Soch has opened its 45th store in Bangalore, strategically positioned on Commercial Street. Spanning 2000 sq ft, this new store is poised to become one of the largest Soch outlets in the city, catering to the diverse ethnic wear needs of Bangalore’s fashion-forward women.
Inaugurated in 2005, Soch marked its first appearance in Koramangala, Bangalore. Nearly two decades since its inception, the brand has demonstrated sustained expansion, with a presence extending to over 170 stores across 68 cities. Within Bangalore itself, the brand has established 45 Soch outlets strategically placed in pivotal locations and popular hotspots.
The recently opened store on Commercial Street will showcase Soch’s comprehensive collection, featuring sarees, churidar sets, dresses, kurtas, lehengas, and fusion wear. Designed to elevate the shopping experience for Indian women, this store embodies the blend of enduring ethnic wear with unmatched convenience.
Vinay Chatlani, Co-Founder and CEO of Soch Apparels Pvt Ltd, remarked, “This is a significant milestone moment for the brand. From the first store in Koramangala 18 years ago to now opening the 45th store in the city, it has been an amazing journey. Soch has received immense love from the style-conscious women of the city, and we continue to strive to give the city an unparalleled shopping experience.”
Surpassing the milestone of 150 stores in August 2022, Soch has firmly established its nationwide footprint, spanning 68 cities and serving over 30,000 pin codes via its e-commerce platform. Beyond standalone stores and online avenues, Soch extends its retail reach through shop-in-shop formats and prominent online marketplaces such as Amazon, Myntra, and Ajio.
Grand Hyatt Gurgaon has appointed Mario Caramella as their Executive Chef. With an illustrious culinary career spanning over four decades, Chef Caramella brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the hotel.
His culinary journey is distinguished by an impressive array of accomplishments, demonstrating his steadfast dedication to the art of gastronomy.
Chef Caramella has refined his expertise through his tenure at prestigious five-star hotels and restaurants around the world.
Significantly, he played a crucial role as a member of the opening team at the Grand Hyatt Dream Tower in Jeju, South Korea. His culinary expertise was instrumental in the success of 14 restaurants and 1600 rooms. Demonstrating a skillful fusion of innovation and tradition, he effectively managed diverse teams, ensuring exceptional dining experiences for the guests.
As the Executive Chef at Hyatt Regency Phuket, Chef Caramella showcased his commitment to culinary excellence. Under his leadership, the culinary department underwent a revitalization, attaining the highest hygiene standards and notably diminishing food wastage. His emphasis on quality and safety, combined with his adept team management skills, resulted in an exceptional culinary operation at the resort.
Chef Caramella’s entrepreneurial drive took center stage when he established Initially Restaurant in Singapore. The success of the restaurant can be attributed to his vision and creativity, establishing it as a haven for enthusiasts of authentic Italian cuisine. Collaborations with Michelin-starred guest chefs further enriched the restaurant’s offerings, underscoring his commitment to enhancing culinary experiences.
In esteemed positions at renowned establishments like Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, and Bali Hyatt, Chef Caramella’s culinary proficiency stood out prominently. His skill in creating unforgettable dining experiences, paired with his adept team leadership, played a crucial role in establishing the reputation of these establishments as preferred culinary destinations.
“As a chef, my mission is to turn ordinary ingredients into extraordinary experiences, one dish at a time. Food is the universal language of joy, and I’m here to create symphonies. I am excited to lead such a vibrant team, and this looks like the most exciting chapter so far,” he shared.
The appointment of Chef Caramella heralds an exciting new era for Grand Hyatt Gurgaon. His commitment to the culinary craft, paired with his innovative approach, assures an elevation of our culinary offerings to unprecedented levels. The team is confident that Chef Caramella’s presence will enrich guests’ gastronomic journeys, ensuring their dining experiences are genuinely exceptional.
Step away from your kitchen duties for a while and venture out to discover the culinary wonders that Mumbai has to offer during this christmas season. There’s no better holiday celebration than indulging in a journey of flavourful exploration— a delectable spread of festive fare and a joyous fusion of cultures. The city is once again coming alive with meticulously curated menus, each a testament to the creativity of the renowned chefs who aim to elevate your dining experience.
