Monday, December 31, 2007

The Carrefour group awarded "International Retailer of the Year" by Food From Britain

On December 19, 2007, José Luis Duran, Chairman of the Management Board, received for the Carrefour group the "International Retailer of the Year" award in London from Food From Britain, an organisation working with the UK food industry to grow business at home and overseas.

The morning began with a presentation by José Luis Duran on the Carrefour Group in a rapidly changing retail market. Two of the Group's purchasing managers then explained its purchasing procedures to an audience of over 170 British suppliers. One of them, who already works with the Carrefour Group, spoke about their commercial relationship. In conclusion, José Luis Duran thanked Food From Britain for this award and dedicated it to all employees of the Carrefour Group, who are responsible for its success.

Source : Carrefour group

Bata India Limited unveils Westminster – the Original Handcrafted Luxury in Footwear

Bata India Ltd. just introduced Westminster – an international range of handcrafted Formal shoes for men. This premium collection made of genuine leather comes with the hallmark of longevity, flexibility and sophistication. The Westminster range of formal shoes have been handcrafted by legendary Goodyear Welt Technique to produce a masterpiece that will appeal to the man who is looking for outstanding quality, maximum comfort and international style while at work or out for a party.


Westminster comes with a specialized sandwich sole for an acupressure effect which increases insulations and adds to comfort. The premium range is uniquely grooved to avoid slipping and facilitate noiseless walking. Another USP of the collection is its cork filling that moulds the shoe along with the feet and lends it a flexibility which makes it easy to carry.

This collection has been crafted keeping in mind the needs and desires of the sophisticated men who have an eye for detail and are not just looking at for a pair shoes but a complete package of style, comfort and originality.

Source : Bata India Limited

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Pantaloons Femina Miss India South’ winners visit Pantaloons store

Pantaloons Begumpet store today hosted the winner’s press conference for the winners of ‘Pantaloons Femina Miss India South’. The winners were of the first ever Pantaloons Femina Miss India South were crowned in a star studded event held last evening at Hyderabad International Convention Center.

Out of the 16 finalists Ms. Parvathy Omanakuttam was crowned as the first ever ‘Pantaloons Femina Miss India South’ while the first runner up went to Shreya Dhanawantry and second runners up to Kavya Barli. While the second and the first runner up of the Pantaloons Femina Miss India South 2008 will become part of the national event finale to be held in Mumbai, the winner of the South pageant stands to get a direct entry into the top ten finalist of the Pantaloons Femina Miss India 2008.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sanjeev Agrawal, CEO, Pantaloons said, ‘Pantaloons is proud to be a part of grooming PFMI South Finalists to winners. Given the rapid expansion of Pantaloons in South, the pageant will work towards identifying fresh talent in the region and further strengthening the positioning of Fresh Fashion.’

Pantaloons, India’s leading fashion trendsetter takes its promise of 'fresh fashion' very seriously by associating with events like Miss India pageant. The ‘fresh’ young talent is a very important customer base for Pantaloons. Hence, Pantaloons has been actively undertaking initiatives associated with the youth. Pantaloons has been instrumental in grooming the girls for the pageant.

The 1st Pantaloons store in the southern region started in Begumpet, Hyderabad in the year 1998. In the last 10 years Pantaloons has grown rapidly in the south with presence in all the major cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Mangalore. In the next financial year Pantaloons has aggressive plans to open 8 more stores in south which would include adding new stores in existing cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai. Pantaloons will also foray its presence in Cochin, Vijayawada & Vizag in the next financial year.

About Pantaloons Fresh Fashion

Pantaloons Fresh Fashion, a part of Pantaloon Retail (I) Ltd., is among India’s largest chains of fashion stores, with 35 stores across 20 cities. Pantaloons Fresh Fashion, with its focus on 'fresh look, feel and attitude' offers, trendy and hip collections that are in sync with the hopes and aspirations of discerning young and 'young-at-heart' consumers. Pantaloons Fresh Fashion stands out as a fashion trendsetter, on the lines of how fashion is followed internationally. This 'fresh fashion' destination allows customers to shop for the latest in fashion apparel and accessories throughout the year in an attractive and visually stimulating ambience. Pantaloons Fresh Fashion stores have presence in 19 cities across India including - Mumbai, Delhi & NCR, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Agra, Hyderabad, Baroda, Lucknow, Kanpur, Indore, Secunderabad, Mangalore, Bhubaneshwar & Rajkot.

