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4 Airport Hospitality Trends Redefining Passenger Comfort

Airports are increasingly becoming destinations in their own right, offering a wide range of hospitality services to cater to the needs of passengers. Encalm Hospitality, brand specialises in curating and delivering special experiences in the arena of Airport Hospitality. Here are four trends that are redefining travelers comfort at airports:

Meet and greet services

With travelers becoming more aware and open about their needs and requirements, Encalm’s Atithya services provide exclusive meet and greet services that are specially curated to ensure travelers’ well-being and luxury. These services offer travelers a hassle-free and personalized experience taking care of everything starting from baggage handling to buggy service, porter service and exclusive lounge access. Travelers can enjoy a stress-free journey as they are guided through the airport and ensuring a seamless transition to their destination

Airport lounges are becoming more luxurious and exclusive

In recent years, there has been a notable transformation in airport lounges services. Airport lounges have evolved significantly over the years, transforming from simple waiting areas into luxurious havens of comfort and convenience for travelers. If you travel frequently, be it for business or leisure, you must spend some hours availing the benefits of airport lounges. These luxurious lounges have premium lounging facilities, Wi-Fi services, gourmet food, drinks, spa treatments, newspapers and magazines. Flyers can just sit back and relax in luxury and home-like comfort while they wait for their flights. Encalm is India’s premier lounge service provider, boasting lounges at key airports such as Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa Mopa airport. Encalm lounges redefine airport hospitality, where comfort, relaxation, and indulgence are the golden standards. Encalm has recently unveiled the ENCALM PRIVÉ lounge, exclusively for premium business travelers at Delhi International Airport

Business Centers: Catering to the Needs of Business Travelers

To cater the needs of busy professionals on the go, there are business centers available at airports. If you are a business executive, freelancer, entrepreneur, or want a comfortable and convenient space to work or do meetings while travelling, then business centers are perfect thing for you. These business centers provides an array of facilities like workstations, high-speed Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, printing, photocopy, scanning services and boardroom.

Enhancing Airport Experiences: Spa Services by Airport Hospitality Brand

These days, airport hospitality brands have been providing spa services at the airport in order to give a calming and pleasant experience to the guests. Travelers who are more engaged with their personal and mental wellbeing should definitely try these spa services as they are a getaway for individuals who are looking for ways to rejuvenate themselves during their travel. A few minutes of massage and therapy can nurture, heal, detox, cleanse, and rejuvenate mind and body. It helps to disconnect from the external world and reconnect with your inner self with few moments of calmness.

These are just a few of the trends that are redefining travelers comfort at airports. As airports continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting hospitality services in the years to come.

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri. Bhupendrabhai Patel inaugurates Axis Bank’s 5000th branch in Ahmedabad

September 27th, 2023:Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today,etched a historical milestone with the inauguration of its 5000th branch in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The milestone branch was inaugurated by honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat – Shri. Bhupendrabhai Patel, in the presence of Mr. Amitabh Chaudhry, MD&CEO, Axis Bank and Mr. Ravi Narayanan, Group Executive & Head – Branch Banking, Retail Liabilities and Products, Axis Bank.Reinforcing its commitment towards making banking solutions accessible to diversified segments of customers, today, Axis Bank inauguratedan additional100+new branches in other parts of the country.

The inauguration of Axis Bank’s 5000th branch in Ahmedabad holds great significance, as the Bank’svery first branch was opened in the same city 29 years ago, in 1994, then known as UTI Bank. This first branch was inaugurated by former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Commenting on the inauguration, Amitabh Chaudhry, MD & CEO, Axis Bank said, “This milestone has a special significance for Axis Bank. From the first branch at Ahmedabad to the 5000th, we have completed one full circle of growth and progress. Through the years we have opened thousands of branches across the country, not just in metros and urban centres but also in the rural heartlands, in hilly terrains, near borders and in some of the most impassable regions, taking us to the Bharat that we want to serve. Every new branch is a step closer to our vision of economic growth, financial inclusion and empowerment of communities, touching and transforming countless Indian lives.”

As on June 30, 2023, Axis Bank’s branch network stands strong with 4,945 branches, 9,434 ATMs and 6,317 recyclers spread across the geography. Around 29% of its branches are in the metros, while 23% are in urban regions, 31% in semi-urban and 17% in rural regions. The Bank has been focused on building a distinctive model of Bharat Banking, to penetrate the semi-urban and rural regions (RUSU). It has deployed 2250 Bharat Banking branches and 61,800 Common Service Centre – Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) to bring banking services at the doorstep of the under served communities.

