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Google Play has revealed its annual Best of 2024 awards for India, celebrating the apps and games that defined the year. With five of the seven top apps developed by Indian creators, the awards underscore India’s rising prominence in the global tech ecosystem. Mobile gaming also continues to boom, as the country solidifies its position as the second-largest market for gaming downloads worldwide. In a blog post announcing the winners, Google also shed light on how India is the world's second largest market in terms of mobile gaming downloads. "On the gaming front, the Indian gaming scene continues to thrive, with India adding 23 million new gamers in FY24, reaching a total of 590 million. In fact, India now boasts the world's second-largest market for mobile gaming downloads, with average weekly playtime increasing by 30%." Leading Apps: India at the Forefront of AI Innovation The blog post revealed that this year’s top apps showcased India’s innovative spirit, particularly in harnessing AI to meet user needs. Alle - Your AI Fashion Stylist, developed by Hey Alle, emerged as the year’s Best App and also won the Best for Fun award. Leveraging AI, Alle provides personalised fashion advice tailored to users’ occasions, body types, and preferences, reflecting the growing trend of AI-powered app experiences in India. Prateek Agarwal, Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Alle, said in a statement, “We noticed that the recent developments in Gen AI, combined with evolving consumer preferences for visual inspirational content, will create a massive opportunity to reimagine &amp; rebuild how people discover and shop for fashion. This realization led us to start Alle...As a new startup, Google Play has been crucial in helping us reach our early users organically. The platform's detailed analytics and crash reporting have been invaluable - they've helped us quickly identify and fix issues, improving our app stability.” Other app winners included: • Headlyne: Daily News with AI (Best for Personal Growth), offering curated news tailored to individual preferences. • Sony LIV: Sports &amp; Entertainment (Best for Large Screens), delivering immersive content on tablets and other big-screen devices. • WhatsApp Messenger (Best Multi-device App), enabling seamless communication across devices. • Fold: Expense Tracker (Best Everyday Essential) and Rise: Habit List (Best Hidden Gem) also captured user interest with practical and engaging features. The blog post added that India’s dominance in the AI app space is significant, accounting for 21% of global AI mobile app downloads this year, with nearly 1,000 Indian apps and games incorporating AI. Games that thrilled millions India’s gaming industry continued its upward trajectory, adding 23 million gamers this year, taking the total to 590 million. With gaming preferences increasingly reflecting local culture, many award-winning titles integrated Indian storylines and visuals. Squad Busters, a fast-paced multiplayer game, won Best Game for its simple yet engaging design. Meanwhile, Indus Battle Royale Mobile by SuperGaming earned the Best Made in India title for the second year running. Roby John, Co-Founder and CEO of SuperGaming, said in a statement, "We are committed to making Indus a standout Battle Royale experience. Our team has spent over three years thoughtfully crafting its characters, environments, and gameplay features to represent Indian Art and Culture authentically. The community's enthusiasm validates our vision of Indian games thriving globally. Winning this award is an incredible honor, not just as a milestone but also a motivation to keep striving for excellence. Google Play’s expertise and responsiveness have empowered us to deliver world-class gaming, pushing the boundaries of Indian gaming. We’re more committed than ever to raising the bar and making Indian gaming shine on the global stage.” Other top games included: • BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) (Best Ongoing), for its India-centric updates featuring cricket, festivals, and celebrity collaborations. • Bloom – A Puzzle Adventure (Best Indie), for its unique mechanics and creativity. • Clash of Clans (Best Multi-device Game) and Yes, Your Grace (Best Story) also stood out for their engaging gameplay.

Google Play announces best apps and games of 2024 in India: All you need to know

As the vibrant <keyword id="19896655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wedding-season" source="keywords">wedding season</keyword> kicks off in India soon, the <keyword id="19921618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Confederation-of-All-India-Traders" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Confederation of All India Traders" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Confederation of All India Traders">Confederation of All India Traders</keyword> (<keyword id="20143308" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CAIT" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="CAIT" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="CAIT">CAIT</keyword>) has set an optimistic forecast, projecting a windfall for the nation’s economy. According to a recent CNBC report, CAIT predicts that this year, an estimated 48 lakh weddings are expected to take place in November and December, potentially generating a whopping ₹6 lakh crore in business. This surge reflects not just the volume of weddings but the wide-scale economic impact that accompanies such celebrations. Weddings in India are known for their grandeur, with celebrations often spanning several days and involving a number of services, from event planning and catering to jewellery purchases and attire. CAIT’s recent prediction, thus, underscores the vital role that the wedding season plays in the retail market. In this year’s cycle, the retail sector alone is poised to see a turnover of ₹5.9 lakh crore, highlighting the deep interconnectedness between cultural traditions and economic activity. In Delhi, which stands as one of the top locations for extravagant weddings, the expected impact is particularly significant. Approximately 4.5 lakh weddings are projected in the capital city, potentially contributing around ₹1.5 lakh crore to the local economy. This surge benefits a variety of sectors, including hospitality, fashion, gold and jewellery, and even technology, as digital services and e-invitations become more prevalent. The build-up to this wedding season has already shown signs of economic revival, particularly in sectors like gold and jewellery. Suvankar Sen, MD &amp; CEO of Senco Gold, noted a marked increase in wedding-related purchases during the recent Dhanteras festival. Speaking in an interview with CNBC TV-18, Sen highlighted that the August duty cut on gold played a significant role in spurring early buying behaviour. He pointed out that this policy move helped lower the cost of gold, enticing consumers to make significant purchases ahead of the peak wedding months. "We can see at least 40-50% of the consumers who are buying right now are related to weddings, and the 40-50% who are not related to weddings, are divided amongst consumers with a budget of ₹2-3 lakh buying some kind of jewellery as an annual buying during this auspicious time. Some consumers are buying working women's jewellery or lightweight for their daughters, something within ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh kind of buying happening. ₹20,000-30,000 is a budget consumer at all levels, some kind of a pendant, ring or earring that everyone would like to buy during this auspicious time. So, this is how we are seeing the consumer," he added. This early momentum has translated into packed showrooms and increased consumer spending, signalling a robust start to wedding-related commerce. Retailers across India are now preparing for a flurry of activity, restocking inventory and expanding service offerings to meet the anticipated demand. From wedding attire and décor to luxury items like high-end electronics and custom-made invitations, the shopping lists are extensive, promising a lucrative time for businesses. While traditional sectors such as fashion, catering, and venue rentals will see a boom, new trends have also emerged, expanding the <keyword id="23787664" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wedding-economy" source="keywords">wedding economy</keyword>. The demand for eco-friendly and sustainable wedding practices has grown, with couples seeking biodegradable décor and eco-conscious catering services.

