Today the Healthcare industry has emerged as one of the most challenging sectors as well as one of the largest service industries in India with estimated revenue of about $ 30 billion (FY 2005). The Indian Health Services sector is estimated to be around Rs. 750 billion and has had a growth of over 12% p.a. in the past four years and is estimated to grow by 170% by 2012. However there are a few shortcomings like lack of sufficient awareness of quality medical centres and services. Hence Star Imaging has partnered with i-mint which has a national footprint & expertise in reaching wider masses in a systematic manner.

On the partnership with i-mint, Mr. Sudhanshu Gupta, Executive Director & Head of Business Development, SIPL said, “We are a team of dedicated professionals engaged in providing ultra modern diagnostic facilities to the people of Delhi. Star Imaging has always strived to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction. i-mint, with its unique concept of customer loyalty across multiple brands, will allow our customers to get a host of benefits and value additions on a single card. Additionally, i-mint’s vast network will give us access to a massive customer base and hence will help us augment our business further.”

Mr. Vijay Bobba, Founding CEO and Managing Director, Loyalty Solutions and Research Ltd, (LSRL) said, “It is our endeavor to provide more and more opportunities for i-mint members to earn rewards across all categories of their spends basket. With each new partnership, we are closer to our vision of becoming the “Rewards Card” of choice for today's shopper. As our network expands, we continue to strengthen our consumer proposition and are able to provide unparalleled value to our members”.

“With this partnership, i-mint members can now earn points at Star Imaging and Path Lab in addition to other partners at Delhi. Multiple opportunities to earn points lead to rapid point accrual in a single basket and hence faster redemptions possibilities for the member. Thus, members see more value in the program as compared to other single brand loyalty programs or co branded credit cards, added Mr. Vijay Bobba.

Customers availing the services of Star Imaging and Path Lab will earn 9 i-mint points for every Rs 100 spent. In addition to Star Imaging and Path Lab, customers can earn i-mint points at other leading brands within the i-mint network such as Airtel, HPCL, Air India, ICICI Bank Credit and Debit Card, Lifestyle, Makemytrip.com, Gitanjali Diamonds, Bookmyshow.com, Fernsnpetals.com etc. The points earned can be redeemed for products and services such as jewelry, electronics, holidays, gift vouchers etc. The rewards catalogue can be viewed on the i-mint website at www.imintpoints.com.

Currently SIPL is offering attractive discounts to their loyal customer database by providing value added facilities like Wellness counseling & health insurance through their unique tie-up with Star Health & Allied Insurance Co. Ltd.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Loyalty Solutions and Research Limited (LSRL)

i-mint is promoted by Loyalty Solutions & Research Limited (LSRL), a public limited company formed under the Companies Act, 1956 having its registered and corporate office at Florence Building, J L Nehru Road, Santacruz East, Vakola, Mumbai 400055. It’s core line of business is to conceptualize, design, develop, promote, and market loyalty programs for consumers and merchants. The company’s management and advisory team brings decades of experience in enhancing consumer experience through unique customer rewards and loyalty solutions globally LSRL currently has main offices in Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai with sales offices across several cities.

About Star Imaging & Path labs (SIPL):

Star Imaging is headed by Mr. Sudhanshu Gupta, Executive Director & Head of Business Development, and a dedicated team of professionals engaged in providing ultra modern diagnostic facilities to the people of Delhi. At Star Imaging & Path labs there are full time Radiologists, Pathologists, Anesthetist and Biochemist each with ample experience in their respective field. The strength of Star Imaging & Path labs lies in its core principal that Quality must never be compromised and quality is delivered through Accuracy in reporting. Our resolve every day is to deliver accurate and timely reports. The company has gained competitive advantage through offering latest state of the art technology combined with personalized service to ensure customer satisfaction.

About i-mint

• i-mint was launched on 1st August 2006 as India’s first Multi Partner Rewards Program wherein Airtel, HPCL, ICICI Bank, Air India, Lifestyle and MakeMyTrip.com joined hands to create a single rewards platform powered by sophisticated technology.
• i-mint gives its members an opportunity to earn i-mint points rapidly at the participating i-mint partners and merchants leading to faster redemption of rewards. Customers can locate i-mint affiliated merchants in their city:
  • Through the merchant locator on the i-mint website (www.imintpoints.com)
  • Logging on to http://imint.zook.in on their mobile browser
  • Sending an SMS with imint or or to 57575665
• Currently i-mint
  • Has a consumer base of over 6 million members nationally.
  • Is available in 25 cities across India
  • Has a merchant base of over 2500 across several cities
  • Is the only loyalty program to penetrate Business-to-Employee sector by launching co-branded cards for employees of companies like Infosys
  • Has also, launched an e-referral website in partnership with Global Talent Metrics called STAR REFERRAL.

Key features of i-mint

• i-mint has been designed as a pan India rewards program with acceptance across cities, across products and services and across various payment modes such as cash, cheque, credit and debit transactions.
• ‘Earn while you shop’ is now possible with i-mint. The program offers opportunity to earn points from more than one partner on each transaction. Rapid point accumulation leads to faster redemption. Members can redeem points at a slab as low as 250 points. The online redemption catalogue contains over 200 exciting rewards from partners as well as from other merchants, across various categories and at all point levels. i-mint promises unique rewards for customers like Gift vouchers, Jewelry, Household Appliances, Electronics etc
• To summarize, i-mint unleashes an unmatched platform to very quickly accumulate points from day to day spends and choose at will from an extensively furbished redemption catalogue. Now whatever the consumer may do, the consumer always mints rewards!

Giving an outline of the potent fashion industry in India, Mr. Sanjiv Goenka said “BHPC covers a wide range of lifestyle clothing for men and women. Fashion has been a significant segment in the evolution of Indian retail industry, not due to its size but the way it has influenced lifestyle. It was apparel that led multi-national brands to explore and invest in the Indian market, which set the ball rolling towards organized retailing. And now with the Indian consumer’s "LOOK GOOD - FEEL GOOD" attitude, fashion offers huge potential for deeper penetration into the Indian markets.”

Beverly Hills Polo Club® evokes casual, relaxed yet affluent and elegant Southern Californian lifestyle. It presents product categories in-tune with its image viz, T-Shirts, polo’s, sweat shirt & sweat pants, causal shirt & trousers, denims, winterwear, eyewear and watches for men and women. Formal shirts & trousers are an added category in the menswear segment. BHPC is very strategically developed by Spencer’s for the Indian market with fine product attributes that makes fashion, affordable.

Referring to the growing importance of fashion in Spencer’s retail business, Mr. Goenka said that the tie-up with BHPC LLC is the culmination of a world-wide search to secure for the Indian youth, a fashion brand that complement their lifestyle. “Beverly Hills brand epitomizes a refined comfort and stylish elegance for today’s successful and confident Indian youth”. Fashion currently contributes 10 % to the company’s revenue which is expected to increase to 25 – 30% in the years to follow.

The retail chain boasts of an extensive fashion section which has other internationally acclaimed brands for men, women and children. This range covers formal wear, casual wear, evening wear and active / sports wear. Spencer’s also has an extensive private label program in fashion which include established names like Mark Nicolas, Island Monks, Asankhya, etc. (please see below for the entire list) . The fashion strategy is to address need gaps in the fashion business in the Indian market, as well as create niches with specialized merchandise relevant to the target segment.

Mr. Sanjiv Goenka confirmed that the BHPC range will be available in a large number of Spencer’s stores which are currently located in 66 Indian cities.

“We are very happy with our association with the BHPC brand. BHPC is globally acclaimed as an aspirational lifestyle brand which commensurate with our new brand proposition – Taste the World – which embodies the best that the world has to offer to our consumers. This is yet another initiative by Spencer’s to differentiate itself by bringing new and exciting products and experiences to the evolving Indian consumers.”

Mr. Goenka added.

The first BHPC store at Spencer’s, Gurgaon, MGF Megacity Mall follows the Exclusive Branded outlet concept over an area of 1000sq.ft, with merchandize ranging from Rs.399/- to Rs.1499/-. Over the next three months, Spencer’s will dedicate about 12000 sq.ft space to the brand and target a turnover of Rs.1 crore, a month. It also plans to set up three standalone stores of an average 1500 sq.ft over the same period. The first standalone store is likely to come up in New Delhi by early next year.