Speaking on this milestone branch inauguration Ravi Narayanan, Group Executive & Head – Branch Banking, Retail Liabilities and Product, said, “It’s an immensely proud moment for all of us, as we celebrate this momentous occasion at Axis Bank. The opening of this milestone branch is a true embodiment of our journey of trust, commitment, dedication, and excellence.We are delighted to announce that today we are inaugurating an additional 100+ new branches in other parts of the country, to bring banking solutions closer to our customers’ doorstep. As we move forward, we will continue to harness our people strength as well as digitization, to ensure that our banking services not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers.”

As Axis Bank looks ahead, its mission remains steadfast – to craft innovative banking solutions and deliver unparalleled customer experiences,making it one of India’s most loved and preferred banks.

Godawari Electric Motors further expands its presence in Chhattisgarh, inaugurates new showroom in Bilaspur

Raipur, 27th September 2023: Godawari Electric Motors, manufacturers of the Eblu range of electric 2 and 3-wheelers, today announced the inauguration of its showroom – Sharda Motors Corp in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Leveraging advanced technology to deliver world-class products, Godawari Electric Motors has continued its expansion with the aim of establishing 100 dealerships in the country, by the end of this fiscal year.

The showroom is located under the Tifra Overbridge, on Maharana Pratap Chowk, Bilaspur – 495001. Sharda Motors Corp is the 4th showroom to come up in Chhattisgarh. The facility encompasses a size of 1800 sq. ft. and an additional 2000 sq. ft. Service Centre area. The showroom will retail Eblu Feo, Eblu Rozee, Eblu Reino and Eblu Spin and Thrill range.

Commenting on the inauguration, Mr. Hyder Khan, CEO, Godawari Electric Motors, said, “We have continued to expand our reach beyond metro cities this year and the Bilaspur showroom is another step in that direction. With the recent launch of Eblu Feo and Eblu Reino, we will continue to expand our EV range and our retail network expansion is completely aligned and key to enhancing our customer outreach.”

Mr. Shashank Jaiswal, Owner of Sharda Motors Corp said, “Godawari Electric Motors’ products high quality, stylish and affordable. Their portfolio is rapidly growing, and their Eblu range has garnered attention from people looking to make the transition to e-mobility. Through our dealership, Godawari Electric Motors will be able to achieve a significant traction in the market, and we are confident of a profitable partnership in the times ahead.”

On World Environment Health Day, Vedanta Aluminium renews pledge on sustainable environment stewardship

New Delhi; 27 September 2023: On the occasion of World Environment Health Day, Vedanta Aluminium, the largest aluminium producer in India, reaffirms its commitment to fostering sustainable ecosystems within the vicinity of its operations through comprehensive initiatives focused on environmental preservation, conservation and augmentation. Through these, Vedanta Aluminium is on a mission to create an ecologically promising future for existing and coming generations.

Towards these efforts, the company has adopted a two-fold strategy of mitigating and offsetting its carbon footprint to consistently ensure sustainable operations. In terms of mitigation, Vedanta is focused on enhancing its manufacturing excellence to ensure higher energy efficiencies, increasing the quantum of renewables in its energy mix, and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources such as bio-fuels. To offset its carbon footprint, the company is also creating substantial carbon sinks through extensive afforestation efforts in the vicinity of its operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Strategic endeavours of the company towards this goal have earned it rank 2 in the S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Index world rankings for the aluminium industry in FY22, making it the second most sustainable aluminium producer in the world today.

The approach of ‘Planet First’ also extends to the company’s product development and innovation. Vedanta Aluminium is the producer of India’s first-ever low carbon aluminium range, ‘Restora,’ that contributes towards meeting the increasing global demand for eco-friendly materials. The company has also inaugurated a Material Recovery Facility that makes sustainable use of waste material and contributes to the creation of a circular economy, embraced digital technologies such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)-based technology to reduce emissions. Furthermore, Vedanta Aluminium has deployed the largest fleets of lithium-ion battery-powered electric forklifts in India, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability across the production chain.

