represent people’s personalities, emotions, and motivations. They are fun and easy ice breakers for many. Toying with the idea of creating something cool, unique, and exciting Fizzy Goblet has launched its new Zodiac collection which is all about customizing your shoes and wearing your personality.
With this collection, Fizzy Goblet is introducing about 10 eye-catching, celestial-inspired designs, right from juttis to criss-cross slides. What’s unique about this collection is that you can customize your pair with the handcrafted Zodiac Charm of your choice. Additionally, this is for the very first time the brand is introducing jewelry with beautiful intricate zodiac pendants that you can adorn.
The color palette of this collection is inspired by jeweled tones and the night sky. With hues like mysterious blacks and ruby reds, to capture the essence of the Zodiac Collection. The beautiful box in teal blue also adds to the effect, in which the pairs are packed.
Crafted in rich fabrics like raw silk and satin silk there is a lot of material play seen by the use of charms made from gold plated metal, contrasting them with the softness of the fabric. This collection boasts meticulous craftsmanship with the use of intricate embroidery techniques including mukaish, zardozi, aari work, mirror-work, and beads.
Founded in 2020, with the purpose to serve the best quality lighting and design products, ‘The Stellar Kraft’ has recently launched its official e-commerce website.
The brand recently introduced an all-exclusive e-commerce website solely dedicated to lights and design products, offering a flawless first-hand user experience of the brand’s current collections. A blend of modish and modern finesse forms a charming canvas for the display of highly stylish items that conveys form following function.
Vishal, Founder at The Stellar Kraft said, “Smart solutions that seamlessly integrate in today’s home and workspace are driving the industry. Our vision at the stellar kraft is to offer affordable yet premium and energy-efficient lighting solutions. And in accordance with our lighting studio’s expansion, coming to major Cosmopolitan cities in India will be the very next stage of our business starting from Bengaluru”.
The Stellar Kraft, curates bespoke interiors and collates a comprehensive design process, including all aspects of interior design from lighting to design products. The brand intends to change the dynamics of the lighting industry, by curating and engineering awe-inspiring designs that just fit right in. In addition, they have recently launched their retail store alongside the website in Bangalore.
Furthermore, lighting studio i.e TSK’s entry in the world of e-commerce is bound to create waves across the market by earmarking a larger set of audience. The company promotes exclusivity and one can now reap the benefits of their top-notch products, with their online platform delivering products right at an individual’s doorstep.
Ed-a-Mamma, the conscious kids' clothing D2C brand, has expanded its business by launching its kidswear collection in the Indian market via shop-in-shops. The brand has stepped into the retail market in major metropolitan cities as well as Tier II cities through Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle stores.
In the western part of India, the company has launched 7 stores in Mumbai - one each in Andheri, Juhu, Ghatkopar, Goregaon, Kurla, and two in Malad. The stores are also present in Navi Mumbai, Surat, and Pune. In North India, the shop-in-shops have been launched in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram. In Southern India, Ed-a-Mamma has stores in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mangalore. It also has stores in Kolkata and Indore, respectively.
The brand was launched in October 2020 with about 160 options and now has 1200 options live on its website. The products are available on all the major e-commerce platforms such as Myntra, Flipkart, TataCliq, Nykaa Fashion, Amazon, and First Cry. Ed-a-Mamma touched a Rs 1 crore top line in the first month of its launch despite being exclusively available only on FirstCry. It has successfully launched a 100 percent sustainable product with plastic-free buttons and trims and has registered a 300 percent top-line growth YOY. It has also manufactured and launched green denim and a 100 percent organic line of clothing with GOTS certification.
Alia Bhatt, Founder, Ed-a-Mamma, said, “Over the past 18 months, Ed-a-Mamma has grown so much and received immense love! Storytelling is at the heart of the brand and Ed-a-Mamma is passionate about nurturing love for the planet in children. Our conscious clothing brand includes garments that have nickel-free trims and plastic-free buttons. Our fabrics are plant-based and degradable. Even the dyes we use are AZO-free and safe for the environment and our children. Being one of the leading sustainable brands in the kidswear space, we decided to go with the omnichannel approach and launched a specially curated collection for our retail outlets, and cannot wait for our customers to come and experience it.”