Source : Pantaloon Retail (India) limited

Friday, December 28, 2007

Carrefour the leading retailer of Dell computers in Europe

Starting from 15 January 2008, Carrefour is to offer Dell computers on an exclusive basis in 365 French, Spanish and Belgian hypermarkets and supermarkets.

The Carrefour Group has signed an exclusive distribution agreement in Europe with the American personal computer manufacturer, Dell, for its stores in France, Spain and Belgium. Carrefour plans to extend the presence of Dell products to other European countries during 2008, in particular Italy. From 15 January, these stores will be offering their customers the choice of a range of Dell office PCs and portable computers, selected by Carrefour.

The Carrefour Group has been working on a fundamental redevelopment of its non-food offering in hypermarkets since 2006, to drive sales by responding to the aspirations of its customers for modernity and innovation. This strategic evolution is characterized by partnerships with prestigious international brands (Max Azria, Disney) in specific sectors – clothing, household equipment and toys.

With this agreement, the Carrefour Group aims to consolidate its position as the leader in IT equipment retailing in France and Europe.

Abour Carrefour Group

The second-largest retailer in the world and the leading European one, the Carrefour Group serves millions of customers in Europe, Asia and Latin America, offering them quality products and services at value-for-money prices.

In France, the Carrefour group occupies 2nd place in the IT market (9% market share); on the hypermarket circuit, Carrefour is the leading trade name.

• No. 1 retailer in Europe, 2nd-largest retailer worldwide
• Present in 30 countries
• 456,000 employees, of which 140,000 in France
• 12,500+ stores
• €97 billion in sales inc. VAT/sales tax in 2006

Source : Carrefour Group press department, Tel : +33 (0) 1 49 09 26 66, Email : groupecarrefour@tbwa-corporate.com

Shanghai Tang And Kai-Yin Lo For Creation 9707

International lifestyle brand Shanghai Tang sponsors Chinese art historian and renowned jewelry designer Kai-Yin Lo to create a limited-edition cashmere shawl, Life Force, for Creation 9707, Hong Kong’s biggest ever design crossover project organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre.

Creation 9707 is the first ever collaboration of 10 internationally renowned brand names with 10 accomplished Hong Kong designers to produce 10 creative products of superb quality. These 10 masterpieces will go on a global tour to Milan, London, New York and Toronto, showcasing Hong Kong’s best in design.

“Being the only international luxury lifestyle brand based in Hong Kong and one of the forerunners of local design, we are proud to witness Hong Kong design charging towards an unprecedented level of sophistication over the past 10 years. Creation 9707 with Kai-Yin is a stellar project in the effort to propel Hong Kong-grown design into the international limelight, showing the rest of the world the innovation that comes out of this dynamic city.” said Shanghai Tang’s Executive Chairman Raphael le Masne de Chermont.

For the project, Kai-Yin Lo created an imperial red shawl in 100% cashmere, a material highly associated with Shanghai Tang quality. Each piece is hand-embroidered with the Lingzhi plant which symbolizes prosperity, longevity and eternal happiness. The color red symbolizes good luck and good health.

“I reinterpreted the spirit of Chinese culture into a contemporary expression in the product for Creation 9707. I use Lingzhi and knots, which carry deep cultural meaning that has extended beyond China into universal understanding.” said Kai-Yin Lo.

Kai-Yin Lo has also been awarded 2007 Hong Kong Design Centre’s World Outstanding Chinese Designer, which recognizes role models who can inspire young Chinese designers around the world. Previous winners include Vivienne Tam.

The limited-edition shawl is available in Shanghai Tang stores in Hong Kong this December in time for the holiday season. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the development of Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design.

The Life Force shawl retails for HKD 3,800 and is available at Hong Kong's flagship store or by special order.

About Shanghai Tang

Shanghai Tang is the first and leading luxury lifestyle brand emerging from China. Since its inception in 1994, it has advanced the expression of modern Chinese Chic by fusing current design concepts with innovative Chinese-inspired elements. Offering ready-to-wear for women, men and children, as well as accessories and home ware, Shanghai Tang supports an international network of 30 boutiques in the world’s most prestigious shopping districts.