List of Spencer’s private label brands in fashion:

Brand

Description

Island Monks

Men and women casual wear

Mark Nicolas

Men and women formal wear

Scorez

Men and women sportswear

Detailz

Men and women basic

Asankhya

Men and women ethic and fusion wear

Puddles

Infant ( 0 - 2 years)

Little Devils

Kids ( 2 - 14 years)

U n I

fashion Accessories - bags, junk jewellery, leather items, belts etc

Mark Nicolas

Men formal footwear

La Bonita

Women fashion footwear

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Spencer’s Retail Limited

Spencer’s Retail Limited, part of the Rs 13,500 crores RPG Enterprises, is a multi-format food-first retailer providing the widest range and assortment of products to its key consumer segment of female, SEC A in the age group of 25 – 34. The organization runs 400 stores, including about 32 large format stores across 66 cities in India, focusing on verticals like food and grocery, fruit and vegetables, electrical and electronics, home and office essentials, garments and fashion accessories, toys, food and personal care, music, books and mobility solutions, the later three forming part of specialty retail division.

Spencers is one of the earliest entrants into the retail space and literally introduced the Indian consumer to the concept of organized retailing. In fact, the first ever hyper store in India was launched by Spencers at Hyderabad in the year 2000. The journey onwards has been one of the most aggressive of all the retail players in India. In the last financial year, Spencers increased their stores from 150 to 400 with a target of expanding by 300 more this year. It employs over 12000 professionals who are specially trained to live up to the consumer needs and the business objectives of the organization. Spencers is on a high growth path with a target of Rs. 1500 crores sales turnover by the end of the current financial year.

Spencer’s was awarded the Turnaround Retailer of the year 2006 at the India Retailers Forum, 2007 in Mumbai And the “Most Evolved Retailer of the year 2007 at the same forum this year.

Media Contact:

Shakuntala Sarkar,

Manager, Corporate Communications

Email: s_sarkar@spencersretail.com

Mob: + 91 97487 73132

GCI – The PR Division of Grey Group

Malini Chakraborty

Email: malini_chakraborty@greyindia.com

Mob: 09831111609

WARDROBE with a retail chain of over 32 fully functional Dry-cleaning & Laundry outlets has widened its reach by offering 1/3rd of its capacity to cater to the outsourcing of specialized Dry-cleaning & Laundry Services by mid sized hotels & Institutions viz, Tivoli Garden, Lemon Tree, Icon Villa, Icon Tower, Grand President & Vista, Many leading hotels are to join hands in coming weeks. This is the outcome of assured hi-end timely services and quality.

Mr. Jyoti Maheshwari, Chairman, Diamond Fabcare Pvt. Ltd. said, “Escalating Real Estate costs are forcing mid sized hotels and institutions to look out for outsourcing avenues and WARDROBE has managed to win their faith by offering organized approach in the Dry-cleaning and Laundry sector. At WARDROBE we will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling the commitment made to all our customers.”

WARDROBE has already started generating steam in the market by pioneering Dry-cleaning & Laundry sector with operations inaugurated in Delhi / NCR in its phase one and plans to extend pan India in next 3 to 5 years with close to 1000 nos of wash care retail centers in 30 cities to strengthen their grip in the market .WARDROBE has a target of reaching close to 100 exclusive “wash care centers” by year end. With an initial investment of Rs. 150 crores, 200 – 300 nos. pick and drop centers, central supply chain and processing facility along with Home pick ups and delivery, ‘Wardrobe’ is India’s largest chain of dry-cleaning and laundry stores.

Mr. Tim Mottin, Co-Promoter – Brown Gouge, Australia says, “Outsourcing is a successful phenomenon worldwide. In trying times hotels and corporates have used it to their benefit. WARDROBE has many USPs to offer. Our partnership with Diamond Fabcare Pvt. Ltd. will ensure International standard service in dry cleaning and laundry segment in India.”

Mr. Sandeep Garg, CFO, Tivoli Garden says “At Tivoli we offer highest levels of comfort, services to our guests. We are bestowing our confidence in WARDROBE without compromising on quality on the basis of their organized and innovative approach that will satisfy our customer’s needs.

Mrs. Sareena Kochar General Manager, House Keeping, Lemon Tree Hotels says “Our hotels are designed for safety, security, hygiene and comfort of our guests. We are particular for the services we provide including laundry. Our alliance with WARDROBE has just come at a right time ensuring us utmost quality laundry services to add to our growth.”

Brown Gouge of Australia as there operational and technological know – how providers which is a leader boosting a firm stay of 93 years in Dry-cleaning and laundry industry in Melbourne, Wardrobe has a setup of state of art equipments imported from Europe and USA from the best suppliers in the world. The company assures superior quality with use of 100% R.O. water along with Reverse Osmosis and Effluent treatment plants that are easy on garments.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Diamond Fabcare Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with Brown Gouge, Australia, is India’s premiere Dry Cleaning & Laundry care solutions provider. It has strong management team, and a well conceived planned business model for quality service for institutions and a retail consumers. Diamond Fabcare operates with the World’s best equipments for their processing along with best utilities utilizing “only” R O water for washings with fabric friendly quality chemicals, Wardrobe is backed by a strong three dimensional penetrating approach to reach their customers through a wide network of outlets, pick and drop centers in addition to home pick ups and deliveries. Wardrobe has already established 30 nos. wash care centers in Delhi & NCR which will increase to 100 nos. by the end of this financial year. Wardrobe intends to roll out its services in 30 cities across the country with an investment of around Rs.150 crores with a network of around 1000 exclusive wash care centers and 30 centralized processing facilities.

Brown Gouge is regarded as Australia’s oldest and most reputed leading provider of dry-cleaning and associated services to both retail and institutional customers. Brown Gouge has maintained consistently high standards of dry cleaning quality for over 90 years..

Their special attention to detail like individual spot removal and rigid quality checks have made them achieve an end result that is superior in every way. Brown Gouge has taken dry cleaning one step further with their famous Blue Ribbon Service, that is: if a garment is particularly valuable it should be entrusted to Brown Gouge Blue Ribbon Service.

Brown Gouge has over 93 years experience in Dry-Cleaning since its establishment in 1915. In 1929 the company had six shops along with pick up and delivery services. Since the humble beginning they have developed a company profile second to none in the dry cleaning and laundry industry, in Australia.

Speaking on the development, Susil DUNGARWAL, Founder & CEO, says “We are privileged to have a person of the caliber of Mr. Nathani with us. With Mr. Nathani at the helm of affairs in north, we are sure that Squarefeet Management will reach its desired goals”. Squarefeet is already present in west & south India, where they are on the verge of signing few innovative concepts as exclusive advisors. SMPL is an entrepreneurial venture, which comes with “hands-on” experience in Mall Development, Mall Marketing & Mall Management.

“Since the north India has the highest density of Malls, it would be both a challenge and learning to manage this region. My exposure to the Retail & Malls would be handy to launch this start-up venture. I am sure that we as a team will deliver the Mall developers in North, the much sought after solutions. I feel that the expertise of the team of SMPL, would be great advantage to all Mall developers in north” says the motivated Mr. B. D. Nathani, on being a part of Squarefeet Management Pvt. Ltd.

Brief Profile of Mr. B.D. Nathani:

B. D. Nathani has a varied experience in Sales, Marketing and Retailing for around 30 Years. A true Salesman who started his career in 1978 as Sales Executive finally achieved his ambition to become Director Sales & Mktg. It has been a long but very satisfying and successful journey. During his 30 years of stint with FMCG,OTC,FOOTWEAR,APPARELS & LIFESTYLE Brands he has been instrumental in most successful Product and Brand Launches which include HALLS, Chiclets (WARNER-Hindustan),Garlic Pearls, Naturelle Herbal Shampoos / Soaps (RANBAXY), Lotto Sports Shoes, WOODLAND, HI-TEC, NEW BALANCE and CROCS.

B.D. Nathani has been a visiting and Guest faculty at many reputed Management Institutes which includes BIMTECH, APEEJAY, FDDI, PEARL, GNIM and IPM. Today he is devoting lot of time with Bimtech as Consultant on their Centre for Retail Management and teaches Retail Concepts.

He has expertise in Wholesale Business, Retail Business, Franchisee Business. He specialises in Advertising, Marketing and BRAND Management. Being in Footwear/Sports and Apparel business for last 20 years he has launched or worked with many established international brands and Indian companies like Woodland, Lotto, Disney Shoes, Hi-Tec, RSH Dist (NEW BALANCE) and Crocs. He was CONSULTANT to ADIDAS and LIBERTY too.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Squarefeet Management Private limited.