Iffat Haider Jivan, Business Head, Ed-a-Mamma, said, “We launched Ed-a-Mamma as a D2C brand during the peak of the pandemic, and have received so much love since then. All our collections have sold out. We have worked hard to achieve products that maintain a high standard of quality and are comfortable for kids. Now, with our first foot in the retail segment, we want to give both children and parents an opportunity to touch and feel the product, for them to be able to experience the natural fabrics and comfort of the range. The Ed-a-Mamma team is working towards expanding into other categories as well. We are confident that we will win the same affection from the retail market as we have received from the online world.”
Chennai-based CHOSEN® has launched six mineral-based sunscreens under the banner of SAFESCREEN™ recently meant to suit Indian skin types. The sunscreens have 80-90 percent natural ingredients and the entire range is currently available in the online stores and at the flagship CHOSEN Store located in Chennai.
The SAFESCREEN™ sunscreen range is named after landmarks, monuments, rivers, and the famous Marina which is an ode to the city of Chennai. The first product is named Teesta, which contains Silymarin, a plant-based antioxidant proven to reduce Acne; Charminar, which contains Pycnogenol, a powerful antioxidant with anti-aging and blue light protecting properties; Munnar which contains Polypodium leaf extracts which are suitable for people with hypo and hyper pigmentary skin conditions; Brigade Road, a pregnancy and nursing-safe sunscreen; Madras Marina and Besant.
Punitha Vijayakrishnan - Head of Outreach Marketing, CHOSEN said, “Sunscreen is a must for everyone for it is the foremost product to protect the skin against harmful UV Rays and sun-induced aging. Incidentally, dark skin is more prone to pigmentation and uneven skin tone than light skin. So, it is imperative that one should pick up sunscreen as their first product and then other cosmetics."
CHOSEN believes in the concept of less is more. The ingredients are minimum with maximum benefits and efficacy. From ingredients to packing, CHOSEN is one of the very few brands across the globe to have sunscreen in eco-friendly glass bottles.
Mineral sunscreens are the safest when it comes to sunscreens, but many prefer a chemical or hybrid sunscreen as mineral sunscreen leaves a white cast on the skin after its application.
SAFESCREEN™ though a mineral sunscreen, does not leave any white cast when applied as it has carefully chosen natural ingredients. Some of these mineral sunscreens come with natural tints. CHOSEN's sunscreens is a dream come true product for mineral sunscreen lovers.
The sunscreen only contains zinc oxide as the UV filter, which is GRASE –I (Generally Regarded As Safe and Effective) certified by US FDA. It has 80 percent-90 percent natural content, high SPF perfect for Indian skin types ranging from 30 to 50+ and a high PA of ++++ rating. The PA ++++ factor is very important for our Indian skin types to prevent pigmentation, which is the primary sign of aging. These sunscreens are also durable, water and sweat resistant from 6 to 8 hours, preventing sunburn and pigmentation, and are ideal for sensitive skin types.
SUGAR Cosmetics, one of India’s largest omnichannel beauty companies and a cult favorite amongst Gen Z and Millennial consumers, has marked its 7th year anniversary on a strong foot following tremendous growth in the past year.
The brand stands at a current annualized revenue run rate of Rs 550 crore and is in line to double down the company’s revenue in the next 12 months. The company is amongst the Top 3 color cosmetics brands in India and targets to be number one in this space.
As of this year, the brand’s products sell in 40,000+ stores with an aim to be present in 100,000 stores by the end of this financial year. Currently, 60 percent of SUGAR’s sales come from its retail stores across the length and breadth of the country as compared to a pre-pandemic 35 percent. However, the majority of the product and brand discovery happens online. SUGAR Cosmetics’ D2C online presence has also seen commendable growth.
The brand-owned app has garnered over 4 million downloads, shipping to more than 20,000 unique pin codes solely through the App. SUGAR’s social media platforms ace active engagement from their fans and followers, reaching more than 48 billion women, as just on Instagram the brand crosses 2.2 million+ followers making it one of the top beauty brands in India to get that to the level of reach.