Indian weddings expected to generate ₹6 lakh crore in two months, CAIT says

According to <keyword id="19911893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Meesho" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Meesho" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Meesho">Meesho</keyword>'s recent ‘Smart shopper report’, <keyword id="19919711" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gen-Z" source="keywords">Gen Z</keyword> is rapidly embracing <keyword id="19990771" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="keywords">e-commerce</keyword>, with one in every three Meesho users being less than 25 years old. This makes them the fastest-growing demographic on the platform. The report also highlights that mass consumers, who typically make low-price purchases, account for around 80% of the total online shopping population in India. Reports suggest that by 2030, mass consumers, who are constantly seeking value for price, will dominate the retail market, constituting 65% of total consumers. At present, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are leading the way, when it comes to user growth in e-commerce, underscoring the significant untapped potential these states hold. The report also delves deeper into the evolving habits and preferences of mass consumers. Meesho has observed that users from Tier IV and smaller cities are the most frequent repeat shoppers under categories like women’s fashion, footwear, and baby care. Additionally, over 80% of Indian online shoppers now hail from tier-2 cities, and beyond, which include places like Ambur, Rourkela, Sangli, and Zirakpur. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112333596" title="Zomato announces new feature for cash on delivery orders and it can help solve a huge problem" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Influencer-driven <keyword id="3295571" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce-boom" source="Orion">e-commerce boom</keyword> in North-East</h2>Furthermore, the report reveals that customers in northeastern states of India such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim are increasingly basing their e-commerce purchases choices on content generated by influencers, making up for an impressive 40% of all orders from these states. Meesho has also witnessed greater digital inclusion, with a growing number of content creators emerging from some of the most remote regions of India, like Bazpur (Uttarakhand), Kotputli (Rajasthan), and Pakyong (Sikkim). With the growing popularity of content creators, products like selfie sticks, ring lights, microphones, and tripods have also quickly risen to top the electronics category. Another notable feature Meesho identified was a significant rise in the adoption of vernacular languages and voice search, with rates increasing by 162% and 40%, respectively. This surge reflects mass consumers' strong preference for regional languages and user-friendly features. Tier 2 and other, smaller cities have significantly outpaced Tier 1 cities when it comes to ordering electronic accessories, making double the amount of purchases made by their bigger, urban counterparts. Meesho has also seen substantial demand for products like bluetooth headphones and earphones, power banks, smart speakers, screen magnifiers, and keyboards from diverse Indian cities such as Alwar (Rajasthan), Bettiah (Bihar), Pursurah (West Bengal), Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh), Sindkheda (Maharashtra), and Sirsa (Haryana). Among the fastest-growing categories on Meesho are books, which grew by 148% YoY (year-on-year basis) growth, office supplies and stationery (137% YoY growth), home improvement (112% YoY growth), furnishings (92% YoY growth), and pet supplies (68% YoY growth). There has also been a surge in demand for personal care and grooming essentials. <h2>A shift towards quick draping</h2> In just six months, over 10,00,000 saree shapers and more than 60,000 ready-to-wear sarees were sold, indicating that consumers far prefer a quicker, easier approach to traditional draping. There was a clear penchant for traditional and modern alike, since Banarasi was the most sought after fabric, followed by chiffon and organza. <h2>Self-care on the rise</h2>With increasingly hectic schedules, mass consumers are also prioritising self-care. As a result, there has been a rise in at-home salon treatments, with Meesho reporting sales of 6,00,000 face packs, over 4,00,000 facial kits, 3,00,000 wax strips, 4,00,000 press-on nails, and 4,00,000 nail paints this year. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112364583" title="Ola wants to re-enter the quick commerce business to take on Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Not just this, yoga also made it to list, when it came to self-care. Meesho reported selling about 20 lakh yoga mats in just 6 months. And not just that, skipping and hula hooping also seems to be coming back in vogue, with consumers buying around 2 lakh skipping ropes and 75,000 hula hoops this year alone. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/article/5-lessons-startup-founders-can-learn-from-tech-mogul-elon-musk/articleshow/112375922.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">5 lessons startup founders can learn from tech mogul Elon Musk</a>

India’s e-commerce boom: Gen Z, small cities, and self-care trends on the rise, says Meesho

<ul><li>After the success of Fabulous Lives of <keyword id="411379" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="bollywood-wives" source="Orion">Bollywood Wives</keyword> on <keyword id="128682" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="netflix" source="Orion">Netflix</keyword>, Disney+Hotstar released <keyword id="15483787" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="moving-in-with-malaika" source="Orion">Moving in with Malaika</keyword> on the life of actor and model, <keyword id="2060" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="malaika" source="Orion">Malaika</keyword> Arora. </li><li>Masaba Masaba, one of Netflix India’s top originals, is also a fictionalized account of the lives of designer Masaba Gupta and her mother, actor Neena Gupta. </li><li>Lock Upp, hosted by actor Kangana Ranaut, garnered 15 million views in 48 hours. </li></ul>Almost 15 years after Keeping up with the Kardashians made its debut, and after the Real Housewives franchise made it to every top American city — Indians are being treated to something similar. Months after the second season of The Fabulous Lives of <keyword id="143" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bollywood" source="Orion">Bollywood</keyword> Wives debuted on Netflix, Moving in With Malaika has started trending too on Disney+Hotstar — showing that the Kardashian culture is slowly but surely being taken in. Moving in With Malaika is highly discussed on social media with good reviews as well as bad ones — showing that it’s caught the audience’s attention. <div type="twitter" handle="Sharanyashettyy" handlename="Maya" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1601596412239958016/QHsU1_-7_normal.jpg" favoritecount="60" retweetcount="3" status="There are bad shows, terrible shows, and then there's Moving in with Malaika, which should never have been made and… https://t.co/cX9TjC4EPK" createdat="1671618739000" id="1605511477678419970"></div> <div type="twitter" handle="geetsharma_99" handlename="Geet Sharma 💕" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1402622258405855236/IKs3x06v_normal.jpg" favoritecount="12" retweetcount="2" status="Moving in with Malaika is the perfect mix of drama, fun, adventure, basically everything us Indian love ✨" createdat="1671981045000" id="1607031098504249345"></div> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="An insider’s view" comment="subhead2" text="An insider’s view">An insider’s view</cmsannotation> Indians who have been enjoying the inside news and gossip on Koffee with Karan, which is in its seventh season — were treated to an even deeper dive into celeb lives with Dharmatic Productions’ Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives on Netflix. Netflix also came out with Smriti Mundhra’s Indian Matchmaking with Sima Taparia and BBC’s What the Love! with Karan Johar. Both these shows found their way to memes, more than audience hearts. Netflix got third time lucky after the show on four wives in the Bollywood circuit who Karan Johar is friends with, along with Shah Rukh Khan’s wife and entrepreneur Gauri Khan – found success. The show focuses on the lives of jewellery designer Maheep Kapoor (wife of actor Sanjay Kapoor); actor Neelam Kothari (wife of actor Samir Soni); entrepreneur Bhavana Pandey (wife of actor Chunky Panday); and fashion designer Seema Sajdeh (ex-wife of actor Sohail Khan). Season 2 of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives was ranked in the <a href="https://top10.netflix.com/india/tv">Top 10 TV shows </a>on Netflix for one week or more across seven countries. Moving in with Malaika features only one titular character, and is produced by Banijay Asia — but is on similar lines as Fabulous Lives. So much so, Seema Sajdeh was one of the many celebrities (almost every episode had one) featured on the show. It’s also important to mention that Malaika Arora was also a part of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives – and her show has taken the clique ahead. Though the viewership of Moving in with Malaika is not yet available, 1,350 users of the movie and video database IMDb have given the show an <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24132346/ratings/?ref_=tt_ov_rt">average rating of 6.5/10</a>. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="The surreal lives of real housewives" comment="subhead2" text="The surreal lives of real housewives">The surreal lives of real housewives</cmsannotation> This formula of celeb lives was tried and tested long back with a 2012 show <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8269480/">Khan Sisters </a>on bindass on the lives of actors and sisters Gauhar and Nigar Khan. Released long before the era of OTTs and connected TVs, the show failed to strike a chord with the audience, drowning in the vast jungle that is the Indian TV universe. This time, however, on the right platform, Kardarshian-like shows are taking off with the Indian audience. The Indian shows – Bollywood Wives and Moving in with Malaika are so similar to the American versions that one of the stars mouthed similar dialogues too. Actor Ananya Panday, daughter of Bhavana Pandey, made a brief appearance in Season 1 of Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and said a dialogue that seemed to be straight out of Khloe Kardashian’s mouth. “When I was young, I thought my name was ‘f*ck’ because my mom said it so much,” said Ananya Panday. “My mom cursed so much when we were little, I thought my name was ‘f*ck,’’ Khloe Kardashian <a href="https://twitter.com/xmanishaa/status/1333326528013344770?s=20&amp;t=Zc_DUEZanoCPiFpeFUvdtw">had said, first</a>. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="India’s history of reality TV" comment="subhead2" text="India’s history of reality TV">India’s history of reality TV</cmsannotation> There have been more such experiments that the OTT audience seems to be lapping up. Netflix’s Masaba Masaba–a dramatized and fictionalized account of designer Masaba Gupta’s life–is a hit with the audience. Season 1 of the show was in the top ten TV shows on Netflix in two countries, and Season 2 was in the top ten in five countries. Starring the designer herself, along with her mother, actor Neena Gupta, the show has emerged as a ‘comfort watch’ for people, raking in praises, and a fair share of nominations - even if no awards. Netflix also experimented in this genre (dramatized stories of real celebrities) with the film AK vs AK, starring Anurag Kashyap and Anil Kapoor. While it didn’t garner the popularity of OTT hits like Mirzapur or Delhi Crime, it did leave a mark on critics and cinephiles alike. These shows are another dimension of reality shows which have always been popular with Indians – on TV and OTT alike. Of course, there are also shows like Lock Upp and Bigg Boss which force different celebrities into close encounters and supposedly uncomfortable situations. Lock Upp, hosted by actor Kangana Ranaut, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/kangana-ranaut-on-lock-upp-garnering-15-m-views-in-48-hours-of-launch-i-am-overwhelmed-with-the-response-the-show-has-received/articleshow/89943915.cms">garnered </a>15 million views in 48 hours. Shows which look like reality caught on camera, have created a set of audiences. It remains to be seen how many seasons they sustain the interest of audiences. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/dhaniya-diapers-and-tomatoes-among-the-top-picks-for-indians-on-grocery-apps-in-2022/articleshow/96622334.cms">Dhaniya, diapers and tomatoes among the top picks for Indians on grocery apps in 2022</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/december-auto-sales-could-skid-sequentially-on-production-constraints-purchase-deferrals-due-to-inauspicious-period/articleshow/96617021.cms">December auto sales could skid sequentially on production constraints, purchase deferrals due to ‘inauspicious’ period</a>