Source : Shanghai Tang

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Percept Picture Company and Pantaloon Retail in a Strategic Alliance

Hanuman, the Indian Super-Hero returns, not only on the silver screen but also in your home, with the launch of the RETURN OF HANUMAN merchandise this winter season. In a significant development, Percept Picture Company (PPC) and Pantaloon Retail (India) Ltd (PRIL) today announced the introduction of customized products which will be available exclusively at all Big Bazaar stores across the country.

Crickets’ bowling sensation S. Sreesanth launched the merchandise at a glittering event at Orchid City Centre, Mumbai.

After taking the country by storm with their first edition of the Super Hero – HANUMAN; Percept Picture Company returns to the silver screen with HANUMAN REUTRNS and creates a brand with the pioneers of the retail revolution in India - Pantaloon Retail India Ltd. As a part of the marketing tie-up, the entire range of movie merchandise - which includes Accessories, Apparel, Stationery, Toys, Books, Crockery will be marketed through 75 Big Bazaar and 25 Stand alone Food Bazaar stores.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Preet Bedi, CEO, Percept Picture Company said, “Our HANUMAN is the first and the biggest superhero franchise in India. Big Bazaar has specially designed merchandise of the film, which has a wide variation from Toys to Stationery, Crockery to Apparel, which will be loved by kids. We believe that animated movies have a huge impact on kids and through the movie and the merchandise we will be able to connect with them at an emotional level. The merchandise and other initiatives are no longer film-led, instead they are character-led, this time our aim is to develop Hanuman as a brand”

Says Mr Rajan Malhotra, CEO, Big Bazaar, “Pantaloon Retail has always strived to provide innovative products and unique shopping proposition for its discerning customers. With this exclusive initiative we are reaching out to the kids segment. We are confident that the Hanuman Returns merchandise is going to be huge success and it’s a prelude to many more such initiatives.”

As part of the 360 degree promotion and licensing programme, PPC has tied up with Future Group, Jump Games, Baskin Robbins, D’damas, Camlin, Indiatimes, Midday, Star News and a plethora of eminent brands to provide you with nothing but the best source of entertainment options. Apart from these, Hanuman Returns would also introduce its latest range of merchandising products after the astounding success of Hanuman’s merchandising campaign along with an interactive website on Hanuman Returns.

Source : Pantaloon Retail India Ltd

Home Solutions of Future Group, aims for domination of consumer durables & electronics market

Home Solutions Retail (I) Ltd., a part of the Future Group, today announced its intent to dominate the retailing consumer durables and electronics. As a part of this, its retail formats – eZone and Electronics Bazaar announced plans for aggressive growth.

eZone, the electronics and consumer durables store chain in the lifestyle segment, announced plans to dominate the consumer durables and electronics segment from the current 26 stores to about 100-125 stores across the country in the next 18-24 months. Electronics Bazaar, which focuses on electronics and consumer durable products in the value segment, will increase it’s presence to 250-275 stores, in the next 18-24 months. Total investment planned for the expansion for both eZone and Electronics Bazaar is between Rs.450 - 500 crore.

Said Hemchandra Javeri, CEO, Home Solutions Retail (I) Ltd., “We understand that due to the booming economy and rising disposable incomes among Indian consumers, there is a noticeable rise in consumer spend in consumer durables and electronics category. We will be better positioned to meet this increased demand, through the planned expansion.” He added, “The success of both eZone and Electronics Bazaar has been quite remarkable. In the past 18 months since these formats were launched, they have emerged as favorites of shoppers across the country, for the experience, the product range and quality.”

Said Manoj Kumar, CEO, eZone & Electronics Bazaar, “The last one and a half years, have been an exciting journey for eZone and Electronics Bazaar. From zero to 104 stores across 48 cities, especially in this highly competitive marketplace, is an achievement that we take pride in. We will continue to focus on providing a superior shopping experience and great deals to consumer sand focus on dominating this space”

He further added, “Our private labels Koryo and Sensei have received a fantastic response from consumers. These private labels will see a major thrust going forward as well. Over 15% of the total revenues of eZone and Electronics Bazaar come from the private labels. These brands are backed by an after sales network of 52 centers across 45 locations in the country. Offering a quality product at highly competitive price, Koryo offers products to improve the lifestyle of common Indian, whereas, Sensei offers digital gizmos and electronics products to upgrade the lifestyle of the Indian consumer.”

eZone has also been spearheading innovation in retailing of consumer durables and electronics brands to test market and launch newer categories. One such initiative is the ‘Car Stereo demo room’, which creates the ambience of a car and enables customers to experience different models of car stereo systems in the right setting. Traditionally, car stereos have always been bought only through automobile accessories dealers and not through retailers of consumer durables and electronics. Another such innovation is the ‘Future Zone’ at eZone stores which is a special section displaying gaming gadgets, toys and educational aid material for children. This has got an overwhelming response. eZones stores also have a ‘Home Theatre Demo room’ to give consumers a feel for home theatre systems, in just the right setting.