“Squarefeet Management Pvt Ltd” (SMPL), is an entrepreneurial venture which is into the business of Mall Development, Mall Marketing & Mall Management. Squarefeet Management is an end to end “Mall Concept management company” with focus on Retail & Real Estate. We manage any Retail/Realty (Mall) venture right from conceptualisation to implementation to operations; he is joined in this company with two more entrepreneurs with expertise in Real Estate & infrastructure, thus bringing a synergy of talent. To begin with SMPL will an office in Mumbai (Head Office) & the south Indian office is based at Chennai.

SMPL basically comes in as a hand-holding advisory company and manage the entire spectrum of any project including but not limited to Conceptualisation, Mall Positioning, PMC, Marketing, Leasing, Mall management, Etc. The professional team of Squarefeet management come with more than 22 years of experience, specializing in Mall Development & Operations, jointly having managed more than 20 million sq. ft. (2 Crore sq.ft), in various parts of the country.

The team has over the last few years associated/worked with many industry leaders like, Hiranandani Group – Lakewood Malls (Haiko Supermarket, The Loft, Culture Shop), K. Raheja Corp (Shoppers Stop), Prestige Group (Forum Malls), Emaar MGF, Ishanya, L&T, Maytas, etc.

This is the first time an Indian Jewellery Retailer is conducting this evaluation campaign to educate the customers on quality and standards involved in buying diamond Jewellery. Kirtilals with over seven decades of expertise in the Diamond Jewellery Retail Industry has pioneered in presenting this unique concept of a diamond evaluation campaign in collaboration with HRD Antwerp Institute of Gemology. The campaign has been designed to identify the diamond stones in the jewellery piece and there by measure their quality grade.

A Quality certificate was issued by HRD Antwerp Institute of Gemology to jewellery aspirants who walked in for a quality check of their diamond jewellery. The diamond evaluation techniques are broadly categorized into three primary parameters of grading such as the Colour, Clarity and Finish. ‘An evaluation table’ with sophisticated equipment was set up at the Kirtilals store to ensure efficient and accurate diamond evaluation under high standards of security. The precious diamond jewellery pieces were carefully cleaned, weighed and certified with an evaluatory summary from HRD Antwerp, Belgium.

Commenting on this diamond evaluation campaign, Mr.Kishore G Paramasivan, Chief Operating Officer, Kirtilals said,” ,” We are proud to bestow all diamond jewellery customers, the facility of evaluation, partnering with a globally reputed diamond certifier HRD, Antwerp as a complimentary service for the first time in India. Jewellery aspirants may have bought their passionate masterpieces of diamond Jewellery, perhaps years ago or they might have been gifted to them by their loved ones and posses them without a clue of its original value. At this juncture, we are excited to give the opportunity to the public who walk into our Kirtilals showroom, to unravel the value of their precious diamond Jewellery collection. “he added.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Kirtilals

With one of its largest showrooms situated in Coimbatore and exclusive outlets at Bangalore Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ludhiana and Vijayawada. The Company caters to the jewelry needs and design demands of the clientele across the country and abroad. The Company caters to a nation-wide clientele, especially in South India - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The Group’s distinctive combination of unique craftsmanship and the stamp of highest quality over the years ensured it a loyal cross-border client base

open2save is India’s largest aggregator of all deals and discounts available in the retail market. With this, consumers can log on to the open2save site (www.open2save.in) and start using the service to get the best deals and prices in their city for Laptops, Mobiles, LCD TVs, Apparel, All Electronics and products from over 35 categories.

The service was initially launched in Bangalore, followed by Mumbai and Pune. open2save in less than 9 months has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of best deals for consumers in Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune. This service would also be launched in other major cities very soon, and aims to be present in at least 20 cities by the end of the year.

Announcing the launch, Vaibhav Tewari, CEO, AeNwis, said, “Delhi is an important and large consumer market. It has some of India's most demanding consumers. Our service will be very valuable in helping consumers make smarter choices and get better value for their money. With the Delhi launch we also get a National footprint and this will help us to get increased value for our consumers going forward”

“We now have over 1,700 retailers in our network and expect to take this number to 2,500 within the next few months. We aim to have at least 10,000 retailers on our network by year end”, added Vaibhav Tewari.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About open2save

open2save (www.open2save.in) is India's largest aggregator of deals in the retail industry. With offers from over 1,700 retailers, open2save is the preferred destination for best deals and prices for consumers in Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune for Laptops, Mobiles, LCD TVs, Apparel, All Electronics and products from over 35 categories.

open2save is one of the first in a series of potential offerings planned from AeNwis e-Systems, to bridge the digital gap between the Indian consumer who wants to find the right product / the right deal and the retailer who wants to target the right consumer at the right time.

Apart from Italian Modular Kitchens, Grandeur also showcases a wide range of wall compositions, living room furniture, wardrobes, beds, furniture complements and appliances – all being some of the finest options for practical living solutions. From the time it first introduced India to exquisite Italian kitchens, Grandeur has also been responsible for bringing international brands in home solutions to India. The kitchens and hotel projects are from Gruppo Del Tongo, while the appliances are from Ariston and Whirlpool (Italy), Liebherr (Germany) and Sub-Zero(America). With regards to wardrobes, beds, and living compositions, there are select furniture brands like Pianca and Florida to choose from.

Rohin Ramchandani, Director, Grandeur Interiors Pvt. Ltd., says, "Del Tongo kitchens are trusted world-wide for their finish and mass volume production capacity which ensure quantity and timely delivery for construction projects. Florida and Mercantini have fantastic finishes and aggressive prices for bedroom and living room furniture while Pianca caters to high-end furniture requirements."

The association with Italian companies helps Grandeur bring in the latest international trends that are practical and relevant to the Indian consumer. However the question is, why Italy? The reasons are not difficult to find. Italy, the global hub of designing, is renowned for products that have been honed by constant research and which largely represent the synthesis of various living trends.

Ramchandani also adds that this gives Grandeur an opportunity to thank the existing customers who appreciate the store's constant efforts to be the first to bring new concepts and ideas to India. "The latest trend in kitchens and furniture include steel, glass, quartz and corian counters tops, in-built appliances, back-painted glass, steel back-splash and lacquered doors in vibrant colors." Designs thus created are functional and express a buyer's preferences in terms of aesthetics and lifestyle.

Incorporating the latest trends in personal kitchen designs not only helps to create space with style, but also increases functionality. Today, induction cook-tops and speed-cooking ovens along with hi-end refrigerators and wine chillers are seen as some of the most exciting kitchen technologies. All this and more are reflected in the Grandeur collection. Grandeur also understands that the palette of the Indian customer was essentially traditional but now has changed in favour of contemporary creative solutions. It realizes that households often function with more than one cook, so its kitchen designs frequently incorporate multiple cooking stations, appliances and prep sinks from reputed brands like Franke and Blanco to occupy islands to add to the cooking space.

Grandeur was launched over a decade ago when, unlike these days, Italian Modular Kitchens and furniture were quite alien to the Indian market. Today, its stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune cater to the exclusive tastes of a very prestigious client list that includes industrialists, developers, architects and celebrities across the country. It plans to open more stores across India, shortly. Meanwhile, the existing stores have been revamped to showcase the latest range of Italian kitchens and furniture.

However what remains unchanged is the store's pioneering spirit and its emphasis on customer satisfaction thereby making Grandeur a one-stop shop for developers, architects, interior designers and enlightened consumers alike.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Mr.Rishi Jain, Managing Director – Rajesh Metal Industries, said, "Leveraging on the functionality of stainless steel, our proposition is to offer a pure "Value for Money" brand, at great quality and affordable prices. We want to be present across the retail touch points and broaden our reach and penetration in the branded stainless steel utensils segment." With Hot Muggs already having carved a presence in nearly 45 cities through leading malls, multiplexes and bookstores, Rajesh Metal would leverage this success and extend its offering to the huge utensils / homeware / kitchenware market. The company plans to launch its own branded range of utensils aggressively through the organized retail sector.

The unorganised sector (Rs.29,250 crores) is growing at about 12 - 15%, the organized retail sector (Rs.750 crores) about 2.5% of the total industry is growing at about three times that rate. Mr.Balwant Singh - Head Retail Operations, said, "The presence of stainless steel utensils in Hyper markets, supermarkets, malls, retail stores, multi-format stores have all been encouraging. With the Stainless steel utensils / kitchenware being a necessity in every Indian home and the retail sector evolving, we are looking at tapping the potential in this segment by our presence in exploring innovative formats to attract customers."