Keeping up with Indian celebrities: Moving in with Malaika trends after Bollywood Wives

<ul><li>Many have also started their online store to sell second-hand clothes and household goods online, a popular trend known as <keyword id="1599036" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="thrifting" source="Orion">thrifting</keyword>.</li><li>It is a sustainable business too as an e-store owner can earn a profit margin of about ₹500 on a dress worth ₹850 (including shipping).</li><li>The fashion industry produces and sells roughly 21 articles per human being on this planet annually (2020).</li></ul>What began as a simple website to upload photographs online is currently enabling a cultural, economic and social shift. The thrifting trend is the new thing that Instagram has added to its cart, especially in the Indian subcontinent regions of India, Pakistan, and Nepal. The boredom and the need to break the monotony gave rise to several new small businesses on Instagram over the last two years. While some sell scrunches online, others use their illustration skills to sell digital art online. Many have also started their own online store to sell second-hand clothes and household goods online — a trend that is popularly known as thrifting. Aimée (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aimee.loved/">@aimee.loved</a>), Believe It Thrift It (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/believethrift/">@believethrift</a>), At Momo (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/momo.finds/">@momo.finds</a>), WOO (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/woasonali/">@woasonali</a>), The Vintage (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thev_intage/">@thev_intage</a>), and Thrift India (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thrift_india/">@thrift_India</a>) are just a few Indian thrift stores with over 1.84 lakh followers in total. The thrift stores have also made the concept of secondhand fashion popular – even desirable – among young shoppers while building a sustainable business model of it. A Rest of World report citing an anonymous source noted that an e-store owner could earn a profit margin of about ₹500 on a dress worth ₹850 (including shipping). Second hand clothing is one of the fastest growing sectors in the global fashion marketplace, especially as customers seek affordable and eco-friendly options. According to a <a href="https://www.thredup.com/resale/#resale-industry">report</a> by resale platform ThredUp and the analytics firm GlobalData, global used clothing sales would rise to nearly $77 billion by 2025. The industry currently sits at a $36 billion opportunity this year. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Thrifting is a great initiative for the environment too" comment="subhead" text="Thrifting is a great initiative for the environment too">Thrifting is a great initiative for the environment too</cmsannotation> The fashion industry produces and sells between 80 billion and 150 billion garments a year globally (2020), roughly up to 21 articles per human being on this planet. About three in five of these clothing products end up in incinerators or landfills within years of production. If not managed properly, old clothes end up in incinerators or landfills within years of production. Clothes do not biodegrade in a landfill and could remain there for more than 200 years before decomposing. According to the Waste Management Hierarchy — a scale that ranks waste management options by their environmental impact — landfills are the most harmful to our planet. That said, thrifting and upcycling old clothes will also be great for the environment. Anurag Asati, the co-founder of waste management company The Kabadiwala, previously told Business Insider that old <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/impulse-buys-fast-fashion-end-up-in-landfills-and-stay-intact-for-200-years/articleshow/92533424.cms">clothes are among the most difficult items</a> to collect and process. They require a lot of effort and resources, making the recycling process much more expensive. Thrift stores — or these second hand clothing stores — allow the clothes to be reused without additional inputs, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. SEE ALSO <a class="tout-title-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/reliance-industries-itc-infosys-and-other-hot-stocks-on-july-22/articleshow/93041515.cms">Indian markets open in the green – RIL, M&amp;M gain while Nifty IT, Infosys decline</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/amazon-prime-day-best-offers-deals-discounts/articleshow/93024348.cms">Amazon Prime Day 2022 – early deals, bank offers, Prime membership and everything else you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/reliance-industries-to-start-fy23-with-strong-earnings-thanks-to-refining-margins/articleshow/93041430.cms">Reliance Industries to start FY23 with strong earnings, thanks to refining margins</a>

Thrifting is the latest trend on Indian Instagram, and it is a great one for the environment

<ul><li><keyword id="20313645" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail-leasing" source="keywords">Retail leasing</keyword> in the sector is expected to sustain at 6-6.5 million square feet in 2024, says CBRE.</li><li>By the year-end, 5-6 mn. sq. ft. of investment-grade mall space will become operational in <keyword id="21259569" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tier-I-cities" source="keywords">tier-I cities</keyword>.</li><li>Domestic brands are expected to turn cautious, but <keyword id="20322579" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-brands" source="keywords">global brands</keyword> are continuing to expand, according to the report.</li></ul><keyword id="20020606" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-brands" source="keywords">Indian brands</keyword> are turning cautious with their retail expansion. Hence, the leasing in the sector is expected to sustain at 6-6.5 million square feet in 2024, according to the latest report by the commercial real estate firm CBRE. The saturation follows the remarkable growth in 2023, as brands absorbed a little over 7 million sq ft. The supply environment in terms of retail space like malls and high streets is also expected to be stable in the current year. By the year-end, 5-6 mn. sq. ft. of investment-grade mall space will become operational in tier-I cities. “Retailers, including anchor tenants and established brands, are expected to proceed cautiously with expansion plans. They will prioritize locations with high visibility, strong foot traffic and favourable consumer demographics. As a result, rental growth is expected to rationalize across both primary and secondary locations,” the report says. But, there is a silver lining! Luxury and premium brands, especially global brands, are choosing to spread their wings in top cities despite the global macroeconomic and sectoral challenges. “Foreign luxury retailers are entering India through partnerships with local players. The upcoming launches of a few brands underline this trend. This reflects a renewed optimism in India's <keyword id="71937" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail-sector" source="Orion">retail sector</keyword>,” said Ram Chandnani, managing director, advisory &amp; transactions Services, CBRE India. Retail demand across investment-grade malls, prominent high streets and standalone developments has grown consistently since 2020. Tier-I cities remain key expansion hubs, and promising tier-II markets are attracting new players. Malls are transforming into experiential centres, offering a mix of entertainment, dining and shopping. “Fuelled by pent-up demand and strategic expansion, India's luxury retail sector is experiencing a leasing boom, attracting both established brands deepening their presence and new international players entering the market. This expansion reaches beyond Delhi and Mumbai to the newer markets like Hyderabad and Ahmedabad,” said Anshuman Magazine, chairman &amp; CEO of India, South-East Asia, Middle East &amp; Africa, CBRE. In 2024, the home décor segment is likely to expand in both online and offline formats, while fashion and apparel players will continue expanding in tier-I cities across malls and high streets, the report adds. It also sees good traction from domestic jewellery brands as well as the entertainment category.