Source : Pantaloon Retail (India) limited

Raymond presents Finely Crafted Garments for ‘The Complete Man’

After dressing the complete man for over 80 years, Raymond, the flagship brand from India’s leading textile & apparel major Raymond Ltd., takes the craftsmanship of garment making and customer convenience to new echelons. The company today announced the launch of Raymond Finely Crafted Garments which offers the customers same Raymond brand promise of ‘Trust, Excellence, Quality and Leadership’ in an exclusive formal range of ‘classic’ apparels and accessories.

Raymond Finely Crafted Garments (Raymond FCG) is the new sensational experience from the House of Raymond. Every suit, shirt and trouser is a paradigm in comfort and style with its meticulous crafting and rich fabric. The careful construction and attention to detail is evident in every inch of Raymond FCG. Each garment has been crafted using top of the line fabrics like fine Merino Wool and its blends, 100% Egyptian cotton etc.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Gautam Hari Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, Raymond Ltd. said, “The name Raymond evokes imagery of four values tightly woven into a cohesive whole: Trust, Excellence, Quality and Leadership. For over 80 years, Raymond has been providing its customers with the best in fashion and style. Raymond is the first choice of millions and is the leading menswear brand in the country. With the launch of Raymond Finely Crafted Garments, we are extending the same brand experience to our discerning customers. Targeted towards those who seek the trusted ‘Raymond’ quality, the Raymond Finely Crafted Garments would offer classic wardrobe solutions for the complete man.”

Added Mr. Shreyas Joshi, President, Raymond Apparel, “With the evolving work environment and global media onslaught, the wardrobe of today’s widely traveled Indian consumer has grown exponentially. The emphasis is on comfort, convenience and style. He further said, “The premium and the super premium Men’s wear market in India is estimated at a whopping Rs. 3500 crores. Raymond Finely Crafted Garments will vie for this market, which is growing at 25% year-on-year.”

The first ever Raymond Finely Crafted Garments collection will feature the Autumn Winter 2007 range of the finest shirts, trousers and suits - all styled to perfection with the characteristic ‘classic’ feel. In Phase I, the collection will be retailed through over 125 customer touch points including select ‘The Raymond Shops’, Exclusive Brand Outlets, Multi-brand outlets and large format stores.

Raymond Ltd

Raymond Limited, India’s leading Textile and Apparel Company, is amongst the few companies in the world who bring wool from the back of the sheep to the back of the man, to become the largest integrated manufacturer of worsted fabric in the world.

With a capacity of 33 million meters of wool & wool-blended fabrics, Raymond has over 60% market share in worsted Suitings in India. It is perhaps the only Company in the world to have such a wide range of suiting fabric to suit all ages, occasions and styles making it the preferred choice of top international design houses in over 50 countries.

Source : Raymond Ltd

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Debenhams the leading department store group in the Middle East

Debenhams, the leading department store group in the Middle East, unveiled it's first store in Jordan on September 29th 2007 based in Amman's newest shopping destination 'City Mall'.

Based on the successful 'Desire by Debenhams' format, Debenhams 'City Mall', features a unique mix of womenswear, lingerie & accessories, menswear, baby & childrenswear within a state of the art environment.

Renowned for its successful portfolio of exclusive own brands, International brands and Designers at Debenhams, the store ranging has been tailored to suit the local market and will offer shoppers in Amman something new and exciting. The new concept store, the second in the Middle East, will showcase exclusive collections by leading designers such as J by Jasper Conran, Rocha.John Rocha, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson & Star by Julien Macdonald.

Employing approximately 40 staff, all will be fully trained to a high level of customer service in order to offer a very personal shopping experience.

Source :
M.H. Alshaya Co