Mr. Rohit Shah - Head Channel Services, who has spent more than 20 years in the stainless steel utensils market, has been specially taken into the team for this venture, says, "Our brand's blend of Indianness with a contemporary design will make it a popular and must-buy. We are very confident that we shall be able to map our knowledge of the traditional market with the needs of the modern shopper, and offer products that win on both parameters – quality and price." With a per capita consumption of just about 1.1 kg in the country in comparison with about 4 kg per capita consumption in China, the company expects a great potential in this sphere.

The company has also been involved as the official licensed merchandiser for superhit Movies like Yash Raj Films – Roadside Romeo, Fanaa, Balki's Cheeni Kum, and IPL teams. – Chennai Super Kings & Kings XI Punjab.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Being a leading player in the stainless steel manufacturing sector, Rajesh Metal Industries owns brands like Ambience (an innovative gifting concept that comprises a range of products in the lifestyle category and Hot Muggs (an upmarket drinkware and accessories range). The company has a fully integrated, self-sufficient manufacturing unit, and state-of-the-art tool room for maintenance and design development in Dahanu, Maharashtra.

Shoppers will have the option to choose from a wide array of quality products in every category ranging from Grocery, Fruits & Vegetables, Bakery, Dairy & Take Away Foods, Meat, Poultry & Fish, Wine, Beer, Spirits & Tobacco, Home Textiles, Personal Care, Crockery, Utensils & Kitchen Appliances, Travel & IT Accessories and much more.

Spread over 20,000 sq ft & all on one floor, the SPAR Supermarket in Hyderabad promises to elevate shopping from a daily chore to a world class shopping experience that also offers value for money. “We want to take retailing to a new level in India and give the customer something s/he has never experienced before – the finest, freshest quality, widest choice, great value for money and personal & friendly service – all packaged together for a truly enjoyable shopping experience,” says Viney Singh, Managing Director, Max Hypermarkets which has set up the store by entering into a license agreement with SPAR International.

Freshness, Choice, Value and Service is what SPAR promises its customers.

Fresh – 18 hours from the farm till your home

The vegetables and fruits at SPAR are hand picked at source and maintained at controlled temperatures till they reach the store. SPAR also uses state-of-the-art technology to keep the produce fresh even in-store. For example, the Fish counter at SPAR offers freshly cut and cleaned fish packaged in ice so that it stays fresh till it reaches your home. In addition to fruits, vegetables and meat, SPAR also offers fresh baked bread and fresh fruit juice in its store.

SPAR emphasis on ‘Fresh Food’ is unique and unparalleled. Indians like to shop for fresh ingredients to prepare the day’s meal and therefore, SPAR, committed to outstanding service and excellence in fresh foods, will bring in exactly that value to the consumer by increasing the number of fresh lines across all its food and beverage concepts.

Most of the produce is sourced directly from farmers / wholesalers , quickly placed in cold storage to retain the nutritive value of the food and brought to the store, all this within 18 hours from when the produce is picked up.

Biggest Choice in range of packaged foods and beverages, Fruits, Vegetables & Meat in Hyderabad

SPAR promises you the widest choice in food, groceries, meat and staples. Choose from over 13 varieties of rice, the widest range of marinated chicken and mutton, and from over 20 varieties of imported cheese. The range of fruits at SPAR includes the best varieties of exotic fruits from all around the world. And the fish section too, has exotic fishes from across India.

Shoppers can also opt for a wide range of imported products from Europe, South East Asia and Australia including cheese from Italy, France and the UK, juices from South Africa and a range of tinned foods from around the world, Imported ice-cream from Mars and London Dairy is on offer for the first time in Hyderabad and SPAR has sought the expertise to lay out the best of Indian wines.

Best bargains at budget prices and great value for money

Get ready for quality products and an unforgettable shopping experience at a bargain. SPAR assures excellent value for your money throughout the year. ‘Best Deals’ that run every fortnight give you the best bargains of up to 75% discount. In addition, your daily household needs are maintained at the lowest price throughout the year at SPAR under the ‘Every Day Low Price’ deals.

World-class experience and service in Hyderabad

In addition to freshness, choice and value, SPAR also assures world-class service. Wide aisles for easy trolley movement, a fast check-out process, or for that matter, the token system at the fish counter. What these mean is that your time is well-spent soaking in a world-class shopping experience. Another important feature is the fact that shopping trolleys can be moved seamlessly from the store till the exit, making shopping what it should be - a pleasure. Add to all these, valet parking service. And you have the best ever shopping experience in Hyderabad.

“This is a customer-focused store which understands the pressures and pleasures of modern consumers and aims to improve the quality of the shopping experience by bringing tried and tested solutions in lighting and retail merchandising.

“We promise to deliver a compelling shopping experience to the citizens of Hyderabad by offering freshness, quality and wide range, value for money, uniqueness, authenticity and visual excitement. The intention is to move beyond simply meeting the product needs of consumers to offering a unique and unmatched shopping experience,” says Mr Viney Singh, MD Max Hypermarkets.

Licence Agreement brings global expertise and experience to suit local market preferences

The SPAR supermarket is the result of a licence agreement between the Landmark Group’s Max Hypermarkets India Private Ltd and SPAR International. SPAR is the world’s largest independent food retail chain which operates on the principle of a ‘Co-operative of Independent Retailers and Wholesalers’ and is present in 35 countries on four continents.

“The licence enables Max Hypermarkets to gain access to SPAR’s best practice knowledge in international retailing, technical expertise and international experience. The two partners will work together to adapt this expertise to suit local requirements,” says Mr Singh.

Max Hypermarkets is responsible for the entire business operation – from capex outlay to day-to-day operations. Management control also rests with Max Hypermarkets. SPAR provides knowledge transfer and brings with it best practices in international retailing and technical expertise to ensure that the brand is being accurately represented, whilst ensuring that the local partner retains their financial independence to deliver the best solution in each market. SPAR International will play an integral support role in the development of the hypermarket format in India.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

The Landmark Group

The Landmark Group, founded in 1973 with a single shop in Bahrain has grown into one of the largest retail organisations in the GCC and is expanding rapidly in India. It currently operates over 550 stores across the region. In addition to the retail sector, the Group has also diversified into leisure, food & hotels and has created a comprehensive infrastructure including its own logistics and distribution division in Gulf Cooperation Council, to support its retail operations and other businesses.

The Group entered India in 1998 with the opening of its first Lifestyle store in Chennai a year later. As of June 2007, the Group has 50 stores across India, in the form of Lifestyle, Home Centre, Max, Fun City, food courts and international franchise brand stores. The Group also intends to foray, in the near future, into budget hotels with Citymax Hotels.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shivarajkumar said “The astounding growth of UniverCell should be an archetype for young entrepreneurs and smaller companies to learn from. UniverCell has been an epitome of innovation, freshness and friendliness.”

India has over 30 crore mobile users, and research indicates that every month more than 20 lakh mobile phones are lost. The stolen mobile phones market is so lucrative that the second hand market is estimated to have an annual turnover of Rs.200 crore in India. Mobile phones have been identified by the police as CRAVED (Concealable, Removable, Available, Valuable, Enjoyable, Disposable) items that are highly attractive to thieves and this will be exacerbated as phones become more sophisticated and start to offer users advanced functionality. (Source TRAI)

To curb this issue UniverCell - The Mobile Expert, the largest mobile phone retailer in India, has announced India’s first mobile theft and damage insurance plan. UniverCell along with Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. has taken every possible step to ensure that the insurance scheme will cover all possible mobile thefts and damage.

Mr. Sathish Babu, Founder, UniverCell was quoted as saying, “Customers stretch their budget to purchase the latest handsets, and cannot afford to lose them. The warranty which is not covered by the mobile manufacturer will be covered by our exclusive insurance plan. Our insurance will cover all possibilities like - theft, accidental damage, fire, riot, strike, malicious damage, terrorist activity and fortuitous circumstances”.

“Mobile phones are constantly getting upgraded and new phones mean that we use phones for more that just calls or text. Disposing stolen mobile phones is easy, they can be sold off fast” said Mr. Ramesh Barath, Vice President - New Business Develoment, UniverCell. The insurance plan will be a benefit to customers at no extra charge added Mr. Barath.

“Loss of mobile or damage is not only a major concern for the handset buyers but also for a responsible retailer like UniverCell. We not only guarantee for providing the best phones in the market but also guarantee to safeguard customer’s interest in case of mobile theft and damage” said Mr. Sathish Babu.