In step with these measures, Vedanta Aluminium has made substantial contributions to responsible water management, recycling an impressive 13.69 billion litres of water in FY23. It also achieved a remarkable 24% reduction in GHG emissions intensity in FY 2022 compared to a 2012 baseline The company has undertaken a strategic partnership with ERM India, a renowned environmental consulting firm, to enhance its Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) across its areas of operations, further underlining its dedication to environmental stewardship.

On the occasion of World Environment Health Day, Mr Sunil Gupta, COO, Vedanta Ltd – Aluminium Business, said, “At Vedanta Aluminium, our initiatives go beyond just improving the environment; they encompass a definitive vision for a sustainable future. As the world accelerates toward clean energy, the demand for sustainable aluminium products is surging, and we are poised to play a pivotal role in this transition. On the occasion of World Environment Health Day, we are committed to a healthy environment for future generations.”

Further establishing its strong commitment to sustainability, Vedanta Aluminium has received the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) international certification for its Jharsuguda operations, a resounding global indicator of its high standards. Additionally, the company’s extensive range of products have been verified as environmentally sustainable by Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) International, a strong international marker of their environmental practices.

Vedanta Aluminium goes beyond environmental sustainability, actively engaging with and empowering communities through various initiatives. These include an extensive afforestation drive through the Miyawaki method of plantation, restoration of over 40 community water bodies in FY23 that are important sources of local sustenance, and the “Jeevika Samriddhi” project, which promotes sustainable farming practices. Moreover, employee volunteers have contributed to clean up drives within city limits and also at biodiversity hotspots such as the Singhabaga wetlands in Jharsuguda, Odisha.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 2nd in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 world rankings for aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.

Nuvama Wealth Management Limited lists on the Stock Exchanges

Bangalore, 27^th September 2023: Nuvama Wealth Management Limited (“Nuvama,” or “the Company”) (formerly known as Edelweiss Securities Limited), one of the leading integrated Wealth and Asset Management firms in the country, listed on both major domestic Stock Exchanges today (BSE: NUVAMA NSE: NUVAMA). [~3.5 Cr Shares of Face Value INR 10 each]

Nuvama offers a complete suite of wealth management, asset management and capital markets services. The Company serves a diversified client base including affluent, high net worth individuals, ultra-high net worth individuals, family offices, corporate and institutional clients. Founded in 1993, Nuvama manages more than INR 2.5 trillion in client assets through its network of over 2,700 employees in more than 90 offices worldwide as of June 30, 2023.

PAG, a leading Asia-focused alternative investment firm, is the majority and controlling shareholder of Nuvama, owning ~56% of shares, and provides strong institutional support for the Company as well as deep regional and sector expertise.

Present on the momentous occasion of the listing ceremony in the iconic BSE International Convention Centre were Mr. Birendra Kumar (Chairman & Independent Director, Nuvama), Mr. Ashish Kehair (MD & CEO, Nuvama Group) and Mr. Nikhil Srivastava (Partner and MD, Head of India Private Equity, PAG) along with Nuvama employees and its key partners.

Ashish Kehair, MD & CEO, Nuvama Group, said, “Nuvama is listing at the right time in our country, which is emerging as a fast-growing market as it races towards becoming one of the top 3 global economies in the world. India is expected to become the 4th largest private wealth market globally by 2028 according to publicly available reports on Wealth in India. With financial wealth and penetration doubling in the next 5-6 years, organized wealth management will see robust growth, quadrupling in size. We are well positioned to ride this growth and capture the opportunity that is present before us. We will expand our reach in geography, both within India and in select offshore markets.”

“We will continue to follow a hybrid model combining the best of technology and human relationships to drive efficiency and growth across the value chain for all segments.” Added Kehair.

Nikhil Srivastava, Partner and MD, Head of India Private Equity, PAG, said “We are very pleased with this listing as it marks a significant milestone in Nuvama’s remarkable journey of growth. As long-term investors in the Company we are firm believers in its continued success. We are looking forward to supporting Nuvama as it capitalizes on the tremendous opportunities in the Indian wealth management landscape.”

Nuvama is well positioned to capture the emerging opportunities in India’s fast-growing domestic wealth management space. Citi research estimates that professionally managed financial wealth makes up just 15% of overall wealth in India, compared to 75% in mature markets.  Meanwhile, India is expected to continue to be one of the world’s fastest growing major economies, with GDP growth expected to reach 6-7% in 2024-25, compared to 2-3% for the rest of the world as per published estimates of World Bank & IMF.

