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Marriott International in a deal with JPMorgan Chase and American Express to issue co-branded credit cards

World’s largest hotel chain, Marriott International has entered into a deal with JPMorgan Chase and American Express to issue co-branded credit cards associated with its loyalty programs, said on Tuesday.

The deal covers the Marriott Rewards and Ritz-Carlton Rewards Visa credit cards from JPMorgan and the Starwood Preferred Guest cards from American Express.

Marriott, which expects to introduce the new cards in 2018, will continue to retain the existing co-branded cards for members and offer the same suite of features and benefits, it is learnt.

Source Audio launches PodcastMusic.com

Source Audio has launched PodcastMusic.com. The new subscription based service simplifies the difficulties of obtaining the licenses necessary for podcast use by bundling the master use, synchronization, mechanical and direct performance licenses into a single monthly transaction.

Once a podcast episode is produced, no additional royalties need ever be paid. The announcement was made by Douglas Reed, EVP, Radio and Library Services, Source Audio.

Regarding the launch of PodcastMusic.com, Reed said, “Podcasting is a unique business, and it required a specialized solution. It took us over a year of research to put together this exciting new service. We have perfected a soup to nuts e-commerce platform by which to distribute and track music for use specifically within podcasts.”

PodcastMusic.com allows podcasters to grow their podcasts by significantly enhance their sound to both audiences and advertisers and thus eliminating music-related worries forever.

Creatively and legally, PodcastMusic.com provides simple steps for podcast producers to ensure easy, efficient access to a broad range of music.

Subscribers have unlimited use of a selection of over 500,000 music beds and sound effects from top music libraries such as Manhattan Production Music, Strike Audio, Alibi Music Library and Sound Ideas. Subscriptions to PodcastMusic.com start at as little as $10 a month.

 

Black + Decker ties up with Stovekraft

In a tie up with domestic small appliances maker Stovekraft, Black + Decker, wholly owned subsidiary of the listed US firm Stanely Black+Decker has expanded its licensing programme in India.


Black + Decker, which makes power tools, home products and outdoor power equipment, will introduce home appliances including food processors, cooktops and air coolers among others in the Indian market, read a company statement.

Stanley Black + Decker senior licensing manager, Europe and emerging markets Amit Datta said, “In line with our vision to be a sustainable global diversified organisation, we regularly review our strategic approach.”

The partnership was led by brand licensing agency LicenseWorks, the statement said, adding that the entities will set up a pan-India service network for the same.

Black + Decker, which makes power tools, home products and outdoor power equipment, will introduce home appliances including food processors, cooktops and air coolers among others in the Indian market, read a company statement.

Stanley Black + Decker senior licensing manager, Europe and emerging markets Amit Datta said, “In line with our vision to be a sustainable global diversified organisation, we regularly review our strategic approach.”

The partnership was led by brand licensing agency LicenseWorks, the statement said, adding that the entities will set up a pan-India service network for the same.

Japanese brand Uniqlo seeks govt. approval to set up retail stores

 

 

 

Fast Retailing Company owned Japanese brand Uniqlo has sought the Indian government’s approval to set up single brand retail stores in India and has accordingly submitted its proposal to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).

The company was expected to enter the Indian market this year but had kept it on hold citing location issues to set up their stores.

India has been identified as an important market by the company and the government nod will allow the firm to run a wholly-owned subsidiary, like other global rival Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) & Zara to set up stores in a country.

It however remains unclear as to how much the firm will be investing in India as an investment above 51% would mean that the company will have to source 30% from the Indian market.

As per the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, 100% equity investment is allowed in single brand retail trading. FDI of up to 49% is permitted however in respect of proposals involving FDI beyond 51%, it is mandatory to source 30% of the value of goods purchased from India.

After posting strong results in the last financial year with net profit of $1.1 billion, Fast Retailing is expecting its global business to be bigger than Japan in the next fiscal and rapidly expanding its presence across the globe.