Scope of Insurance

• The Period of Insurance is for 12 months from the Date of Purchase.
• For total loss, the liability of the insurer is restricted to the sum insured or the value of a new instrument on the date of claim whichever is lower.
• For partial loss, the cost of repair will be paid without any depreciation on parts replaced for loss or damage.
• Policy excess : 0.5% of SI subject to minimum of Rs.100/- for each & every claim

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

“At Wal-Mart, we understand that education is critical to the lives and well-being of all Americans. We are pleased to focus much of our recent giving on supporting the success of first-generation college students,” said McKenna. “These grants will serve to increase access to young people to get the quality education they need to be successful today and become the leaders we need in the future,” added McKenna.

The Wal-Mart Foundation’s grant to IHEP – which totals $4.2 million – will award 30 colleges, grants of $100,000 in order to improve student retention and academic success. Selected institutions will also benefit from staff and consultant support and participation in the IHEP Summer Academy to share their progress and program evaluation.

"Minority-serving institutions, in addition to their vital role of educating more than a third of the nation's students of color, are playing an increasingly important role in educating first generation students," said IHEP President Michelle Asha Cooper, Ph.D. "The Wal-Mart Foundation's support will be key to building additional capacity for participating institutions to craft cohesive academic success programs for this critical student population."

The Wal-Mart Foundation’s recent support of first-generation college students also includes a grant to the Council of Independent Colleges. This $2.26 million grant supports the organization’s “College Success Awards” program. The program provides $100,000 grants to 20 competitively selected CIC institutional members that have developed expertise with educating first-generation students and ensuring their success.

According to CIC President Richard Ekman, “We are delighted with the Wal-Mart Foundation’s recognition of the superb record of smaller private colleges and universities in attracting, educating, and graduating first-generation students within four years.”

Additionally, the Wal-Mart Foundation recently announced a $1.49 million grant to Excelencia in Education. This grant will support Growing What Works, a new national initiative designed to replicate effective programs to increase Latino student success at the associate and bachelor levels.

“Support from the Wal-Mart Foundation will provide critical resources to twenty institutions to implement educational strategies with proven results for today’s Latino college students -- many of whom are the first members of their family to attend college,” said Sarita Brown, Excelencia in Education President.

Other higher education-based grants supported by the Wal-Mart Foundation in 2008 include:

· Scholarship America – A recent $500,000 grant will support the organization’s Dreamkeepers Emergency Financial Assistance program. The program provides students with emergency funding to allow them to remain in school and obtain a post-secondary education.

· The Foundation for Independent Higher Education – A recent $500,000 grant will support the First Opportunity Partners Venture Fund, a national initiative that helps to increase the access and success of first-generation, low-income and minority students in higher education.

· American Council on Education – A recent grant of $250,000 will allow the American Council on Education to provide individualized academic advising to returning military service members.

· American Association of Community Colleges - A recent grant of $2.5 million will support creation of new training programs in 20 community colleges nationwide to meet the needs of local communities.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability and health. In 2007, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

The ‘Make History’ campaign is to bring real history and genuine perspectives to the surface; the campaign is a new line of communication aimed at attracting, engaging and sharing a dialogue with a community. Publishing real stories of real people in their own words.

History is not just about important people or events, it is recorded with songs; painted on canvas; it is told in stories; it lives in snapshots. All one has to do is to click a snapshot and give it a tag line and upload it to www.makehistory-ap.com.

Making History through photographs and describing them may just clinch you the prize of USD 40000, which will be awarded to the best picture story. Further the best picture stories are being printed in fashion magazines under the ‘Make History’ banner.

Make history officially went live during Bread and Butter Barcelona and has selected hundreds of stories so far. Playing ping-pong in Istanbul, eating fire on the streets of Milan, spraying graffiti on trains in London, partying until dawn under the Eiffel Tower, racing for chocolate in Turkey, or attending underground fetish parties in Miami are some of the scenes depicted on www.makehistory-ap.com.

The ‘Make History’ campaign is perceived as something very unique in advertising because of the depth of its content. There are characters and scenes, struggles and failures, life and death, denial, overcoming, acceptance, joys and wars, enemies, compromises, friendship…et al.

The campaign has proven to be so strong that there are networks that have sprung up across the board connecting people across myspace and personal blogs.

The call for submissions to ‘Make History’ is a simply invitation to share a point of view or portray a sentiment. Although the entries span different cultures and the themes are widely diverse, there is a feel to the campaign that gives it a sense of unity, where different stories play off each other and develop into something larger.

So there’s history in the making, be a part of it….Make History!

For further details log onto www.makehistory-ap.com

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

“Squarefeet Management Pvt Ltd” (SMPL), is an entrepreneurial venture which is into the business of Mall Development, Mall Marketing & Mall Management. Squarefeet Management is an end to end “Mall Concept management company” with focus on Retail & Real Estate. We manage any Retail/Realty (Mall) venture right from conceptualisation to implementation to operations; he is joined in this company with two more entrepreneurs with expertise in Real Estate & infrastructure, thus bringing a synergy of talent. To begin with SMPL will offices in Mumbai (Head Office) & the south Indian office is based at Chennai.

“While there maybe many companies in the similar sector, but what differentiates us is that we come with a “Hands-on”, experience, while others are still learning at their clients’ cost” says Mr. Susil Dungarwal, Founder & CEO, Squarefeet Management Private Limited, talking on competition in the sector.

SMPL basically comes in as a hand-holding advisory company and manage the entire spectrum of any project including but not limited to Conceptualisation, Mall Positioning, PMC, Marketing, Leasing, Mall management, Etc. The professional team of Squarefeet management come with more than 22 years of experience, specializing in Mall Development & Operations, jointly having managed more than 20 million sq. ft. (2 Crore sq.ft), in various parts of the country.

The team has over the last few years associated/worked with many industry leaders like, Hiranandani Group (Haiko Supermarket, The Loft, Culture Shop), K. Raheja Corp (Shoppers Stop), Prestige Group (Forum Malls), Emaar MGF, Ishanya, L&T, Maytas, etc.

While the number of Malls in the country is very high, it is to be noted that many of them have a flawed layouts, inefficient planning, unsafe disaster management plans, Unplanned parking systems, etc. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Susil Dungarwal, Founder & CEO said “The whole emphasis by most Mall developers is on the rentals & returns, in the bargain, they have a short term vision on better returns, without realizing the long term impact of the same on the Mall & its occupiers”. “Our focus would be to advice the Mall Developers to look at minute details, at the same time a long term vision for the Mall & look beyond Rentals” he added.

The other two entrepreneurs are Mr. Devang Dave of G. Punjalal Dave Group, Mumbai & Mr. Pankaj Davey, based out of Chennai.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Prateek Lifestyle is one of the largest domestic players in the apparel design, manufacturing and retail spaces. The company introduced Coupon as a unique venture in the discounted retail space offering over 150 of the best brands at unsurpassed discounts in apparels, home decor, footwear and accessories for men, women and kids.

Coupon at Faridabad is spread across 4 floors covering an area of 35000 square feet and will offer an unparalleled international retailing experience to Faridabad at discounted prices throughout the year. Apart from providing an international shopping experience, consumers will also be able to participate in unique, exciting offers and promotions regularly.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Mr. Pradeep Agarwal, Managing Director of Prateek, said, “Faridabad is our fifth store in the country and the first in the NCR region. Our aim is to have a pan India presence and grow rapidly by launching 50 such discount stores across the country. In the next five years nearly 30% of our stores will be in Northern India, and we want to focus our penetration in Tier II and Tier III markets to reach out to maximum customers with the concept of discounted retail space and provide a unique shopping experience for them.”

“With Rs 350 Cr investments in various retail formats, we intend to provide true value to our customers on branded apparel through our strengths in this sphere over the last decade. Out of this Rs 125 – 130Cr will be utilized for the northern tier 2 cities,” he added.

The group plans to open Coupon stores in markets like Jallandhar in the near future and is also exploring suitable locations in Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Haryana, Varanasi, Chandigarh, Jaipur and other towns and cities in northern India.

Prateek Lifestyle has been providing design, manufacturing and delivery solutions to several leading brands and retailers across the country. With a sound understanding of the fashion trends and Indian tastes, the company has managed to exploit opportunities in the growing retail space in India.

For more details visit: www.prateeklifestyle.com

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Prateek:

Established in 1995, the brainchild of Mr. Pradeep Agarwal, Prateek is today the largest manufacturer of apparels for the domestic players. Prateek is one of the most successful enterprises under the umbrella of the Phulchand Group of Companies. It is a professionally managed company with CEOs responsible for each vertical – Prateek Lifestyle, Prateek Apparels and Munch Design Worx.