The luxe experience: Expanding global brands to drive retail leasing in 2024

New Delhi [India], December 21: While making significant strides in various sectors, there are leaders in India who are standing out for their work worldwide. The "Global <keyword id="397956" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-leaders" source="Orion">Indian Leaders</keyword> 2023" list curated by World Brand Affairs has featured leaders from across the country who are known for their innovative, resilient, and persistent approach to functioning in their respective industries. These people are heading towards new heights and establishing standards for excellence. The list honors their outstanding efforts and accomplishments which have propelled their companies to unbound success. Their inclusion in the list highlights their exceptional abilities to navigate challenges, adapt to changing market trends, and consistently deliver groundbreaking results. Gaurav Munjal, CEO of Unacademy Gaurav Munjal is the co-founder and CEO of Unacademy, India's largest online learning platform. With a vision to democratize education, Munjal pioneered Unacademy's growth, transforming it into a leading ed-tech powerhouse. His innovative leadership has revolutionized accessible and quality education, empowering millions of learners across the globe. Kunal Shah, Founder of CRED Kunal Shah is the founder and CEO of CRED, a fintech startup revolutionizing credit card payments in India. As a serial entrepreneur, Shah previously founded FreeCharge, later acquired by Snapdeal. His innovative approach to creating rewarding credit experiences has helped CRED to redefine credit card usage while fostering financial literacy. Ashish Hemrajani, Co-founder and CEO of BookMyShow Ashish Hemrajis the co-founder and CEO of BookMyShow, India's leading online entertainment ticketing platform. Hemrajani's unique idea revolutionized the way people book tickets for movies, events, and live performances. His ingenious leadership transformed BookMyShow into a cultural phenomenon, reshaping the access to entertainment industry across the country. Fardin Sheikh, Managing Director at Wizence Group Fardin Sheikh is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of exemplary leadership experience, earning him recognition as a Distinguished Digital Transformation Leader. His dynamic career spans across various roles, showcasing a remarkable blend of strategic vision, project management acumen, and a strong commitment to driving digital innovation. Pariksha Rao, Founder of NuWe Starting as a Clinical Nutritionist, Pariksha Rao has morphed into various roles with the intent to help demystify and democratize healthcare. From maternal well-being to fetal health and tailored nutrition for weaning kids to teens, her work has helped impact over 200,000 lives over nearly two decades of her career. She continues to amplify her impact with NuWe. Poojaa Choprah, CEO and MD of Felix Impex Poojaa Choprah, a visionary CEO &amp; MD of Felix Impex Pvt Ltd., and founder of PNA ORIGINE, is renowned for strategic business acumen and market expansions. A trailblazer in entrepreneurship, her global fashion insights, artistic fervor as a Kathak dancer, and bespoke training expertise redefine success, weaving innovation and cultural fluency into her vibrant career. Amandeep Kaur Khangura, Director of Tru Prime Amandeep is a Canadian born entrepreneur who moved to India in 2011, and acquired Indian Citizenship to follow her passion to bring social empowerment in rural Punjab. During her time in Canada, Amandeep chaired HR &amp; Finance for a $500M project. Currently, in India, she operates Majara Dairy Farm which has 2,600 livestock and is the largest dairy farm operator in Punjab and one of the largest in India. Pt. Dr Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava, Nadi and Vedic Celebrity Astrologer Renowned globally as a luminary in Nadi and Vedic astrology, Pt. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava is celebrated across 70+ nations for his remarkable precision in predictions &amp; teaching Nadi Astrology. With an illustrious career spanning 27 years, his astonishing success rate of 95-97% and expertise in Nadi Nakshatra Sutras exemplify his command in the celestial arts. Dr Prachiti Punde, Director of Proluxe Dr Prachiti Punde is a powerhouse in Integrated Medicine, Director of Proluxe Pvt Ltd, and Mrs. Universe Tolerance 2021. She transforms health and lifestyle with an exclusive GLAMOWELL multi-experience centre and revolutionizes wellness with patented tools and a unique mobile app. Along with being a spiritually blessed child, she is also an Anesthetist and mindskills Trainer with 15+ books published. Sanju Pudyandil, Founder of Whitespace Brand Consulting Sanju Pudyandil, a luminary in brand management and marketing, launched Whitespace Brand Consulting after honing his expertise at Ray+Keshavan, presently Super Union. Renowned for orchestrating transformative corporate revamps, he spearheaded impactful makeovers for illustrious brands like Canara Bank, Trident Hotels, J&amp;K Bank, Punj Lloyd, CEAT Tyres, and Fair &amp; Lovely, among others. Stuti Galiya, Partner at Khaitan &amp; Co. Stuti, an esteemed Advocate and solicitor, serves as a Partner at Khaitan &amp; Co., excelling in mergers &amp; acquisitions, private equity, corporate laws, commercial contracts, and foreign investments. Recognized as the "Luxury Retail Lawyer of the Year 2023" by APAC Insider, her expertise in the luxury retail sector marks her as an ingenious leader in the Asia-Pacific legal domain. Srividhya, Founder of HITECH Engineering Solutions (India) Srividhya, founder of HITECH Engineering Solutions (India) holds a deeply rooted legacy in Construction since 1998. Her indomitable optimism defied industry challenges, establishing a prominent platform despite male-dominated norms. Under her guidance, the company thrives as a certified SSI unit with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 &amp; OHSAS 4500: 2018 qualifications, renowned for cost-effective solutions nationwide and across Asia. Debabrata Sarkar, CMD at MicroAlgae Solutions Debabrata Sarkar is an agricultural innovator with 26+ years of global experience. Armed with a BCKVV agriculture degree and IIM Kolkata alumni status, he led strategic units for esteemed firms in Asia Pacific. He is currently serving as the CMD at MicroAlgae Solutions India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of AlgaEnergy Spain. Mogilipuri Krishna Chaitanya, Director at Wonder View Media As a Director at Wonder View Media Pvt Ltd, a CMPTL franchise specializing in IT services and Business Consulting, Mogilipuri Krishna Chaitanya facilitated substantial growth for his brother's business. With over 9 years of experience, he continues to excel as a Software Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and has made significant contributions to tech giants like Apple, Google, and more. Subhajit Banik, Founder of Birdlens Creation Subhajit ventured into photography in 2007 as a model, cultivating expertise in lighting and creative framing. Winner of the Glamhunt competition by ABP group in 2010, he founded Birdlens Creation in 2015. Specializing in wedding photography, Subhajit crafts timeless, emotive images reflecting couples' love and joy. Dr Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman &amp; Managing Director of Aries Agro Limited Dr Rahul Mirchandani, ranked among the 30 Most Innovative CEOs in India, has pioneered unique strategies to build 130+ Aries specialty crop nutrition brands. With a PhD in Management Studies, he teaches Marketing, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship across 50+ B-Schools. He plays key roles in CII's agriculture council, and key governmental panels and was the National Chairman of CII's Young Indians. Vinay Kumar Singh, Executive Director and CEO of Thomson Digital and Q&amp;I (India) Vinay Kumar Singh is the Executive Director and CEO of Thomson Digital and Q&amp;I, with over 30 years of industry expertise. He pioneered Thomson Digital in India and globally, founding associated companies and an education technology startup. Specializing in scientific and educational content, Vinay completed his Executive Training Programs at ISB Hyderabad. Saurabh Gupta, Founder &amp; CEO of Verismart.ai A 3-time entrepreneur and angel investor in 9 deep tech firms, Saurabh Gupta is now leading Verismart.ai which pioneer in blockchain-based Ad-tech/Data Interoperability platform with over 520M+ users data pipeline while ensuring privacy compliance. He also acquired dolphinchat.ai., and has been a speaker at 50+ global conferences talking about Blockchain and data privacy. Vikkas K Jha, Founder of Brand Kettle Vikkas K Jha, an ace marketing professional turned visionary entrepreneur, founded Brand Kettle amidst the pandemic. With expertise in Commercial Fitouts, Retail Roll-Outs &amp; experiential marketing, he expanded Brand Kettle's services, integrating 30+ brands, within 3 years. He is also driving impactful social change via the Brand Kettle Foundation's NGO initiatives. Atharva Bahadur, CEO of Drishti Pures Atharva Bahadur is the CEO of Drishti Pures in Lucknow. Under Atharva's leadership, Drishti Pures, a pioneering endeavor, engages abandoned, differently-abled children in producing Cold Pressed Oil and processing pure spices, aiming to foster self-reliance among them. Currently housing 260 abandoned children, Drishti remains the largest institution of its kind globally. Harsh Niwas, Manager Legal and Team Lead at Unitech Limited Harsh Niwas is an international consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the Real Estate and Mining industries. His expertise lies in project management, legal strategy, and stakeholder communication, delivering successful outcomes and operational efficiency. Known for strong leadership, negotiation, and collaboration skills, he ensures compliance and value creation within teams and organizations. Hussain Kalsekar, Founder and CEO of 366 DigitX Renowned for fostering enduring relationships with corporate decision-makers, Hussain Kalsekar has steered 366 DigitX to unparalleled heights. His client-centric approach has garnered him accolades globally. Recognized as one of the top 100 smartest digital marketing leaders by the World Marketing Congress, he was also recently honored among the Top 50 Global High Flyers and awarded as the Leader in Digital Marketing for 2023. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