Vineeta Singh, Co-Founder, and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics said, “We are extremely humbled by the outpour of love and support we have received over the years as SUGAR Cosmetics turns 7. It has taken a lot of resilience, hard work, and a solid team that didn’t shy away from taking risks to get to this point. We’ve had many ups and downs along the way, but we have always considered the failures as learnings and grown from there. The coming year is very crucial for our brand, and we plan on exuberant growth across our core pillars –Product, Distribution (Online and Offline), Content, and Community.”
More recently, the brand raised $50 million in a round led by L Catterton, a consumer-focused private equity firm. The investment was a part of SUGAR’s Series D round, which witnessed participation from existing investors such as A91 Partners, Elevation Capital, and India Quotient.
Nykaa, the country’s leading beauty, and lifestyle destination launched the iconic K-Beauty Brand, Saturday Skin on its platform. Bridging the gap between scientific research and innovation with natural ingredients, Saturday Skin is bringing you the extremely sought-after ideals of K-Beauty to India, through their range of cutting-edge skincare products.
Have you ever caught yourself dreaming of that perfect glass skin or skin that is radiant sans any makeup? Want that feeling of being well-rested to always reflect on your face? Saturday Skin is your weekend recipe for glowing skin with clean formulations packed with superfoods, botanicals, and natural actives to power up your glow. Free of parabens, sulfates, added color, and fragrance, the no-fuss, effortless regimen balances and revitalizes all skin types, leaving you glowing all week long.
Harnessing the power of superfoods and science, Saturday Skin targets key signs of aging and everyday stressors affecting your skin, to reveal skin that is as radiant as you. The key to Saturday Skin is the 7 Peptide Mix, an exclusive peptide formula infused into each product that promotes skin’s natural renewal process. Rooted in science and derived from natural ingredients, this comprehensive complex visibly supports collagen and elasticity for a more supple, radiant you.
Nykaa Spokesperson said, “Being the first to introduce and educate Indian consumers about the Korean beauty phenomenon, Nykaa has continuously added some of the biggest K-Beauty brands to its assortment, in line with evolving trends and consumer preferences. We are now excited to partner with cult brand, Saturday Skin, who are tremendously popular for fusing skincare superfoods and functional efficacy to offer Indian consumers another best from the world of K-Beauty.”
A Saturday Skin Spokesperson said, “Founded in 2016, Saturday Skin brings an effortlessly fun and effective approach to your daily skincare routine with approachable prices and skin philosophy powered by our signature peptide formula merged with superfoods, fruits, botanicals, and actives. Selfcare and skincare go hand in hand, and the brand is thrilled to be launching in India to share our Weekend Recipe for glowing skin.”
The collection is a recipe for radiant, rested skin like the perfect Saturday when time slows down and your face lights up. You can now shop bestsellers such as the Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask, Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser, Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream, Spotlight Brightening Mask, Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel, and the Waterfall Glacier Water Cream, only on Nykaa!
DaMENSCH, a premium men's fashion brand that recently raised $16.4 million in funding, announced its plan to foray into the offline retail business. DaMENSCH, founded in 2018 by Gaurav Pushkar and Anurag Saboo has grown 3X YOY in the last three years.
Gaurav Pushkar, Co-Founder, DaMENSCH said, "As a D2C brand we have cracked the formula of creating innovative products, acquiring customers efficiently, and retaining them successfully. Today, 50 percent of our revenue comes from our existing customers and this is proof of our potential, we want to be where our customers are and hence the launch of the offline channel to offer the consumer omnichannel solution. While we make our presence felt in GT, MT, and other Large format stores this year we would also be launching exclusive brand outlets in near future”.
With a significant investment from the recently raised funding, the company is planning to venture into retail stores within this year and be available at 10,000 points of sale avenues across various formats, by 2024.
Ashmeer M. Sayyed, as Chief Retail Officer to boost the next stage of the company's growth, spearhead offline sales, and drive strategic partnership efforts. Prior to joining DaMENSCH, Ashmeer was with Jockey. Previously, Ashmeer was General Manager of retail and headed the international Business at Page Industries Ltd.
“I am excited to be joining the DaMENSCH growth story at such a crucial juncture in the brand life cycle. The acceptance of the brand by consumers online in such a short time presents multiple growth possibilities in other formats. We have an opportunity to create a truly compelling Omni-channel offering for our customers who value the brand ethos of Fashion that thinks.” he further added.