About Prateek Lifestyle:

Prateek Lifestyle, the retail arm of Prateek, is its latest venture in the burgeoning Indian retail market with the launch of ‘Coupon’. The first store was launched in Bangalore (Karnataka) in June 2007. On the anvil are plans for entering other apparel verticals during this fiscal. Prateek has already entered the kid’s wear segment with the launch of European kidswear brand Kanz in India.

Picsquare is celebrating Diwali with an entire range of innovative gifts to mark the new beginning that represents joy, reflects traditional values, resolution and forgiveness. The attractively priced gifts can be customised to suit the requirement of Indian customer and can be delivered to their loved ones anywhere in the country within 4-5 days.

Picsquare has created an exclusive store and an entire new range of personalised products that allows customers to be creative and provides a medium for self expression while selecting gifts for their near and dear ones.

“The special festive occasion products are available on our portal and we invite our customers to check out the display of exciting festive collection,” said Manish Agrawal, cofounder and Managing Director, Picsquare.

Picsquare is one of the leading players in the high-growth online digital photography industry in India today. The company has aggressive plans to tap the surging consumer demand for quality digital photography products & merchandise and aims to extend its leadership position in India. Picsquare understands the Indian consumer best and brings on board a large variety of offerings in its portfolio.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Picsquare:

Founded in December 2005 by alumnus from IIT-Bombay, Picsquare is the first company to get selected for EAP (Entrepreneurship Accelerated Program) by TiE Bangalore chapter and has received seed funding from industry experts. The company has a strategic alliance with Bangalore based Bhola Digital Lab and has over 2 Lakhs users and 3 million plus photographs under its management. Picsquare offers online photo sharing, printing and variety of customized merchandise to its customers spread across.

The hypermarket has introduced an exciting clothing range for the entire family at competitive prices. The women can match kalmakari, embroidered or printed kurtis with a classy knit churidar. Star Bazaar’s kids section will buzz with colourful ghagra cholis and fashion denims for the boys. The stretched skinny fit jeans and silk tunics add an extra bling to the festive collection.

Star Bazaar’s Diwali Carnival will offer the best deals on food & grocery, kids apparel & gifts and other select categories keeping in mind the customer’s need to shop well in advance for Diwali. The sleek digital camera, much in demand hand blender or the dinner set with latest designs will all be available at Star Bazaar with great combo offers.

Come and enjoy a delightful experience with your family as the magician mesmerizes kids with his magic wand while women deck themselves with mehendi and stunning nail art to complete that perfect Diwali look.

Celebrate this festival of lights with Star Bazaar at the Diwali Carnival from 2nd October to 31st October, 2008 at stores in Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Mumbai.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Star Bazaar:

Trent Ltd. operates Star Bazaar, a hypermarket launched in 2004 that provides a large assortment of high quality products made available at the lowest prices coupled with a unique shopping experience. Star Bazaar, currently has one 50,000 square feet store each in Ahmedabad, Bangalore & two in Mumbai. It also plans to establish its presence across all major metros. It offers customers a wide choice of products that include staple foods, beverages, health and beauty products, vegetables, fruits, dairy and non-veg products, live bakery, consumer electronics and household items at the most affordable prices. Star Bazaar also includes a large range of fashionable in-house garments for men, women and children, exclusively available at the store.

Subhiksha’s stance that there was nothing wrong with its warehouse operations or the hygiene of the products sold by it and that justice would be done by the High Court has been vindicated by these orders of the High court. Subhiksha, the country's largest supermarket chain,and rated as amongst India's most trusted service brands, remains committed, as always, to providing only the best quality products at the lowest prices.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Subhiksha

Subhiksha is India’s largest retail chain today. Started by R. Subramanian(an IIT , IIM Aluminus) as a single store entity in South Chennai with the promise of consistently low prices on everything as its rock solid foundation, the Subhiksha brand today has grown to over 1,450 stores in 12 states and over 100 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Agra, Cochin, Kolkata etc. Its name inspires trust and its consumers rely on it through all times to deliver larger savings as compared to any other retail chain or stand alone mom and pop stores. Subhiksha focuses on the concept of constantly sustainable low pricing so that regular customers see the same low prices month after month (below MRP) and are able to buy with the assurance that they stand to save on any given basket of household goods on any day. Subhiksha currently operates 4 business verticals: Supermarket (Groceries), Fruits and Vegetables, Pharmaceuticals and telecom. Subhiksha Mobile stores constitute of 800 stores nationally. . Subhiksha also plans to enter the consumer durables retailing arena with over 2 mn sq ft over the next year anda half.

Subhiksha’s stance that there was nothing wrong with its warehouse operations or the hygiene of the products sold by it and that justice would be done by the High Court has been vindicated by these orders of the High court. Subhiksha, the country's largest supermarket chain,and rated as amongst India's most trusted service brands, remains committed, as always, to providing only the best quality products at the lowest prices.

Welcoming the judgement Mr Subramaniam said "We had challengedthe suspension order against our Bhiwandi warehouse andhad full faith in the Bombay High court.The judgement has completely vindicated our stance."

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Subhiksha is India’s largest retail chain today. Started as a single store entity in South Chennai and the promise of consistently low prices on everything as its rock solid foundation, the Subhiksha brand today has grown to over 1,480 stores in 12 states and over 100 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Agra, Cochin, Kolkata etc. Its name inspires trust and its consumers rely on it through all times to deliver large savings as compared to any other retail chain or stand alone mom and pop stores. Subhiksha focuses on the concept of constantly sustainable low pricing so that regular customers see the same low prices month after month (below MRP) and are able to buy with the assurance that they stand to save on any given basket of household goods on any day. It operates 4 business verticals: Supermarket (Groceries), Fruits and Vegetables, Pharmaceuticals and telecom. Subhiksha Mobile stores constitute of 800 stores nationally. Subhiksha also plans to enter the consumer durables retailing arena with over 2 mn sq ft over the next year anda half.

Speaking about the appointment Mr. Mehul Choksi Chairman and Managing Director Gitanjali Group said, “Employee satisfaction goes a long way in enhancing the overall performance of the company, that will take our business to new levels of prosperity and enhance the satisfaction level of the internal customers. Mr. Subramaniam comes with a very impressive credential and a robust background in the field of HR. We at the Gitanjali Group welcome him and hope he has a fruitful stint at the Group”

Mr. Subramaniam, on his appointment said, “I am extremely excited to have been entrusted with the task of leading the HR function at the Gitanjali Group at a time when the Indian economy is booming. I am confident that all together we will write yet another page of the success story of the Gitanjali Group.”

Mr. Subramaniam comes with eighteen years of experience in the HR function he was earlier employed with Siyarams Silk Mills, Ashai Glass, Videocon International Ltd, Mirc Electronics Ltd (Onida) amongst others.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Gitanjali Group

Gitanjali Gems Ltd. is a corporate with interests in diamond and jewellery, retail, infrastructure and lifestyle businesses. In the diamond and jewellery segment, the Company has a significant presence across the entire jewellery value chain: From sourcing raw materials to selling branded jewellery, every avenue in the industry is covered by the Company’s integrated system.

Gitanjali is one of the first companies in India to introduce branded jewellery and has a dominant presence in retail jewellery. The Company has strong brands such as ‘D'Damas’, ‘Asmi’, ‘Sangini’, ‘Nakshatra’, ‘Gili’, etc and sells its products in India through its vast network of 3000 outlets including outlets in host stores. The Company has more than 300,000 sq. ft of retail space and is planning to increase it up to 650,000 sq. ft within the next two years. Additionally, the Company operates 143 retail jewellery stores located across the United States through the acquisitions of Samuels Jewelers and Roger Jewelers.

The Company has diversified into the infrastructure space and is developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) primarily for the Gems and Jewellery industry. The proposed sites for the SEZs are in Hyderabad, Panvel, Nagpur, Nasik, Nanded, Aurangabad and Kolkata. Further, Gitanjali has recently forayed into the Luxury retail business by launching its ‘Luxury Connexions (Lx)’ outlets housing global brands and world-class fashion stores.

Gelato Vittorio is the company that brought authentic, high quality gelato to India. With 14 outlets (and growing) in Delhi-NCR alone, the company is a leader in introducing Indian consumers to the taste of exquisite gelato. Offers for MoneySaver customers from Gelato Vittorio can be found here.

MoneySaver is a simple solution that offers the Indian shopper a better informed way to shop. It presents shoppers with information which will enable and empower them to make intelligent decisions and at the same time offer them great incentives using their mobile phone. MoneySaver offers can be redeemed by first purchasing a MoneySaver mobile coupon subscription scratch card, starting at only Rs.99. The MoneySaver mobile coupon service comes with many great deals from top brands, including “Buy One Get One Free” offers from leading fast food restaurant chains and fine dining destinations. Customers can also visit www.moneysaver.in to browse across all the brands and deals available.