“Fast Retailing believes India is a market with great potential, and can confirm that the company has taken the first step towards a later introduction of UNIQLO to customers in India. At the moment, we are awaiting word from the government, and we will be able to discuss potential future steps at a later date,” a spokesperson of Fast Retailing in Tokyo was quoted to have said.

Uniqlo had earlier said that the company is reviewing the Indian market and will decide regarding its India entry at the right time amidst speculations of the brand foraying into the Indian market next year.

 

Godrej & Boyce launches its furniture brand ‘Script’

Godrej & Boyce, part of the diversified Godrej group, has introduced its furniture brand Script. The launch that happened on Monday targets young professionals in a premium market.

The company is targeting sales of Rs320 crore for Script by 2020-21 when it expects to have 18 stores across Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chandigarh.

Godrej’s entry into branded furniture comes at a time when online furniture brands are setting up physical stores. While Pepperfry operates Studio Pepperfry in 11 cities, UrbanLadder has three stores. Meanwhile, Swedish major Ikea is working on two stores in India—in Hyderabad and Mumbai—and has acquired land for a third in Gurgaon. Ikea products are known for their affordability and innovative design.

The company will open its first Script store in Bengaluru on 19 December and would also sell its products online, it is understood. The named company will invest Rs150 crore in setting up the stores and Rs25-30 crore to market the brand.

“Furniture has globally been a very fragmented market,” said Anil Mathur, chief operating officer of Godrej & Boyce. “We see people looking at furniture as an integrated part of your life,” he added.

Script will feature premium expressive furniture which focuses on functional design including customizable cabinets and reading corners among others.

Godrej is positioning the brand in the mid-premium market worth that it estimates at nearly Rs10,000 crore, Rajat Mathur informed.

 

 

Tata’s Croma cuts off losses by 68%

On the back of a 12% jump in revenue Tata Group’s consumer electronics retail chain Croma has cut of its losses by 68% in the year ended March 2017 to Rs 61.4 crore down from Rs 195.6 crore in the previous year.

According to its latest regulatory filings, Infiniti Retail, that owns and operates the Croma stores, posted revenues of Rs 3,268.7 crore for 2016-17 against Rs 2,918.2 crore in the previous year.

This defies the effects of the government’s demonetisation drive and ecommerce discounts.

Infiniti Retail CEO Avijit Mitra said same-store sales grew 13% last fiscal.

“The most tangible change the market can observe is the increase in number of Croma stores — we started FY18 with 97 stores, are currently operational in 105 and are in the process of opening another 10,” he said.

With last year’s growth, Infiniti Retail’s sales almost returned to 2014-15 levels after a 11% decline in 2015-16

The company had then attributed the fall in sales to the growth of ecommerce. It had subsequently said that with the omni-channel initiatiative, it embarked on in July 2015.This had led to improvement in footfall and same-store sales growth.

Sources have attributed the improved showing of Croma to shutting of unprofitable stores and focusing on less capital-intensive expansion and its omni-channel initiative that helped it compete better with ecommerce majors Amazon and Flipkart.

Some of the changes that the company undertook as part of this was to focus on online marketplaces as the key competition, actively compete for purchases from the digitally engaged and influenced, younger shoppers, build a store-first, omni-channel proposition and elevate the customers’ experience in the stores.

Brand Residence to represent Lufthansa’s licensing rights worldwide

The Brand Residence will now represent Lufthansa’s licensing rights worldwide. The license agreement was signed by the Munich-based licensing agency and Lufthansa AG.

The Brand Residence is a full-service licensing and brand extension agency that offers its customers licences, consulting, retail activation, coaching and other services related to brands and brand expansion under one roof.

The licensing business is nothing new for the traditional German brand with its signature crane. The airline has been active in this field for some ten years now.