Global Indian Leaders of The Year 2023 as per World Brand Affairs

<ul><li>The great Indian festival season is expected to bring in muted sales for apparel makers who saw spectacular sales last year.</li><li>Hit by inflation and other economic factors, Indians are likely to buy children apparel the most this festival.</li><li>Discounting is becoming a key driver for sales report retailers who have lost many full-price sales days in Q2 due to the delayed festival season. </li></ul>Last year, the Dusshera-Diwali festive season was the first after two years of lockdown. As expected, people spent with vigour on clothes, shoes and more. This year, not only has that fervour gone down, but inflation and other worries have cropped up. Little apparel is moving from the stores without discounting, say retailers. A survey conducted by Clothing Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI) indicated widespread pessimism amongst merchants. As many as 78% of those surveyed expect the sales this festive season to dip up to 25% as compared to last year. Half of the survey respondents feel that kid’s wear will lead the way in sales, followed by 36% citing women’s wear. Only 12% bet that men’s wear will perform better. “This aligns with the broader slowdown experienced in the domestic garment sector during the last 4-5 months. Nevertheless, we anticipate a market upswing after Diwali, considering the extended wedding season that lies ahead,” said Rahul Mehta, chief mentor of CMAI. The festive season sales are likely to see same store de-growth, it predicts. Gone with the pandemic Pepe Jeans India too believes that the pandemic-era growth has tapered. The UK-based brand saw its India sales rise by 55% in 2022 — which is 40% higher than the pre-pandemic sales. This year, it expects to grow at 18% but believes it will finish the year with 12-18%. “Last year was phenomenal. But the truth is that we are growing on a high base. The festive season has also been subdued. While Pujo and Onam sales were good, we will wait for the impact of the Diwali sales season which are yet to pick up. So, growth is there but its muted,” Manish Kapoor, MD &amp; CEO, Pepe Jeans India told Business Insider. Discounts the key driver for sales? Indians have turned wary of discretionary purchases with lower-than-expected salary increments and rise in inflation — softening the sentiment. And, the only thing that’s re-energizing this market is the discounting. Let’s take India’s top apparel company Arvind Fashions which saw a good 9% like-to-like sales growth, but most of it was driven by discount season. Its retail discounting went up 3% in the second quarter. “This quarter can be divided into two parts. We had delayed the End Of Season in July due to good sell-throughs. And we saw good double digit like-to-like retail growth in August and July, but it was slightly negative in September due to less number of full-price days as festive season season dates shifted to October,” said Shailesh Chaturvedi, MD &amp; CEO of Arvind Fashions in an earnings concall. The shift in wedding and festival season has also affected <keyword id="64373" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="shoppers-stop" source="Orion">Shoppers Stop</keyword>. “The demand environment remains weak. Across cities, towns and categories, unlike last quarter, or earlier quarters, where it was more driven by rural or non-metro weakening of demand,” said Kavindra Mishra, CEO of Shoppers Stop in its Q2 earnings concall. It too had to resort to discounting that has affected its margins too. “Our performance on private brands last year was based on the pent-up demand immediately post-Covid. Given the slowness in the market, we liquidated part of our merchandise at a higher discount,” Mishra said. (This article is a part of Business Insider India’s ‘Boom to Bust’ series which will discuss post-pandemic demand trends) SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/how-pizza-hut-kfc-dominos-lose-their-post-pandemic-boom-effect/articleshow/103438807.cms">The Quick and the Dead: How fast food players lost their pandemic boom effect</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/diamond-demand-heads-for-a-hard-landing-with-temporary-disruption-at-play/articleshow/103599134.cms">Diamond demand heads for a hard landing with ‘temporary disruption’ at play</a>

Bitten by inflation, Indians buying fewer clothes this season

<ul><li>Marketing has always been about understanding how a consumer reacts to certain triggers and how brands can use that to influence them.</li><li>After the year 2020 turned the marketing world upside down, brands and businesses of all sizes had to reimagine their communication strategies and evolve with the rapidly changing times.</li><li>Brands started offering a helping hand to consumers by leveraging their social media presence to either amplify citizens’ SoS for ICU beds or to spread awareness around vaccination registration.</li><li>In 2021, the focus shifted primarily to digital channels owing to the pandemic.</li><li>As we enter a new year with a lot of hope and optimism for the future, we speak to a few brands to discuss how the pandemic impacted their marketing activities and what the future holds for marketing.</li></ul>After months of multiple nationwide lockdowns in 2020 and living and working in isolation, the Indian <keyword id="11095746" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="marketing-ecosystem" source="Orion">marketing ecosystem</keyword> started preparing for a new future. Brands decided to pause, reflect, rework their strategies and most importantly, prioritise consumer interest. They focused on creating more enhanced consumer experiences online as we all waited to physically get back to our ‘normal’ lives. A few brands decided to reach out to people who were crying for help and many brands swallowed their pride, kept aside fierce rivalry and started uplifting their competitors in social media posts instead -- even burger and cola wars stopped. Consumers started yearning for stories that uplift and inspire them to keep going in the otherwise gloomy times. There was a new-found appreciation for empathetic advertising and nostalgia marketing in the brandverse, which continued in 2021. Brands delivered some hope and delight with every post and advertisement. They also started speaking one-on-one with their consumers across social media channels more than ever and delivered on what is asked of them because GenZ and Millennials are quick to call out unconnected brand purposes. Brands also moved along with the great digital migration of consumers and expanded their digital presence. They also factored in the massive economic upheavals due to the pandemic and offered value-based deals. They engaged with consumers on smart devices and interfaces across the home, expanded their media mix to include virtual reality, video conferencing platforms and video gaming platforms. This year’s Ipsos and Tetra Pak report found that the personal, economic and environmental fragility experienced during the global pandemic has created a shift from more passive concern to active caretaking -- driven by the desire to protect ourselves, our communities and the security of the planet. People are being more proactive in making the right purchases – for their own wellbeing and for the environment around them. This includes dietary choices and recycling more and reducing waste. As a result, we have seen more eco-friendly product and packaging launches this year. The concern for the environment will only grow stronger and brands will be expected to align themselves with a larger purpose. With a new-found appreciation for life and altered perspectives towards marketing, we reached out to Indian brands from different sectors to find out what are some of the trends that they expect to see in 2022. Here is what they said: Pankaj Sharma, Director – Consumer Products Division, L’Oréal India: Indian beauty consumers have become more discerning as they move between online + offline buying and experiencing paradigms. And in this journey, eCommerce will continue to play a big role in driving beauty in India. It has created more opportunities for consumer experience and demand fulfillment. The initiatives like live streaming, e-BAs, Video-Content on DIY have enabled new touchpoints. This has allowed more specific media and activation plans for each region, depending on the festive peaks. For example, at L’Oréal India, we used Insta-Festive as one of our umbrella themes and could do insta-diwali, insta-pujo, insta-karwa, insta-onam as activation points to engage with consumers on e-commerce and digital with the power of data. Apart from targeting festive occasions, we are moving towards occasion-led purchases, celebrating personal milestones of life. Hence beauty brands are sending out relevant brand communications throughout the year, with the same rigor, as one would have done during the festive season before. The festive season, however, still sees an uptick in purchases and offers a variety of formats to give consumers what they’re seeking. Raunika Malhotra, President - Marketing &amp; Corporate Communications, Lodha: In the coming year, I see stakeholder marketing becoming increasingly relevant. It essentially means working towards creating value for all stakeholders that include customers, employees, vendors, communities, natural capital, cities, etc. The other trend that we will witness is the increased use of analytics and data scientists in marketing communication and performance. Lastly, the pandemic has made people more conscious of the community and the environment at large. They are looking to engage with brands with shared values of doing good for the society and the planet. Abhishek Shahabadi, Vice President &amp; Portfolio Head, Scotch and Premium Whites Diageo India: There’s been good momentum on Diageo India brands in 2021, despite operational challenges due to pandemic led restrictions. This is attributed to the growing trend of ‘at-home drinking’. The off-trade salience increased to 88% compared to 73% in the pre-pandemic phase, as individuals were constrained to more intimate drinking occasions at home. We see at-home drinking as a strong trend coupled with the growth of outdoor experiences in 2022 as the market opens. Keeping this in mind, Diageo India continues to strengthen its in-home play through off-trade and digital along with influencer engagement to embrace ways to make at-home drinking experiences more enjoyable. Arnab Roy, Vice President, Marketing, Coca-Cola India &amp; Southwest Asia: While this year has tested the thinking and resilience of brands worldwide, going forward, we hope that the pandemic continues to regress and we get the real magic back into our lives. As people step out of their homes more often, they will be looking out for more real activities like watching blockbusters at multiplexes, visiting their favourite food “gullies” and travelling more frequently with their loved ones. Post COVID we are also seeing a trend where people are more experimentative and open to new genres of music, food, sports and entertainment. It is thus imperative for brands to deliver integrated experiences at a global scale with the agility, speed and data-driven insights that are required to win locally. Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director – Kalyan Jewellers: Gold has always been a preferred consumption item for Indians and in the post COVID-19 era, it has also emerged as one of the safer and more lucrative long-term assets. The dynamic market scenario and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to renewed interest from younger consumers who bought into the idea of gold jewellery, for the first time. Today’s young consumers or millennials consider jewellery as a fashion statement and a style symbol that will go with their sensibilities and help them showcase their true self. Because of this, it has become increasingly critical for jewellery companies to keep up with newer trends and address the changing sensibilities and consumer preferences in this ever-evolving business environment. To address the ongoing digital transformation in India’s jewellery industry, we are focusing on creating a holistic ecosystem, strengthening our omnichannel strategy and making the ‘phygital’ model more seamless. Over the past few years, we have been making consistent investments in developing and leveraging technology to offer convenient solutions to customers for purchasing jewellery or investing in gold. As a result of this, we were well-positioned to adapt to this digital transformation and ventured into newer product categories such as Digital Gold as well as explored newer avenues to reach our customers by introducing services such as Gold Ownership Certificate and LIVE Video Shopping facility, which allowed customers to browse through and purchase jewellery at the comfort of their homes. One of the biggest trends that have emerged out of the nationwide lockdown is an enormous increase in the screen time spent by Indians across digital platforms. In line with this, brands have aligned their marketing budgets towards digital, social media &amp; OTT, especially for including new content. Following this, we have introduced temporary changes to our media mix with a more digital-centric approach, which is a key to making the most during this quarter. With 2022 around the corner, we aim to continue moving forward on this growth trajectory and register consistent growth while widening our consumer base. Kartik Johari, Vice President - Marketing &amp; Commerce, Nobel Hygiene: 2022 will be the golden year for great marketeers, as content will reign supreme. We are drowning in a glut of content, be it 10 sec Reels, to full-blown documentaries. Consumers on the other hand are oscillating between anxiety, fright and boredom. The challenge is up to us, to create content that can engage, reassure, add value and be honest. It is so important to keep a track of how many people the content reaches, who engages, and what they say. We have never had so much data on our interactions and it is time we start using data better! It should be an interesting year for strong brand teams. Ketan Kulkarni, Chief Commercial Officer, Blue Dart: The world has acclimatized to the ‘new normal’ and what seemed to be the most challenging obstacle of 2020, has now enabled us to prepare for any unprecedented events that could cause business disruptions in the future. A major factor in actualizing this is agility driven by technology and automation. The role of logistics has been highlighted over the last two years given our industry’s essential service status and this has only been possible because of the technology-based solutions adopted by resilient players. 2022 will definitely see an enhancement in the ‘Technology-led transformation’ that we are witnessing today. Digitalization across the supply chain from first mile to last mile is the future of the industry; technology enabling near-autonomous facilities, robotics, drone-delivery systems, and 3D/additive manufacturing are going to be adopted very quickly. The reason is, in the event of another unprecedented crisis, organizations would want to ensure ‘business-as-usual’ to cause minimal business disruptions. The underlying theme of 2022 would revolve around creating business models that will survive in a ‘less-contact’ society. Amrinder Singh, Director, Bonn Group of Industries: It's been a fantastic year of change and recovery for both consumers and businesses. Consumers prioritised their safety while dealing with illness, job loss, lack of available products and services. Anticipating change and adapting for future challenges accordingly can help enterprises see around corners and plan effectively for the post-pandemic consumer. Businesses are riding on the pandemic-accelerated digital transformation wave and the trend is likely to continue. Around 80% of companies are allocating resources to improving their e-commerce and shopping platforms. This includes a full 60% investment in their digital direct-to-customer (DTC) channels. The digital shift also includes transforming internal capabilities and creating efficiencies with the help of technology. The future of retail will be omnichannel shopping or phygital retail. New technologies will continue to transform the retail sector with rapid change and innovation. Retail consumers will expect frictionless and tech-enabled experiences. As retailers and manufacturers embrace a direct-to-consumer model through e-commerce, traditional marketing channels will continue to blur. Satish NS, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Haier Appliances India: Today, hyper-personalization is inevitable for brands to get closer to their consumers. More than ever before, brands need to work on identifying and nurturing relevant cohorts for the business and reach out to them with tailored content that strikes an instant connection between the brand and its consumers. Since digital gives us the liberty to phenomenally reduce the distance between a brand and its customers, it’s important to create critical touchpoints along the consumer journey that will enable a more immersive brand experience with a 360-degree approach. Moreover, leveraging creative strategies on digital to deliver business impact will continue to become even more important in the coming years. Next year, we will also see an uptick in brands that will be experimenting big with performance marketing tools to help drive better ROI for the business. Manish Bandlish, Managing Director, Mother Dairy Fruit &amp; Vegetable Pvt. Ltd: The year 2021 was yet again a dynamic year however, the revival has been remarkable for us at Mother Dairy. Preparedness coupled with collaboration, resilience and agility played a vital role in the pandemic stressed quarter of this year, to ensure wellbeing of each and every employee as well as business continuity in order to serve our consumers. The year saw new products, markets and experiences, both for the business as well as the consumers. Despite the happenings, this year saw consistent supplies as varied channels such as e-commerce continued big-time. In addition, the consumption trend of consumers which began witnessing a change last year are persistent this year as well with in-home consumption and preference for packaged foods going strong.