To assist shoppers and provide them access to leading brands across categories, MoneySaver’s partnerships extend to most of the popular and premium brands across the country, such as adidas & Reebok (footwear), Dominos, Nirula’s, Yo!China, McDonald’s & Baskin Robbins (food outlets), Levi’s & Pepe Jeans, Benetton, W, CTC Emporio, Dockers & Westside (apparel), Jet Airways (airlines), Yatra.com, Travelguru.com (online travel), and Zoomin.com (photo printing).

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

MoneySaver is a first of its kind service in India, and is currently being sold to consumers through www.moneysaver.in and many retail channels and at a store near you.

Buoyed by the response in Mumbai, Triumph is now keen to expand its presence across India. Triumph will soon be opening more stand alone stores on the lines of its international stores in all the major cities and metros.

The stand alone store promises the Indian women the ultimate lingerie buying experience. Triumph has specially trained its all-woman staff at par with international standards to give individual attention to customers. The staff will help them select the right fit and style from over 150 Triumph’s international designs available for the first time in India through its stand alone store.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Thorsten Allenstein, General Manager and Country Head (India and Srilanka), remarked “We are delighted to launch our first stand alone store in India as we are now setting a firm foot in the Indian Lingerie market. The Indian women have had an experience of Triumph through various retail stores but this stand alone store will surely widen the range since many internationally available Triumph products will be stocked here. Through these stores we are looking forward to changing the Lingerie buying experience for our valuable customers.”

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Triumph

Triumph International is one of the world’s largest underwear manufacturers. The company enjoys a presence in over 120 countries with its core brands Triumph®, sloggi®, Valisère® and HOM®. Triumph employs more than 43,000 people and achieves a turnover of INR 16, 000 Crores.

Created with the objective of fostering and facilitating entrepreneurial excellence in the retail industry in India, the SICCI award comes as recognition of Mr. Subramanian's visionary thinking, ability to strategies, innovation skills and true leadership qualities that have taken Subhiksha from a single store entity in 1997 to over1500 stores across 12 states and 100 cities across the country, promising consistently low prices to all consumers on all days.

The company’s business model is India centric with emphasis on retail outlets being located in residential areas closed to one another and still offering the price discount of a Hyper market. The model has found wide acceptance and is being adopted by Global retailers entering India. The unparalleled growth of his company Subhiksha despite a slowing economy is testimony to the same.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Subhiksha is India’s largest retail chain today. Started by R. Subramanian(an IIT , IIM Aluminus) as a single store entity in South Chennai with the promise of consistently low prices on everything as its rock solid foundation, the Subhiksha brand today has grown to over 1,450 stores in 12 states and over 100 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Agra, Cochin, Kolkata etc. Its name inspires trust and its consumers rely on it through all times to deliver larger savings as compared to any other retail chain or stand alone mom and pop stores. Subhiksha focuses on the concept of constantly sustainable low pricing so that regular customers see the same low prices month after month (below MRP) and are able to buy with the assurance that they stand to save on any given basket of household goods on any day. Subhiksha currently operates 4 business verticals: Supermarket (Groceries), Fruits and Vegetables, Pharmaceuticals and telecom. Subhiksha Mobile stores constitute of 800 stores nationally. . Subhiksha also plans to enter the consumer durables retailing arena with over 2 mn sq ft over the next year anda half.

With reference to the articlein the Economic Timesdated 9th Septemberwe herebystate that Marico has not reverted to any stoppage of supplies to Subhiksha. Marico continues to supply to Subhikshaand enjoys a healthy business relationship with the account.
S.Subramanian, Head - Modern Trade, Marico

This is to inform you that we have no issue regarding payment or supplies with subhiksha.
Ankit Garg, Regional Manager, Emami Ltd.

Further to the article in ET we wish to let you know that ITC has not gone to the press and neither wishes to stop supplies to you. We value our relationship and would like to work with you to grow our business further.
Karunesh, National sales manager, ITC Ltd

Subhiksha is a very valued customer of Dabur, We enjoy excellent business relations with it and we continue to supply stocks to Subhiksha. We expect a substantial increase in business with Subhiksha with the festival season ahead.
Sitaram, Chief Operating Officer, Dabur India Ltd

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Accepting his new role, Mr. Subramanian said, “It is a true honor to be selected as Chairman of the IRF and I accept this with the wish to exceed expectations of all stakeholders. I aspire to make the IRF an intellectually stimulating and inspiring platform and look forward to working towards empowering the Indian retail sector with global best practices and take it to even greater heights.”

The Indian Retail Forum is scheduled to be held in Mumbai from September 16th to 18th, 2008 at The Renaissance Hotel.

Mr. V. Vaidyanathan, the outgoing Chairman of IRF in his introductory message said “As I hand over the reigns of the IRF to its new chairman, I am confident that Mr. Subramanian, with his visionary thinking and leadership skills will take this forum to newer heights. The unparalleled growth of his company Subhiksha despite a slowing economy is testimony to his ability in evolving a unique and India centric model. I welcome Mr. Subramanian as the new chairman of the IRF.”

Subramanian will chair the 2008 edition of the Magnum Opus of Indian retail, where over 3000 participants from across the globe - including retailers, retail support fraternity, mall developers, real estate developers, funders and delegates from industry would come together to understand and explore the world's most lucrative retail market. It would showcase the business of retail in the region to a global audience, with the objective of facilitating understanding about the retail business in India and encouraging investment in the same.

Subramanian would be heading the IRF at a crucial juncture when India is troubled by global issues of inflation, food scarcity, climate change and shifting geo-political landscape that impact the 'Aam Aadmi'. Some of the core issues to be taken up for deliberation in the forum would include innovative strategies in production & processes, reduction in wastages, value & quality addition, employment generation, remunerative income for farmers, hygiene and safety, price balancing mechanism with market expansion etc.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Subhiksha is India’s largest retail chain today. Started by R. Subramanian(an IIT , IIM Aluminus) as a single store entity in South Chennai with the promise of consistently low prices on everything as its rock solid foundation, the Subhiksha brand today has grown to over 1,450 stores in 12 states and over 100 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Agra, Cochin, Kolkata etc. Its name inspires trust and its consumers rely on it through all times to deliver larger savings as compared to any other retail chain or stand alone mom and pop stores. Subhiksha focuses on the concept of constantly sustainable low pricing so that regular customers see the same low prices month after month (below MRP) and are able to buy with the assurance that they stand to save on any given basket of household goods on any day. Subhiksha currently operates 4 business verticals: Supermarket (Groceries), Fruits and Vegetables, Pharmaceuticals and telecom. Subhiksha Mobile stores constitute of 800 stores nationally. Subhiksha also plans to enter the consumer durables retailing arena with over 2 million sq ft over the next year anda half.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

“CERA VOGUE offers best of tiles to architects, interior designers and high-end customers, who are looking for exclusive and customized options. Soon, CERA will have more such showrooms in other major cities in India, says Mr Santosh Nema, Chief Executive Officer, CERA.

According to Mr. Deepak Agarwal, GM, CERA’s tile venture, “The tile collection has latest finishes like lapato, metal, stone wood and polished vitrified tiles. Apart from conventional sizes like 30x30 cm, 30x60 cm, 40x40 cm, 60x60 cm, CERA’s collection has newer sizes like 20x50 cm, 47.2x70.8 cm and big slabs like 40x120 cm and 60x120 cm.”

CERA’s tiles are marketed under the umbrella brand—Castello and are handpicked from best of the manufacturers in Europe, like Rondine Group, Emil Ceramica and Gigacer in Italy and Diago Ceramica and Rocerca in Spain.

With the addition of tiles to its portfolio, the customers can now look forward to one more premium offering from CERA stable—and an assured quality and unmatched after-sales service.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

CERA, which launched sanitaryware in India in 1980, has the manufacturing plant near Ahmedabad for manufacturing 2.8 million pieces of sanitaryware per annum, making it the biggest plant in the country. Cera has been consistently growing at above 25% in the past several years. Apart from sanitaryware, CERA also provides taps and shower products, making it a total bathroom solutions provider.

RayMedi HQ is designed to manage chain of retail outlets and consolidate the data at headquarters for business analytics. RayMedi HQ gives a real-time business status at headquarters from about every point of sale. RayMedi HQ primarily focuses on managing branch-wide sales, purchase, inventory, receivables and profits. It helps in controlling expenses, decreasing costs and increasing business profits.