To capitalize on these opportunities, Nuvama plans to expand its reach to more than 300 cities and grow the number of wealth managers to over 2,000 in the next five years. It also aims to scale up its alternative asset management business, extending these offerings to key offshore markets including the U.S., Middle East, Europe, and the rest of Asia. Finally, Nuvama plans to continue leveraging its industry-leading expertise in capital markets and advisory services to serve both institutional equities and investment banking clients.

For FY 2023, Nuvama has posted an operating PAT of INR 368 cr on revenue of INR 1,575 cr, achieving a two-year compound annual growth rate of 36% and 26% respectively:

**(Operating PAT excludes non-recurring expenses incurred towards companies transition from Edelweiss to Nuvama, Rebranding expenses, Demerger and listing related expenses.)

Real Estate Continues to Remain as the Preferred Asset Class for Investment, Reveals Housing.com & NAREDCO Survey

Mumbai, 27th September 2023: Amid escalating housing prices and increasing home loan rates over the past year, prospective homebuyers are seeking tax incentives and flexible payment plans. They are also inclined towards additional perks offered by developers, according to a survey conducted by Housing.com, a leading PropTech company, in collaboration with real estate industry body NAREDCO.

The demand for ready-to-move-in residential properties outstrips that for under-construction projects. Housing.com and NAREDCO released their latest survey report, “Residential Realty Consumer Sentiment Outlook H2 2023 – Trends and Insights,”. The online survey engaged over a thousand potential homebuyers and was conducted between January and June 2023.

According to the survey, 48% of respondents favour real estate investment, significantly outperforming other asset classes such as stocks, fixed deposits, and gold. The data indicates that 18% prefer the stock market, 19% opt for fixed deposits, and 15% choose gold.

Mr. Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO of Housing.com, Prop Tiger.com & Makaan.com, commented, “Throughout history, real estate has been a cornerstone of investment. The COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced its relevance, making it the preferred choice for many. Factors such as the emphasis on home ownership, the rise of hybrid work models, and the importance of safety and security have elevated the real estate sector to new heights.”

Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, President of NAREDCO, observed, “The recent G20 summit will positively influence the overall economy and could reshape India’s real estate through policy, investment, and sustainability considerations. The increasing consumer confidence surpasses the lows experienced during the pandemic’s peak. Though income outlooks have slightly declined, real estate continues to be the asset class of choice for 48% of respondents.”

Mr. Bandelkar further added, “Due to escalating property prices and interest rates, incentives like stamp duty and GST waivers are key influencers for home purchases in the near future. These incentives aim to make home ownership more appealing and accessible. The survey highlights the value of personalized support following property shortlisting, which is critical for closing deals and enhancing the overall home buying experience.”

Tax incentives, such as stamp duty and GST waivers, along with flexible payment plans, are identified as the primary motivators for home buying in the upcoming six months, according to the report.

“In recent years, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in housing prices, reversing nearly a decade of stagnation. Despite a 2.5% increase in home loan interest rates this year, the real estate market has shown resilience. This robustness can be attributed to both pent-up and emerging demand,” elaborated Mr. Agarwala.

Ms. Ankita Sood, Head of Research, Housing.com, PropTiger.com & Makaan.com said, “Driven by strong domestic demand, India’s economy is expected to grow at the highest rate among major economies. This buoyancy in consumer demand is visible in the property market as-well, where despite weak external cues, sales in the primary market registered a 15% yearly uptick in the first half of 2023. Capturing the market confidence, our realty consumer survey, a leading indicator to gauge consumer sentiments highlights the homebuyer confidence in both the economy and their future earnings, factors pivotal for a high value purchase as property. To add to this, preference to invest in real estate continues to reign above all other forms of investment avenues exhibiting strong market fundamentals.”

Ms. Sood, further emphasised “Looking ahead, the homebuyer sentiments regards the property market is expected to remain in the optimistic zone. Although, one has to be mindful of the on-going geo-political conflicts which may have a bearing on demand across sectors.”

The survey also indicates that ready-to-move-in homes and gated communities are the most desired property types. Additional perks like modular kitchens and custom woodwork are influential factors for buyers during their decision-making process.