“The first half of 2022 has been very strong for us in terms of the consumer as well as investor interests. Offline retail space is a promising ecosystem for us to continue the growth momentum in the coming days. We are delighted to have Ashmeer on board who will play a pivotal role in establishing DaMENSCH’s offline retail network,” added Pushkar.
Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group, has announced that its business Godrej Interio, India’s leading furniture, and interior solutions brand will focus on North India to grow its omnichannel footprint. The business plans to grow by 35 percent by FY25 in the Northern region of India.
Godrej Interio has been heavily investing in key digital technologies, automation, processes, and people in order to build the most robust, truly omnichannel, omnipresent furniture brand in the country. With a 20 percent share of business acquired from the Northern region of the country, the brand plans to strengthen its on-ground presence in North India by adding 25 Channel partners in the northern states of Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
With a targeted focus on increasing its reach and further empowering its channel partners along with a holistic omnichannel initiative, Godrej Interio is planning to double its D2C platform sales run rate by the end of FY22. The growth planned through offline stores is 20 percent by FY23.
Speaking on the importance of the northern market, Subodh Mehta, Senior Vice President (B2C), Godrej Interio said, “Godrej Interio has a strong presence in Northern India due to its high brand recall and large customer base. In recent years, this region has attracted leading interior design firms from around the world. We are confident that the region will certainly provide more to our revenue basket in the near future. We plan to onboard 25 Channel partners in the region by the end of FY23 and plan to grow by 35 percent over the next three years. This will further strengthen our omnichannel presence in the north."
"On average, we generate a business of Rs 150 crore from Northern India market as we are present across all furniture segments. Godrej Interio has interior designers who work with customers in helping them visualize the home layout once they purchase furniture and provide design consultancy too. Pan India, we have a growth rate of close to 18 percent for B2C products and overall, Godrej Interio has a growth rate accruing up to 20 percent. In the next fiscal we plan to grow over 25 percent in all product categories," he added.
The Good Glamm Group, South Asia’s largest content-creator-commerce beauty & personal care conglomerate, has announced its international division and unveiled its overall group structure. This move reflects the Group’s focus on unlocking structural efficiencies while building revenue synergies as it consolidates the successful integration of its 11 acquisitions in the past year.
Led by Group Founder & CEO Darpan Sanghvi, Group Co-founders Priyanka Gill & Naiyya Saggi, the structure consolidates Good Glamm Group companies into independent Brands, Media, and Creator divisions: Good Brands Co. led by Sukhleen Aneja; Good Media Co. led by Priyanka Gill and Good Creator Co. led by Sachin Bhatia along with the International Business division maximizing revenue potential for all beauty and personal care brands in the group. This consolidation unlocks structural efficiencies within each division while also driving cross-division revenue synergies, which will allow each division to be independently profitable.
The international division opens new markets for the Group’s brands and is being led by FMCG industry veteran Asad Raza Khan who has been appointed Global Commercial Officer, the Good Glamm Group. Asad has over 17 years of experience at Procter & Gamble with stints in London, Geneva, Dubai, and South Asia. In his last role, Asad led and built Art of Shaving’s global business and operations outside of the USA. The Good Glamm Group has earmarked Rs 100 crores investment for international expansion. Over the next 3 months, various brands of the Group will launch in international markets with top retailers both online & offline ensuring the right focus is given to each brand globally.
Speaking on the announcement, Darpan Sanghvi, Group Founder & CEO, The Good Glamm Group commented, “We are extremely excited to have Asad on board as we provide a common global sales and distribution platform for all the brands in our Group, a part of our efforts to create a consolidated Group Structure which allows not just for structural and cost efficiencies but also significant revenue synergy opportunities. With most of the Series D fundraising capital still in the bank, we have set ourselves an ambitious revenue run rate target of $400 million by March 2023 for the current organic business with a clear mandate to be profitable.”
Commenting on joining the international division, Asad Raza Khan, Global Commercial Officer, The Good Glamm Group said, “I am thrilled to join Good Glamm Group and build the international team from ground zero. The international division gives Good Brands Co. an opportunity for global growth leveraging the group’s content-creator-commerce moat as well as the central infrastructure for strong offline and online growth. We aspire to build our brands across offline channels, e-marketplaces, and DTC via leveraging the growth and digital marketing capabilities of the group already in place.”