The Brand Residence will continue to expand this segment in the national and international market relying on high-quality product ideas thoroughly considered in design and function that embody the essence of the Lufthansa brand, making it a tangible experience.

Awarding licenses to qualified partners increases brand presence. The goal is to establish and expand a Lufthansa product and experience world that will raise brand visibility for both retailers and consumers as a premium lifestyle brand. Brand positioning – creating the right environment in which Lufthansa can be perceived as valuable, authentic and unique – plays a central role.

License partners and their products will explicitly reflect this premium quality.

Marlies Rasl, Managing Director of The Brand Residence said, “Our goal is to establish long-term partnerships with high-end licensees and implement products that convey Lufthansa’s high-caliber image, transfer brand values and address the positive, emotional aspects of the brand, as well.In short, the brand must become an experience for the consumer,” she hopingly added.

Gudrun Groeger, Account Management Lufthansa Brand Licensing observed, “We are in good hands with Marlies Rasl. We were convinced not only by her know-how and expertise in the licensing business, but by her understanding of our brand values and her conceptual skills, in particular, combined with her ability to think outside the box.”

The possibilities are as varied as the airline’s destinations. These can include products specially developed for Lufthansa, geared to the company’s corporate design, as well as classic travel products for parents and children, toys and, naturally, everything to do with travel in general.

A new style guide has been developed for the high-end product strategy, specifying the facets of product design in detail.

Marlies Rasl, founder and managing director of The Brand Residence has worked with many of the world’s most renowned and successful consumer and entertainment brands, including Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Spider-Man, Coca-Cola, Jeep, Maybach and many more.

With its extensive international network with contacts to industry, trade and media, The Brand Residence develops the right brand strategy, perfectly tailored to desired target groups.

In partnership with The Brand Residence, Alita Friedman, CEO of Alita’s Brand Bar, will handle the U.S. & Canadian licensing and brand extension efforts for Lufthansa.

 

Prahlad Kakar School of Branding associates with Carleton University

The Prahlad Kakar School of  Branding and Entrepreneurship (PKSBE) has associated with the prestigious Carleton University, that  is facilitated by the Canada-India Center for Excellence.

The Incubation Space will start its intake of the first batch from February 2018. The programme is specially designed to equip the budding entrepreneurs with detailed knowledge about the different know-hows of starting and running a successful business.  Primarily, it aims at delivering support to the tech start-ups. However, aspiring entrepreneurs from different domains can also choose to be a part of the Incubation Space.

The students undergoing the course will gain first-hand knowledge from the experts on funding, technology support, mentorship, etc. The course aims to promote cross-cultural learning experience, as the students of both the nations – India and Canada will benefit by spending one month each in the respective countries.

Speaking at the occasion, Pratish Nair, Managing Director and Founder, The PrahladKakar School of Branding and Entrepreneurship said, “We look forward to bring the change we often wish to see! This association for education and business will be beneficial for both the countries and will broaden the learning horizon of the students. We aim to sharpen the skill sets of students for their future business endeavours, which will broadly encompass strategizing, risk intelligence, decision making, crisis management, crisis prevention, anticipation, and accountability.”

“We are very proud to announce our association with the prestigious PrahladKakar School of Branding and Entrepreneurship. Through this partnership, we aim to providedistinctive benefit that the Canada India Center of Excellence is offering to the budding entrepreneurs. Together we aim in creating new benchmarks in the field corporate education,” added Harry Sharma, Director, Canada-India Center atCarleton University.

The Prahlad Kakar School of Branding and Entrepreneurship resonates for providing distilled knowledge on branding, ad film making and entrepreneurship, which works as a catalyst in creating a distinct breed of professionals, making them industry ready! Industry professionals and entrepreneurs, who share their experience with the students at the Institute maintain a very pragmatic way of delivering knowledge. The curriculum combines classroom experience with real-life business situations,strategic and experiential learning activities which help students to break through the cliché and think out of the box.