Personalized assistance post-property shortlisting is deemed crucial for prospective homebuyers in closing their purchases, adds the Housing.com & NAREDCO survey.

Digikore Studios IPO Lights Up the Market: Oversubscribed 21.47 times on Day 1, Check Latest GMP

Mumbai, September 27, 2023: The much-anticipated Digikore Studios IPO subscription window is officially open starting today, Monday, September 25, 2023, and will close on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. The IPO offers a price range of 168 to 171 per equity share, with a face value of Rs. 10 each. Each lot of Digikore Studios IPO comprises 800 equity shares.

The IPO has already sparked remarkable interest, with a staggering subscription rate of 21.47 times recorded on the very first day. This enthusiasm is particularly prominent among retail investors, who have oversubscribed by 32.17 times their allocated portion. Non-institutional buyers have also shown significant interest, subscribing their portion by 15.69 times. Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) have demonstrated their confidence by subscribing to their allotted portion by 7.09 times.

Notably, the company received bids for an impressive 2,12,17,600 shares, far exceeding the 11,23,200 shares initially on offer. Digikore plans to utilize the net proceeds from the IPO to fuel its strategic growth initiatives, including further innovation and expansion in the dynamic digital entertainment landscape.

For those looking to participate, retail investors can start with a minimum application size of one lot, while non-institutional investors have the option to apply for a minimum of two lots. Digikore is committed to promoting widespread participation, with a significant allocation set aside for retail investors.

Sarthi Capital Advisors Private Limited has been appointed as the Book Running Lead Manager to the offer, while Bigshare Services Private Limited will serve as the Registrar to the Offer. The market maker for the IPO is Gretex Share Broking Limited.

Grey Market Premium (GMP) Details

As of today, the grey market premium (GMP) of Digikore Studios stood at Rs. 175 per share. As per TopShareBrokers, this suggests a 102.34% premium listing to Rs 346 per share (upper price band of Rs 171 + Rs 175 per share). This ‘grey market premium’ reflects the willingness of investors to pay more than the issue price.

Digikore IPO Review

Based on the robust earnings for FY23, the issue may be considered fully priced. Informed investors with surplus funds may want to explore medium to long-term investment opportunities.

With its impressive track record in the digital entertainment sector, Digikore stands as a promising contender in the IPO market. The company’s financial performance underscores its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.

Myntra bolsters Korean Beauty offerings ahead of its Big Fashion Festival

Bengaluru, September 27, 2023: Myntra Beauty bolsters its Korean Beauty offerings, with the on-boarding of popular K-Beauty brands Numbuzin, Peripera, Axis-Y, and Isntree. With the launch of these brands, Myntra Beauty has now expanded its assortment to more than 25 K-Beauty brands, just in time for the upcoming Big Fashion Festival (BFF), the platform’s marquee annual festive shopping bonanza. The appeal of Korean Beauty products has grown consistently with Indian shoppers, considering the products gentle yet high-performing formulas, in line with the Korean tradition of using natural, unique, and skin-friendly ingredients passed through multiple generations.

An honest and effective skincare brand that is quickly becoming one of the most popular K-Beauty brands, Numbuzin places a strong emphasis on deeply understanding its consumers, with a goal of providing personalized solutions for each individual’s skin concerns. Peripera, a colourful and youthful K-Beauty brand, offers a wide selection of lip and eye make-up as well as nail polishes and fabric masks, that are increasingly popular among young shoppers. A community focused, inclusive and free-spirited brand, Axis-Y focuses on its values of using natural skin-loving ingredients, inspired by the climate, and being cruelty free. Fusing the words ‘Island’, ‘Natural’, and ‘Tree’ together to reflect its commitment to making products that are good for the skin and environment, Isntree was founded on the concept of preserving one’s natural beauty through the use of safe, natural, and healthy ingredients.

Best-known for its principles centred around Natural Beauty, K-Beauty brands ensure their offerings are always of the highest standard, to achieve the flawless ‘glass-skin’ appearance. Korean beauty and skin products are also known to be hypoallergenic and being gentle on the skin, allowing them to cater to a broader cohort of shoppers. These brands also focus on organic oils, naturally obtained plant substitutes, and other effective ingredients for their products, while keeping their offerings relatively affordable, further adding to the segment’s popularity.