GoFrugal tested RayMedi HQ in IBM Innovation Center for Business Partners, located at Bangalore, with IBM WebSphere Application Server. RayMedi HQ was also tested on IBM System i on Linux and IBM System p on AIX V6.1. While the solution is optimized to run 800 concurrent users loaded on IBM System x with IBM WebSphere V6.1, the average concurrent users are likely to be 200. A sizing guide was prepared for 200 concurrent user deployment. This testing helped GoFrugal set the performance and scalability benchmark for its flagship product RayMedi HQ.

Kumar Rajagopalan, Retail Solutions Leader, IBM India said, “We are proud to be working with GoFrugal in shortening their development and testing cycle by leveraging our resources at the IBM Innovation Center. This partnership is a testimonial of the expertise that our IT architects and specialists possess. It is our endeavor to enable business partners like GoFrugal with competitive advantages such as lower development cost, differentiation through innovation as well as faster product to market”

R.Santhana Gopalan, Director (Technical), GoFrugal Technologies said, “GoFrugal was able to benchmark performance of its RayMedi HQ application on IBM System x on Linux at IBM’s state-of-the-art facilities along with technical expertise and support provided by IBM. The system was able to handle 800 concurrent users among 50 retail outlets successfully on non-cluster environment. This makes us more confident in our product. Now we can go with RayMedi HQ solution to any size of business ranging from small to large enterprise retail chains”.

GoFrugal Technologies provides comprehensive business management solutions for retail businesses with their retail business management products (RPOS 6.5 and RPOS 7) and the chain management product (RayMedi HQ).

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About GoFrugal

GoFrugal Technologies integrates computing, telecommunication and Internet technologies for complete automation of retail and distribution business. It is promoted by successful software, distribution and industry domain experts. GoFrugal Technologies has a strong development team in its headquarters at Chennai and has field sales & support team spread throughout India. It has presence in 14 states and more than 50 locations in India with strong presence in semi-urban & rural towns. GoFrugal has 25000 satisfied users across India.

Markets Served

GoFrugal provides software products and solutions for retail, retail distribution & retail chain management. It supports multiple retail business & SKU types - FMCG, mobile, pharmaceutical, garment, textile, computer hardware, furniture, white goods, consumer electronics, food & beverages etc. GoFrugal products also support Multiple store formats and Business types - Convenience stores, hyper/super market, garment, hardware, electrical, retail distribution, cash and carry wholesale, consignee agents etc. Apart form that GoFrugal products is designed to suit the flexible business needs of the customer - Dependent, Independent & Franchise store models, Exclusive franchise, non-compete & complimentary product franchise and multi-brand outlets.

Says Vijay "Diamond" as he is affectionatley named by all those close to him, personally and professionally.. "I have a dream.. to can create happiness in my clients life, by means of beautiful and meaningful spiritual jewelry. in today's trying times, not only will our products bring luck and protection to our customers, but will also cause peace of mind and bring a smile their faces on account of their sheer beauty."

Aananta (India) have chosen FaceBook (as "Vijay Diamond") and Ebay (user id vj.diamond) as their initial platform and will be expanding their internet presence , with several strategic internet partnerships.

Aananta have also launched a 24x7 live messaging service for their customers No. : 91 98206 19206.

Aananta (India) have their own studio workshop at Bandra West , an upmarket hip place in Mumbai India.

Only very skilled artisans, each with well over 07 years experience are employed. Each jewelry piece is given individual attention, to ensure the product and finish are
comparable to best-in-world standards. The metal is Gold in Yellow, White, Pink n more and pieces are studded with Diamonds,Precious & Semi Precious Gems.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

We are manufactures and exporters of quality Customized Jewelry to clients world-wide, specializing in Gold studded with Diamonds and Precious, Semi Precious Gems. We have expertise in working with designers, who require medium to larger quantities, made to perfection.

We also make exclusivecustom pieces for our clients , specializing in Gold studded with Diamonds and Precious, Semi Precious Gems.

All design & manufacturing is done in house at our studio, in Bandra west, Mumbai.

Mehrasons will be the 22nd company to announce their franchise plans in the gems and jewelry segment. The Indian Retail industry is in a state of flux. The share of organized retail at present is only 3% of the total market and is expected to go up to 10% by the year 2015. In the days to come, traditional retailers in most industries will face intense competition. They will need to come up with alternatives for survival and growth. Indian jewellery market with a size of Rs.70,000 crore is also undergoing changes.

He stated that it has got a premium positioning and will cater to customers who prefer contemporary designs in diamond jewelry. The company has also taken the franchise route for expansion across the country and is scouting for the franchising partners to expand their footprints all over.

Mehra said, "The targeted states for the first phase of expansion include Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu."

"The new retail format will be the company's first distinctive jewelry format which will specialize in just diamonds and diamond jewelry. It will cater to the latent demand for versatile, au courant pieces of Indian jewelry which appeal to all age brackets," he mentioned.

Mehra affirmed, 'Introducing a new retail format for diamond jewelry was a natural progression for Mehrasons Jewellers. We wanted to demarcate and segregated our diamond division in order to draw focus to the product offerings," and added, "Our research indicates that there is a demand specific to contemporary diamond jewelry. In order to bridge this need gap and provide customers easy access to what they want we have introduced Just Diamond, which will specialize in diamond jewelry."

As per the Franchising Association of India, Official Franchise Directory, There are around 21 franchise brands in this lifestyle. Some of the prominent brands in this space are Sangini Diamonds, Tara and Just in Vogue. For more information on jewelry brands please visit http://www.franchisebusiness.in/Franchises/Jewellery. The jewelry market will pose healthy growth in this financial year based on increased consumer spending and the migration from the local jewelers to more lifestyle, fashion statement options.

As India’s jewellery market matures, it is expected to get more organized and the share of family jeweller is expected to come down.

Franchising Association of India is the only professionally run and recognised trade body fostering the healthy growth of franchising activity and entrepreneurship in the country.

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The Franchising Association of India is a Membership Organisation of Franchisors, Franchisees, Vendors, Consultants, Financial Institutions and Students and others. Our services are dedicated to provide a one-stop shopping experience for franchising business and with membership of the prestigious World Franchise Council we have ongoing access to knowledge of the World accepted best practice related to Franchising in different areas of business activity as also networking contacts with the WFC member Franchising Associations in different parts of the world for generating new business opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs.

In recognition of the increasing role of franchising in the market place and the very beneficial positive contributions of franchising to the Indian economy, the franchisor and franchisee members of the FAI believe that franchising must reflect the highest principles and standards of fair business practices.

Mission
Tap the vast entrepreneurial energy available in the country by promoting the concept and practice of franchising in India.

Objectives
- Exchange and safeguard the business environment for franchising, both with regard to franchisors and franchisees
- Act as the resource centre for current and prospective franchisors, franchisees, the media and the Government.
- Disseminate knowledge to promote the concept of 'franchising' and propagate it as a healthy business practice.
- Establish a forum for discussion and deliberation on Franchising related matters and problems and help promote the interest of members by organising seminars, conferences and meetings.

Activities
To work towards achievement of the above mission and objectives our activities will include:
- Creation of appropriate forums for discussion of issues and problems related to Franchising.
- International linkages to promote - bringing in of foreign frachisors and best practice for doing business in India through Marketing India at International Expos and otherwise.
- Make representations to the Government with regard to legislative and other measures affecting the promotion of concept and practice of Franchising.
- Encouraging Bank and Venture Capital funding for franchisees.
-Publication of Franchising Successes
- Creation of India's most comprehensive Online Franchise Directory - which helps franchisors promote their business's and attract new franchisees.

For more information about FAI, please visit www.fai.co.in

The franchisee was required to provide the infrastructure facilities, like classroom facility, equipment, furniture, fixture and administrative set-up, against which the franchisee received infrastructure claims as per the agreement. The AO was of view that the real user of the infrastructure provided by the franchisee was the assessee and, hence, the amount of infrastructure fee paid was nothing but consideration for the use of infrastructure facilities on which assessee was required to deduct tax at source under section 194-I. The tribunal held that the primary objective of the agreement between the assessee and the franchisees was to share the revenue and certainly not to hire the premises provided by the franchisees. Therefore, the assessee was not liable to deduct tax under section 194-I in respect of the amount shared by it and remitted to the franchisees.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

The Franchising Association of India is a Membership Organisation of Franchisors, Franchisees, Vendors, Consultants, Financial Institutions and Students and others. Our services are dedicated to provide a one-stop shopping experience for franchising business and with membership of the prestigious Wo