The learning experience at PKSBE has always inspired the young entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams and make a distinct mark for themselves. This association with Carleton University will further help them to reach new heights.

 

 

Indian version of T10 Cricket League powered by Heera Group launched at Indywood Film Carnival

Indywood Founder Director Sohan Roy at extreme life with The Great Khali
  • The first ever T10 International League was launched by the influential and leading woman entrepreneur Nowhera Shaikh, CEO and Managing Director of multinational conglomerate Heera Group.
  • Heera Group is the Title Sponsor and the T10 league is now named as Heera T10 League
  • 10 billion US dollar Project Indywood to promote sports entertainment in a big way.
  • The T10 league to be held in Sharjah from Dec 14 to 17 is a 90 minutes format of 10 overs

Hyderabad (04.12.2017): The grand Indian launch ceremony of the first ever T10 Cricket league was held at the third edition of Indywood Film Carnival 2017 at Princess Hall, Ramoji Film City. Multinational conglomerate Heera Group hosted the Indian version of T10 Cricket League as a part of the global branding of cricket’s new format.

Indywood Founder Director Sohan Roy emphasized that it is Indywood’s vision to screen games like cricket on movie screens and T-10 format is the ideal one to begin with.  Sports entertainment industry is growing at a fast pace in India and one of our main objectives is to brand Hyderabad as the hub of sports entertainment. By blending the potential of entertainment and sports wonders can be created. It will generate more revenue to the state and job opportunities to youngsters,” he said.

The four-day T10 cricket will begin on 14th December at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Big hitters like Shahid Afridi of Pakistan, India’s Virender Sehwag, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and England’s Eoin Morgan feature in T-10 league.

The league Title Sponsored by the Heera Group consists of Bengal Tigers, Kerala Kings, Maratha Arabians, Pakhtoons and Punjabi Legends, with Team Sri Lankan completing the set.

More than 100 plus prominent media including The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Forbes etc covered the prestigious Indian launch of T10 cricket league.

The T10 launch was attended by the man who introduced this innovative concept and brought this to the international level billionaire businessman Nawab Shaji Ul Mulk along with team owners Rizwan Sajan, Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk and league directors Syed Sami and Vijay Vyas.

The President and partner of the league is Salman Iqbal who is another powerful businessman in the Middle East who runs the massive ARY group stated “We thank Heera Group for coming on board as title sponsors and are excited at the grand launch of the league in India.”

CCTV to co-produce its annual Spring Festival special with Sesame Street

Building on a relationship that began 35 years ago with the televised Big Bird in China special, China’s national broadcaster China Central Television Children’s Channel (CCTV) and Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational media organisation behind Sesame Street will co-produce segments for CCTV’s annual Spring Festival special.

For the first time, CCTV will be on the iconic Sesame Street set in New York to shoot segments showcasing Chinese New Year traditions, customs and legendary stories.

Since 2014, Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster, Elmo and Lily have joined CCTV children’s hosts Ju Ping, Dong Hao, Jin Guizi, Xiao Lu, Sister Moon, Huang Wei, Red Apple, Green Bubble, Brother Sesame and Du Yue to learn about what makes Chinese New Year unique.

 

Last year, the furry friends visited Singapore to learn about Spring Festival celebrations outside of China.

“We are thrilled to work with CCTV to create engaging educational programs for the children of China,” said Steve Youngwood, Chief Operating Officer of Sesame Workshop. “This partnership reflects a successful cultural exchange that we value deeply, and our co-produced programming demonstrates a powerful appreciation of each other’s differences and similarities. We warmly welcome CCTV to Sesame Street in New York,” he added.

“What began as a small step for one big yellow bird has turned into a 35-year adventure between two organizations half a world apart,” said Xu Bin, Deputy Controller of CCTV Children’s Channel.  “We are excited to be shooting on the Sesame Street set and cannot wait to share the new show with our viewers in China,” he concluded.