Adding to this, Priyanka Gill, Co-Founder, The Good Glamm Group further added “With the formation of the Good Brands Co, Good Media Co., and Good Creator Co. we are consolidating the overall structure of the Good Glamm Group to reflect our content-creator-commerce strategy. Core functions are being integrated between the various companies within each of the three divisions which has led to efficiencies through the removal of role duplications and allows for each division to be independently profitable. We are super excited to build the Good Glamm Group as a global DTC house of brands, powered by content and creators.”
“As the Good Glamm Group, we have a strong first-mover advantage. It has been amazing to see all the acquisitions integrate so well and our brands scale up. Our brands have grown significantly post-acquisition. We continue to focus on generating brand love and are building out and further strengthening deeply engaged user communities across all divisions of the group,” Naiyya Saggi, Co-Founder, The Good Glamm Group stated.
With this announcement, the Good Glamm Group also confirms that it is in the last stage of the acquisition of social commerce company Bulbul, founded by Sachin Bhatia. Bulbul is India’s first live streaming video shopping app. The core functionality of Bulbul will be added to the Good Creator Co. technology and product stack and the Bulbul brand will be sunsetted. Sachin Bhatia is joining the Good Glamm Group as the CEO of Good Creator Co.
Nykaa, the country’s leading beauty, and lifestyle destination, exclusively launched The Pillow Talk Party – new products from Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic and award-winning Pillow Talk Collection.
The range is a celebration of the universally flattering Pillow Talk world and includes the drop of five new products that will take you from day to dance floor in minutes! They are designed to be the perfect shades for everyone, everywhere and every moment, be it a soft, dreamy day look or something ultra-glam for the night.
“Darlings, in 2013, I launched my original nudey-pink Pillow Talk shade to flatter everyone! I bottled my red-carpet tips and tricks, making it easy for everyone to feel and look the most beautiful and confident version of themselves. I always say Pillow Talk is everyone’s perfect shade and that’s because it suits everyone for every occasion! My Pillow Talk icons have long been the beauty secret to bigger, brighter-looking eyes, pillowy pink lips, and love-blushed cheeks for supermodels, social media stars, and most importantly darling, you!” – Charlotte Tilbury.
“And darlings, now I have a new Pillow Talk for you in 2022! I am revealing more Pillow Talk magic! Introducing my new Pillow Talk Party products to make you feel and look even more amazing! I created these new innovations so that everyone, everywhere can dial up their look with easy-to-choose, easy-to-use beauty secrets that take you from day to date to disco!” she added.
“I cannot wait for everyone to fall in love with more Pillow Talk! From my new shade Pillow Talk Dreams Luxury Palette, which will take you from day to dancefloor in seconds, to my brand new Pillow Talk Multi-Glow highlighter in two dreamy pink, light-reflecting shades, that glide on to give you a beautifying fairy glow for any occasion! Enjoy, Darlings!,” she concluded.
PharmEasy, India’s leading consumer healthcare ‘super app’ (providing online pharmacy, OTC, teleconsultation, and diagnostics services), has associated with Unicommerce, an integrated SaaS platform for post-purchase experience management to further streamline its marketplace operations. PharmEasy will deploy Unicommerce's vendor management system to support its marketplace operations. Furthermore, its vendor network will also be able to utilize Unicommerce's platform for managing all e-commerce orders. PharmEasy is committed to ensuring a great customer experience with the power of technology.
Unicommerce technology will automate the process of allocating orders to vendors, resulting in faster deliveries. Additionally, vendors using Unicommerce solutions will be able to integrate all their inventory on PharmEasy and provide consumers with a wider selection of products. PharmEasy is confident about the continuous growth of its digital business with its focus on expanding services pan India. It will ensure operational efficiency and elevate the post-purchase experience for the end consumers.
Speaking about the partnership, Kapil Makhija, CEO of Unicommerce said, “PharmEasy has grown exponentially, and we are proud to partner with them and support them in the next phase of their growth journey. Our vendor management solutions will enable PharmEasy to automate the order allocation process for its marketplace operations and ensure on-time deliveries. We also offer PharmEasy integrations enabling vendors to have unified visibility of orders from all the marketplaces enabling them to bring operational efficiency. We look forward to working with the great team at PharmEasy and we are confident that our integrated tech platform will help them in building an efficient supply chain and further enhance the consumer shopping experience.”