Marketing trends to watch out for in 2022

<ul><li>Top cosmetics, clothing and jewellery brands of India have witnessed an increase in sales as work-from-office gains pace. </li><li>Online retail brand <keyword id="319719" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="myntra" source="Orion">Myntra</keyword> said the most popular work wear for Indians include kurtas and formal shirts. </li><li>There was an increase in blings and cosmetic products post-pandemic, leading retail brands revealed. </li></ul>Crisp white shirts, blazers and even kurtas are selling like hotcakes as Indians are back to office and don’t intend to recycle their last-season wardrobe of formals. <keyword id="2834772" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aditya-birla-fashion" source="Orion">Aditya Birla Fashion</keyword> has been gaining from the trend as formal work wear contributed to over 45% of its total sales in the first quarter of this year, according to a Motilal Oswal report. Even as the festive theme takes over most purchases in the next few months, the company expects growth in formal wear to continue, the report says. Apparel retailer Myntra too told Business Insider India that it has seen an uptick in formal shirts and pants, shift dresses, ties, blazers and even shoes in the last few months. The first half of the year saw a 10-fold growth in the segment since the first half of 2018, it said. “Some of the popular brands on the platform for workwear include Allen Solly, Mango, Louis Phillipe, H&amp;M, Dressberry, Arrow and <keyword id="126601" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="van-heusen" source="Orion">Van Heusen</keyword>,” said Sharon Pais, chief business officer at Myntra. Lipstick with my kurta To go with these clothes, office goers are buying more make-up. The government’s relaxation of norms that mandated people wear masks at all places has aided the trend. <keyword id="12188628" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="good-glamm-group" source="Orion">Good Glamm Group</keyword>’s online cosmetic retail brand <keyword id="3030142" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="myglamm" source="Orion">MyGlamm</keyword> has seen its sales across segments go up by seven times this year. The product that’s among its fastest selling is its ‘long-lasting’ LIT Liquid Matte Lipstick, perfect for office goers. “Customers are seeking multi-functional, high efficacy, budget-friendly and sustainable products. Our luxury range, Manish Malhotra Beauty by MyGlamm has also seen a hike in sales by 4x,” said Sukhleen Aneja, CEO, Good Brands Co, The Good <keyword id="12357310" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="glamm-group" source="Orion">Glamm Group</keyword>. Luxury &amp; bling Myntra also said that its customers are now spending on luxury beauty products as they are keen on looking their best as they step out of their homes. “The luxury beauty segment was popular among the beauty buyers with brands like MAC, <keyword id="1607389" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="dyson" source="Orion">Dyson</keyword>, Armani Beauty, GK Hair, Benefit Cosmetics, CK and Laneige leading the way with a staggering five-fold growth in demand for the segment,” said Myntra’s Pais. Good Glamm Group’s Aneja said that the buying trends were erratic all across the pandemic, but lipstick sales were high even when people were masking up religiously. “Although we anticipated that lipstick sales would decline during the pandemic, they were unaffected. We saw a rise in eye makeup products. While cosmetics and skincare are in high demand post pandemic,” added Aneja. The need to shine as they step out is also aiding the growth of jewellery sales. “Wrist wears have gained prominence and there is traction in higher price-point rings and bracelets. Earrings have also emerged as a viable option apart from studs, which is being preferred largely by the younger generation,” said Avnish Anand, co-founder and COO of CaratLane, an online and offline jewellery retailer. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/sequoia-capital-offloads-2-of-its-stake-in-zomato/articleshow/93802868.cms">Sequoia Capital offloads 2% of its stake in Zomato</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/ibc-cases-still-below-fy20-levels-report-says-this-shows-india-inc-is-comfortably-placed/articleshow/93793663.cms">IBC cases still below FY20 levels – report says this shows India Inc is ‘comfortably placed’</a>