In this season of merriment, why not let the pros handle the cooking? Treat yourself to an exquisite blend of traditional and innovative dishes that tell stories of passion, craftsmanship, and the true spirit of the festive season.
Enjoy a Christmas Menu at Asilo, Lower Parel
With a panoramic view of the City, Asilo offers an unparalleled dining experience right in the middle of the grandeur of city lights and the sea.
Culinary Highlights:
Appetisers: A tantalising array of appetisers, including Spicy Caramelized Chicken Skewers, Crispy Spicy Avocado Maki with Truffle, Steamed Tofu, Mushroom & Vegetable Dumplings in Chilli Oil, and Harissa Chicken with Sumac Slaw & Tahini Drizzle.
Main Course: Delight your palate with mouth-watering dishes like Jerk Chicken with Smoke-Roasted Vegetables & Goat Cheese Mash, and Spaghetti Aglio Olio.
Desserts: Conclude your festive feast with Dark & Rich Christmas Plum Pudding with Treacles & Vanilla Ice Cream, and Sticky Toffee Gateaux with Toffee Sauce & Vanilla Ice Cream.
Cherish culinary excellence while enjoying a unique view of the cityscape.
A special Winter Cocktail menu at Nksha, Churchgate
Spend an evening in the heart of Bombay glamour, surrounded by influences from the 1950s Art Deco era, and blending old world charm with contemporary inspirations with a premium North Indian and finest winter cocktail menu.
The cocktail menu unfolds narratives of ingredients, craftsmanship, and sentiments, crafting a cherished experience to embrace the festive season. From the heartwarming aromas of Foothill to the grandeur of Hawa Mahal, the nostalgia of Churchgate, the vibrant vibes of Khari Baoli, and the elegance of Volga – these are just a glimpse of the culinary treasures waiting to be discovered.
Christmas Special Schedule at Novotel, Mumbai International Airport
Novotel promises the longest Christmas Extravaganza, offering an extensive array of feasts and festive celebrations for a truly immersive experience.
Christmas Eve Brunch: Kickstart your festive celebrations with a lavish Christmas Eve Brunch at Food Exchange, offering an array of delectable dishes to tantalise your taste buds.
Christmas Eve Dinner: Experience a sumptuous feast at Food Exchange with an evening filled with culinary delights that will make your Christmas Eve truly memorable.
Christmas Day Brunch: Continue the festivities with a delightful Christmas Day Brunch, featuring a spread of indulgent treats to savour with family and friends.
New Year’s Celebration: Welcome the New Year in style with grand celebrations at Food Exchange and the rooftop bar, 190 Asml. The hotel is set to create a vibrant atmosphere to bid farewell to the old year and usher in the new one.
Christmas by the Beach at Novotel, Juhu Beach
The festivities at Novotel Juhu Beach blend the warmth of Christmas traditions with the coastal vibes of Juhu Beach, offering a unique celebration for guests.
Tree Lighting Ceremony, 15th Dec: Embark on the festive journey with a captivating tree lighting ceremony on the 15th, setting the stage for a joyous evening by the beach.
Christmas Dinner: Indulge in a memorable dinner, featuring a culinary extravaganza that captures the spirit of the season with a touch of coastal charm.
New Year’s Celebration: Bid farewell to the year with an extravagant New Year’s Celebration at Novotel Juhu Beach, creating unforgettable moments to welcome the coming year.
As the curtain for this year is coming to fall, make sure to bid farewell on a high note! Here’s to a new year filled with many more delightful surprises and the promise of a continued gastronomic adventure in the vibrant city.
The Bengaluru-based D2C brand will leverage the recently acquired capital to enhance its talent and technology infrastructure, while also formulating an offline retail strategy.
Following this investment, Ashish Wadhwani, the co-founder and managing partner of IvyCap, will become a member of the board at Snitch.
Established in January 2019 by Siddharth R Dungarwal, Snitch initially began as an offline retail brand. However, a year later, the advent of Covid-19 reshaped the landscape of physical retail, prompting the brand to transition towards online sales.
“During the pandemic, we were stuck with extra inventory. It was a key reason why we moved online. We initially thought of leveraging marketplaces, but we also wanted our brand to gain recognition. That’s why we decided to launch our website,” said Dungarwal.