Having one of the largest lineups of Korean Beauty brands in the country, Myntra’s K-Beauty charter has witnessed an 80% growth YoY. With an affordable Average Selling Price (ASP) of ₹600, the segment appeals to consumers in the 18-34 age demographic.

Touching upon bolstering the segment, Sharon Pais, Chief Business Officer, Myntra, said, “Korean beauty continues to increasingly gain more mindshare with our thriving base of young beauty and skincare enthusiasts who are on the constant lookout for high-quality brands that marry natural ingredients with gentle formulas. This festive season, we are excited to add Numbuzin, Peripera, Axis-Y, and Isntree to our robust K-beauty assortment. The segment is quickly becoming one of the most searched and shopped for segments in our Beauty and Personal Care portfolio. In the coming months, we are looking forward to ramping up this selection further and solidifying our position as one of the leading destinations for K-beauty in the country.”

Some of the popular K-Beauty brands on Myntra include Cosrx, The Face Shop, Innisfree, Laneige, Etude, Tony Moly, Skinfood and Missha among others. Some of the most-sold products from the segment include Cosrx Snail Mucin, Beauty of Joseon Rice Serum and Probiotics sunscreen, Sunscreen Stick from Isntree, Velvet lipsticks from Peripera, Lip tints from Etude, Ginseng and Green tea toners from Innisfree, Rice Toner and Jeju Island Volcanic Mask from The Face Shop. Some of the top trends expected to make a splash in the remainder of the year include Jello Skin using Face Oils, Vegan Beauty, bold, pigmented, and colourful makeup, which are set to be driven by the GenZ’s desire of self-expression.

Myntra will offer new brands and the latest assortments from the segment, with unprecedented offers as a part of the BFF. Visibility for the category will be augmented by promoting brands and offers on social media, apart from having an upcoming dedicated Korean Store on the Myntra app, housing K-Beauty favorites. Additionally, the platform’s tech-enabled service, AI Skin and Hair Analyser is also leveraged to increase the segment’s proliferation with the Indian shopping cohort, while also conducting 3-4 M-Lives, Myntra’s revolutionary live-commerce offering, every month.

UNIQLO Announces Katrina Kaif as the First Indian Brand Endorser

September 27, 2023– Global apparel retailer UNIQLO today announces Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif as its first brand endorser in India. Kaif will be seen in UNIQLO’s campaign films across digital and offline channels, personifying the brand’s LifeWear philosophy of authenticity, diversity, and timelessness.

The one-year partnership will see the Bollywood actor endorsing UNIQLO as she makes her debut in the brand’s Fall Winter 2023 campaign, which captures the essence of warmth and comfort that UNIQLO products provide. UNIQLO brand endorsers exemplify the brand’s values, and act as style ambassadors across a range of media.

“We are extremely pleased to have Katrina Kaif join us as UNIQLO’s first brand endorser in India,” said Tomohiko Sei, Chief Executive Officer, UNIQLO India. “Katrina embodies a truly authentic personality. Her effortless and refined style resonates with UNIQLO’s philosophy of simple made better, focusing on evolving everyday clothing to improve people’s lives.”

Commenting on the announcement, Katrina said, “I am very excited about my partnership with UNIQLO. Personally, I have always been fascinated with Japanese culture and their design aesthetics. UNIQLO has been my go-to brand for my daily essentials and over the years I have admired how functional and innovative their products are. Their simple, high-quality clothing is also very versatile, and perfect to build one’s everyday wardrobe with.”

In the 15-second campaign film, Katrina is seen enjoying the comfort and warmth of an iconic UNIQLO fleece jacket, which fits seamlessly into her everyday style. This campaign will go live across all media channels – print, digital, and outdoor advertising – as well as being used as instore promotional material.

Nidhi Rastogi, Marketing Director, UNIQLO India, commented on the announcement saying, “As a person of great humility, and someone who has fans from all walks of life, Katrina embodies LifeWear, making her a natural partner for UNIQLO. We wanted the campaign to showcase the true comfort and warmth that one experiences with the UNIQLO fleece jacket. Katrina will feature in our seasonal campaigns that will focus on our LifeWear collections”.

Today UNIQLO has more than 2,400 stores across the world. Since opening its first store in Hiroshima in 1984, UNIQLO has created apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality, and longevity, featuring universal designs, supreme fit and comfort with the aim to improve the daily lives of its customers.