Pyjamas out, power suits in: apparel and cosmetic sellers gain as Indians go back to office

The Indian <keyword id="761780" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce-market" source="Orion">e-commerce market</keyword> has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increased internet penetration, smartphone adoption, digital payments, and changing consumer behaviour. This growth has created opportunities for livelihoods and has been supported by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, which plays a crucial role in India’s economy. Contributing significantly to employment generation, economic growth, and poverty reduction, MSMEs hold immense potential. The <keyword id="44734" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-government" source="Orion">Indian government</keyword>'s initiatives, such as "<keyword id="6354869" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="make-in-india" source="Orion">Make in India</keyword>" and "Startup India", and the ₹1,700-crore allocation in the budget for MSMEs’ digital infrastructure to fuel growth in these enterprises, have been in the right direction. In the grand scheme of India's retail fabric, <keyword id="35621" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="Orion">e-commerce</keyword> is only warming up. However, its potential to revolutionise how we buy and sell is an indisputable fact.The Emergence of E-commerce in India and the industry trendThe dawn of Internet accessibility fanned the flames for online trade in India. From books to electronics, gadgets to fashion wear — Indian consumers suddenly had a vast digital marketplace at their fingertips. Amid this e-commerce bull run, Flipkart emerged as a trustworthy platform for millions of customers that catered to the evolving demands of Indian consumers.With incessant tech advancements and evolving consumer behaviours, the e-commerce landscape is constantly shifting. Convenience, transparency, and personalisation will be major driving forces transforming how we buy and sell online.India’s <a href="https://www.bain.com/insights/how-india-shops-online-2022-report/">online shopper base</a> is estimated to increase to 400–450 million by 2027. 50 million new shoppers were added to the Indian e-retail market, which is ~35% growth over the online shopper base in 2020. New shoppers majorly belong to tier-3 or smaller cities and include Gen Z, a critical cohort that typically starts buying at entry price points. 3 out of 5 shoppers belong to tier-2 or smaller cities, 1 in 3 shoppers belong to low-to-middle income segments, and 1 in 3 shoppers is Gen-Z. Consumers now spend 20% more time per month on a retail platform vs last year.Flipkart’s impact on India’s e-commerce landscapeFlipkart, a homegrown marketplace platform, has been at the forefront of this transformative journey, <keyword id="65467" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="empowering" source="Orion">empowering</keyword> MSMEs and driving inclusive economic growth in the country. Given that more than 95% of MSMEs in India are micro in nature, a ready-to-go platform that Flipkart provides is immensely crucial to market the products coming out of Make in India and help them become small-to-medium in nature. Indeed, through its innovative approach and steadfast commitment to inclusion, Flipkart is inspiring a new cadre of entrepreneurs while playing an instrumental role in harnessing the true potential of India’s e-commerce maze. Today it stands as more than an e-commerce company – it’s a catalyst reshaping India's retail ecology.Over the last 15 years, Flipkart has been a transformative force in India’s e-commerce landscape.●It has driven the rapid growth of the online marketplace.●It has helped businesses embrace digital technology to increase their reach and profits.●It has contributed to economic development by enhancing India's global competitiveness.With a remarkable 220% seller growth on the platform since last year, Flipkart has earned the trust of over 14 lakh sellers— reflecting the faith that Indian MSMEs, small businesses, and enterprises have in their capabilities. Flipkart, with a registered user base of 500Mn+is well-positioned to cater to these emerging customer preferences.By bringing meaningful market opportunities to MSMEs and small businesses, Flipkart has helped promote inclusive growth by creating job opportunities, empowering women, and enabling entrepreneurship among disadvantaged sections of society.Empowering rural entrepreneurs MSMEs especially have a big role to play in providing employment opportunities, income generation, and skill development in rural areas, thereby uplifting local economies and reducing regional disparities. Flipkart, too, has been playing its part – it launched the Flipkart Samarth Program in 2019 to build a sustainable and inclusive platform for under-served domestic communities, with a special focus on uplifting and onboarding artisans, weavers, women-led enterprises, and people with disabilities.Flipkart isn't only changing how it does business; it's also making change happen in society:1.Inclusive growth: Flipkart promotes widespread prosperity by offering new opportunities to MSMEs and small businesses.2.Creating jobs: The platform supports countless livelihoods across the country.3.Empowering women: Flipkart believes in smashing glass ceilings, and its platform facilitates female entrepreneurship.4.Supporting the disadvantaged: Through its operations, Flipkart aims to uplift marginalised sections of society. Under the Samarth program, rural entrepreneurs from across the country are onboarded to the platform by securing multiple strategic engagements with state and central ministries, departments, livelihood missions, NGO partners, and entities across the country. To date, Samarth has reached out to sellers across 28 states, grown its seller entity base by 300% over the last year and has also helped entities &amp; businesses grow by 300%. By bringing millions of ambitious entrepreneurs access to a pan-India market, Flipkart Samarth is impacting more than 1.5 million livelihoods nationwide today. Paving the path for inclusive economic growthSupporting the development of MSMEs is crucial to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation and bridging the rural-urban divide. Thus, as India's e-commerce market continues to evolve, the collaboration between platforms like Flipkart and MSMEs will be pivotal in shaping a thriving and inclusive digital economy. Disclaimer: This article is authored by Rakesh Krishnan, Vice President and Head of marketplace, Flipkart. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Business Insider India.