Siddharth Venkataraman, AVP - Healthcare Category Business, PharmEasy added, “Our focus is on offering a great customer experience and further strengthening our foothold in the e-pharmacy segment. We believe that technology will play a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless shopping experience for our consumers and this partnership is a step in the same direction. Unicommerce is one of the finest integrated supply chain technology platforms for e-commerce businesses in India and we are glad to have them as our partner. We are also deepening our omnichannel presence across India and want to reach out to our patrons across the country.”
Established ten years ago, Unicommerce offers more than 160+ hassle-free integrations, including global marketplaces, website platforms, logistics providers, ERP, and POS systems. The company is a market leader and processes over 1mn order items a day and manages 7,000 fulfillment centers located across the country. The company is widely recognized as the leading solution provider in its field and works with some of the leading retail and D2C brands in the country.
India’s prescription glasses company Lenskart and Japanese direct-to-consumer eyewear brand OWNDAYS announced a strategic partnership via a merger to build the region’s largest omnichannel eyewear business. This will take the group’s reach to 13 markets in Asia including India, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan.
OWNDAYS Co-founders, CEO Shuji Tanaka, and COO Take Umiyama, will continue to be shareholders and lead the management team of OWNDAYS Inc., which will continue to operate as a separate brand. The current major shareholders of OWNDAYS – L Catterton Asia and Mitsui & Co., Principal Investments – will exit their positions to Lenskart.
Lenskart is relentlessly pursuing its goal of revolutionizing eyewear by investing in technology and supply chain automation and OWNDAYS has developed one of the best direct-to-consumer eyewear brands with a differentiated culture of customer experience. Lenskart with its 300 people engineering team, estimated to scale up to 500 people in FY23, will help build a stronger online and omni experience for OWNDAYS.
Lenskart has also been investing hundreds of million dollars in deeper supply chain integration and automation which will now be leveraged by both the brands to further enhance customer proposition and unit economics. Lenskart will continue its rapid expansion in India and South East Asia to serve the mass to mid-premium segments while OWNDAYS scales swiftly to cater to premium segments. Lenskart's leadership in India and OWNDAYS' strong geographical competitiveness in the South Asian markets have enabled the group to become the fastest growing Pan Asian eyewear company.
Peyush Bansal, Co-Founder, and Group CEO at Lenskart said, “The way people buy eyewear is changing rapidly and at Lenskart it is our mission to drive this transformation globally. In today’s age, the customer wants great products, great prices, and delightful experiences all the time. With OWNDAYS we move a step closer to democratizing eyewear. I have known Shuji-san and Take-san for over five years and have been an admirer of the disruptive brand and customer experience they have built with OWNDAYS. To bring about a revolutionary change such as the one the world needs in eyewear, we need to work with like-minded and complementary founders. I see Lenskart and OWNDAYS sharing the same set of values centered around enriching customers’ lives, caring for people in our communities, as well as continuous learning, and we also have very complementary skill sets. There is much we can achieve together which will be greater than the sum of its parts.”
Shuji Tanaka, Founder, and CEO, OWNDAYS commented, “OWNDAYS has been recognized as the eyewear brand of choice across multiple countries in Asia ever since we opened our first overseas store, in Singapore in 2013. Our growth accelerated following L Catterton Asia’s and Mitsui & Co., Principal Investments’ participation in us in 2018, as we leveraged their strong commercial network in Japan and across the region to expand our operations to cover a total of 13 markets today. I believe digital transformation is the key to our next phase of growth in the post-pandemic operating environment and I am excited to partner with Lenskart, which has deep expertise and intellectual capital in the information technology field. We envision that the combination of OWNDAYS and Lenskart will bring about an abundance of innovation that will further revolutionize the eyewear industry to the benefit of people across the world.”
The two companies have been at the forefront of the vision care industry’s transformation in Asia, as consumers globally increasingly buy prescription glasses more frequently than they do with lifestyle choices, and the combination is expected to result in the most innovative eyewear company in the world.
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