Empowering India's e-commerce market

<ul><li>The pandemic has sparked a flurry of <keyword id="6463276" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="nostalgia" source="Orion">nostalgia</keyword> ads and we are all for this trend.</li><li>Indian brands are capitalizing on nostalgia and memories to connect with their consumers and remind them of simpler times.</li><li>From Cadbury and CRED to Dunzo, brands are reviving what is old into new in their marketing campaigns.</li><li>We speak to creative folks from the <keyword id="35666" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="advertising" source="Orion">advertising</keyword> industry to find out why nostalgia works and how should brands go about it.</li></ul>It is summer and the clock strikes 11:30. You are late for school because you end up catching Tom and Jerry on TV. You have seen this episode, but you don’t want to move because you are curious to find out whether Jerry will fool Tom yet again. You are sipping on Rasana, there’s a light breeze from your 4-feet-tall cooler that makes a buzzing sound and your grandfather is yelling at you to turn off the TV as he relishes mangoes and reminds you that your school bus might arrive any minute. Cartoon Network’s Tom and Jerry pauses, a commercial takes over and a jingle plays in the background, “Kuch khaas hai hum sabhi mein” as you tie your shoelace and run to catch the bus. You might not have lived the exact memory, but I am sure it brings a smile to your face, from ear to ear and takes you back to the days when you were not constantly anxious about catching a deadly virus or losing your loved ones to it. Revisiting these old, simpler days has found a space in marketing yet again. Due to the pandemic, from CRED and Swiggy Instamart to Cadbury, brands are trying to evoke nostalgia to connect with consumers on an emotional level and reach out to the inner child in us that lived in a happier universe. Consumers have also found comfort in these ads in uncertain times. “Remember those old times when…” itself is a great hook that sparks interest and marketers are well aware of this tactic. Last month, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/advertising/brands/news/cadbury-dairy-milk-recreates-its-iconic-stadium-advertisement-with-a-wonderful-twist/articleshow/86284608.cms">Cabdury’s remake of its ‘Kuch Khaas hai’</a> ad from the 90s took the internet by storm. Social media was abuzz with conversations on gender equality and nostalgia. Then came Swiggy’s campaign that gave a twist to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/advertising/brands/news/swiggy-instamart-reimagines-5-stars-ramesh-suresh-and-colgates-kya-aapke-toothpaste-mein-namak-hai-ads/articleshow/86836261.cms">5 Star’s Ramesh and Suresh </a>and Colgate’s Kya Aapke Toothpaste mein namak hai ads and took us down the memory lane again. Pizza Hut brought back Anuradha Menon aka Lola Kutty of 90s fame and <a href="https://youtu.be/gADj-r1t08U">CRED’s ‘The OG’</a> ad with old cricketers made a lot of noise too. Debashish Ghosh, National Creative Director, 22feet Tribal Worldwide explained why nostalgia sells. He said, “Nostalgia is comfort food. It feels good and fond memories are linked to it. There is a deeper emotional glue. It's sticky. So it sells. A great example is one of the longest-running social media trend #throwbackthursday. Brands tap into it to help the audience remember their best memories from the past. Be it personal, popular or stuff of legend. Like famous moments, celebrities, old fads &amp; trends. And once they give it a new spin, they make a unique connection with that memory. It adds immensely to their brand metric and helps them foray into culture.” A <a href="https://static.billboard.com/files/2020/04/COVID-19-Entertainment-Tracker-Release-1-1586793733.pdf">recent study</a> exploring the effects of COVID-19 on entertainment industry and consumer behaviour revealed that more than half of today's consumers are finding comfort in old TV shows, films, and songs from their youth due to the pandemic. “Nostalgia is a time machine. An experience we don’t have access to in the present. It transports us to a time we want to live again,” said Parixit Bhattacharya, CCO, TBWA\India. Adding why nostalgia works magically for brands, he said, “Brands with a shared sense of history with the people they serve can reference nostalgia and rekindle the love. Of course, it works only when the audience is old enough to feel nostalgic about something. We now have two generations of people in the country who grew up with a few household brands over the years and have witnessed a massive change in the country. So these brands can dip into the deep well of shared memories to rekindle the love. While there are really no rules to this, a sense of shared history is crucial to land a potent connection. Nostalgia can lead to almost involuntary action; a bullet through the crevices of our past hitting a sweet spot for people and the brand. Therein lies the lure of Nostalgia. It is so potent it can actually inform the product strategy in some categories, not just stories in communication. On the other hand, Pinaki Bhattacharya, Chief Strategy Officer, Wunderman Thompson India believes that most of these ads were trying to make a timely statement. “Generally speaking, a throwback or referencing something popular from the past and setting it in a surprisingly different or new context can be an interesting device in storytelling. Of course, only if done right. Some brands have tried doing it in different ways recently- some very successfully while some were middling. Barring a couple, I don’t think most of the brands were trying to only evoke nostalgia- they did it, to either make a timely statement using a very memorable ad (say, CDM) or to find a quirky way to drive home their proposition (say, Dunzo). The bottomline is that brands don’t do this to just evoke memories from the past and make its consumers feel good- it has been used to meet the brand’s objectives in the current market and designed to be relevant and attractive for its current consumers,” said he. By invoking nostalgia around iconic ads, Swiggy Instamart managed to connect with both millennials and GenZ. Telling us more about Swiggy Instamart’s recreation of iconic ads, Ashish Lingamneni, Head of Brand at Swiggy said, “With the latest Instamart campaign, we partnered with our creative agency at Lowe Lintas who came up with a fresh concept to recreate iconic ads with a Swiggy Instamart twist. In our campaign, we pay homage to some of the most iconic ads of our times but depict a world where the product suddenly isn't available after all that build-up and Instamart comes to the rescue of the protagonist with instant delivery. Within a few weeks, these TVCs have become widely popular among viewers owing to their fun, cheeky and relatable nature." So, what’s the psychology behind nostalgia and which kinds of brands can adopt this unique kind of marketing strategy? Varun Duggirala - content creator, podcaster, entrepreneur and personal development pundit answered, “Products that have been universally present for a more extended period as a category or brand find it much easier to tap into nostalgia. Add to that a historical connection with pop culture ( music, movies, fashion, etc.) or an iconic piece of creative advertising around the brand, and it becomes all the easier. For newer product categories, especially tech, etc., it's more challenging to capitalise, but as we've seen with throwback phone models coming up, even many mainstream tech product categories have been around long enough to capitalise.” When it comes to <keyword id="11335354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nostalgia-marketing" source="Orion">nostalgia marketing</keyword>, some brands go retro to transport you into a world that had a completely different style while some prefer paying homage to a historic event. Indian brands have also used nostalgia marketing to reminisce over an old, lost product -- for example Rola-Cola. It was relaunched after customers begged the brand to return the candies to the shelves. However, in their attempt of contemporizing an old ad or memory, brands often fail to retain the ad’s essence or they fail to give it a modern twist as per the current environment. When rolling out revived campaigns that might have worked wonderfully in the past, it is important to check that its values align with today’s audiences, both culturally and socially. Sometimes, even the most recalled ad can spark controversy and a brand should completely steer clear over many sexist ads that should remain in the 90s. So, if you’re considering the nostalgia route to gain traction with customers, Duggirala has some tips you should think about. He shared, “Any creative should first have a deep connection with two aspects, firstly- what is the cultural norm at this moment of time ( what do consumers believe in as core values and what is par for course in terms of discourse or dialogue) and what do consumers today believe in vs what they did in the time from the past. Secondly - it's essential to understand if the emotional core of the original resonates as strongly at this moment for a broader audience and their perception of the brand and its category at this moment. These two are the most essential guardrails to look at.” Ghosh also advised brands to find the brand connect and keep it simple. Sharing a list of things brands should keep in mind, he said, “Know your customer persona. Tap into your brand history if any. Find an interesting old concept but one that is not overexposed. Don’t belabour the connection. Make sure that the piece fits your brand and not the other way around. Keep it simple. Pick a single aspect of the old memory and let the audience relive it thoroughly. Keep the brand connect simple as well – a feeling, a benefit.”

Why are Indian brands transporting consumers to older times with their campaigns?

<ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trendsfestival" data-type="tilCustomLink">Global Trends Festival</a> is one of the world's most prestigious events which will be live from Oct 19-23.</li><li>While nobel laureates, some of the biggest political and corporate icons will provide thought leadership, it's a great platform to network with CXOs from around the world.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trendsfestival" data-type="tilCustomLink">Global Trends Festival 2020</a> is presented by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trendsfestival" data-type="tilCustomLink"></a><a href="https://aws.amazon.com/" data-type="tilCustomLink">AWS</a>.</li><li>Register for the <keyword id="10088455" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-trends-festival">Global Trends Festival</keyword> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trendsfestival" data-type="tilCustomLink"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trendsform_2020.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">here</a>.</li></ul> From the most famous actress in the country and the uber-rich to the middle-class professional, they all have one thing in common - every woman wants to be a ‘<keyword id="8264" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sabyasachi">Sabyasachi</keyword> bride.’ The term has been coined by this legendary designer’s fans for whom his clothes have become a symbol of aspiration. The creative genius from Kolkata, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, has changed how Indians dress or want to dress. And from his stunning collection launched at India Fashion Week in 2002 to working on a global collaboration with the Swedish retail giant H&amp;M this year, he has set new trends and carved his own path, filled with accolades. Sabyasachi now heads a multi-million dollar enterprise. And in time, the 45-year-old designer aspires to build the brand into the <a href="https://www.fortuneindia.com/people/in-sabyasachi-mukherjees-lab-of-luxury/103095">‘Chanel of India</a>.’ Sabyasachi has <a href="https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/people/sabyasachi-mukherjee-king-of-indias-bridal-market">already launched a couture jewellery line</a> and soon plans to expand into shoes, perfumes, and more. Synonymous with ‘bridal wear,’ this multiple awards winning designer is also known for introducing many contemporary clothing styles for men and women alike. And they all have a common thread, what he describes as an ‘Indian soul.’ Sabyasachi, who calls himself a textile designer instead of a fashion designer, has also made headlines by changing his marketing strategy - from fashion shows to Instagram. Over three million of his followers get a glimpse of his designs and prices, which strike a chord with young millennial Indians. At the Global Trends Festival 2020, Sabyasachi will talk about the future of fashion, what luxury means to him, and how to change Indians’ mindset from saving culture to splurging. He is an authority on the subject as he inspired many young women to diligently save money only to spend on his gorgeous lehengas for their special day. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trendsfestival" data-type="tilCustomLink"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/catch-lord-adair-turner-the-technocrat-who-is-devising-ways-and-means-to-move-towards-a-zero-carbon-economy-at-the-global-trends-festival-2020/articleshow/78661710.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Catch Lord Adair Turner, the technocrat who is devising ways and means to move towards a zero-carbon economy, at the Global Trends Festival 2020</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trendsfestival" data-type="tilCustomLink"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/catch-kiran-mazumdar-shaw-at-the-global-trends-festival-2020-speak-about-unlocking-indias-suppressed-potential/articleshow/78642685.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Catch Kiran Mazumdar Shaw at the Global Trends Festival 2020, speak about unlocking India's suppressed potential</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/trendsfestival" data-type="tilCustomLink"></a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/hear-and-learn-from-byju-raveendran-the-man-who-made-online-classes-fun-years-before-covid-at-the-global-trends-festival-2020/articleshow/78641694.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Hear and learn from Byju Raveendran, the man who made online classes fun, years before COVID, at the Global Trends Festival 2020</a>

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