The majority of Snitch’s sales stem from its website and app, supported by an expanding offline footprint and collaborations with prominent online marketplaces.
Tuck Lye Koh, founding partner, SWC Global said, “Our decision to invest in Snitch is rooted in our belief in their visionary approach to fast fashion.”
Snitch claims to have achieved a turnover of more than INR 100 Crores in FY23 and aims to surpass expectations with over 100% growth in FY24. The brand is also set to expand further by opening more than 100 offline stores across India in the next 4-5 years.
As per a report, the D2C market in India is projected to achieve a valuation of $100 billion by 2025. Among the various sub-segments within the industry, apparel and footwear are anticipated to represent approximately 77.6% of the online clothing market by the same year.
Within the apparel industry, the men’s apparel sector is witnessing significant growth. As outlined in a recent Market Research Future (MRFR) report, the global menswear market is projected to grow from $610.75 billion in 2023 to $988.24 billion by 2032. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.20% during the period from 2023 to 2032.
Recently, the male demographic in India has shown a growing emphasis on both quality and style, leading to a shift in purchasing preferences towards high-quality clothing. Additionally, the surge in online shopping has contributed to a notable increase in the number of online shoppers in the country.
Among the notable players in the segment are XYXX, DaMENSCH, Chromozome, BlissClub, Freecultr, Bombay Shirt Company, and others.
In February 2023, the founders showcased the brand on Shark Tank and successfully secured an all-sharks deal, raising INR 1.5 Crores from angel investors like Aman Gupta (boAt), Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com), Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), and Vineeta Singh (SUGAR).
Capturing the vibrant essence of Bengaluru, the renowned venture of Virat Kohli, one8 commune, unveils its presence in the city’s central hub on Kasturba Road.
This lively casual dining and bar destination transcends mere physical space; it stands as a dynamic tribute to Bengaluru’s diverse and vibrant community. Branded as ‘one8 commune,’ this establishment invites you to immerse yourself in a genuine sense of belonging, mirroring the city’s lively cultural mosaic.
“With the launch of one8 commune in Bangalore, True Palate Hospitality makes its first foray into the vibrant south market. Our goal with one8 commune is to create a space for everyone to unite over good food, drinks and music,” shared Sumit Wahal, Chief Operation Officer, True Palate Hospitality.
Unveiled as the eighth and largest venture to date, the sprawling expanse of one8 commune in Bangalore covers an impressive 18,000 sq. ft., solidifying its status as a landmark culinary destination. Going beyond providing delightful lunch and vibrant dinner experiences, one8 commune Bangalore is poised to curate unique moments with its Sunday Sundowners—a captivating fusion of delectable cuisine, expertly crafted beverages, and soulful music perfectly harmonized with the atmospheric surroundings.
Occupying the uppermost three floors, which encompass a picturesque rooftop offering panoramic views of Cubbon Park and Chinnaswamy Stadium, this venue caters to both thrill-seekers and those in pursuit of everyday indulgence. As a multifaceted space, it pledges to be a sanctuary for diverse tastes, ensuring the creation of memorable experiences for every customer.
Patrons are beckoned to embark on an extraordinary culinary odyssey, meticulously curated by the visionary Corporate Chef Agnibh Mudi. Complemented by an exclusive selection of expertly crafted cocktails, this experience signifies a revolutionary milestone in the dynamic landscape of the city’s gastronomy and libation culture.
“Each dish is a reflection of my passion and expertise, bringing together the best from across the one8 brand. I’ve poured my heart into creating a menu that not only caters to Bangalore’s diverse palate but also introduces some exclusive delights,” he added.
Blending tradition with modernity, the interior spaces of one8 commune Bangalore, thoughtfully curated by Chetana Vij of I Me Am Designs, encapsulate the spirit of transitional style. Achieving a harmonious equilibrium between timeless charm and contemporary elegance, the design seamlessly weaves together traditional elements and modern flair.
Following its ascent to the position of the nation’s leading apparel retailer, Reliance Retail is expanding the reach of clothing and fashion products to external retail outlets. This involves establishing an exclusive lineup of branded products tailored for this business-to-business initiative.
The company has introduced over 50 exclusive brands, and this figure is set to triple in the near future as part of its recent strategy to broaden its presence in the fashion business. According to two well-informed senior industry executives, this expansion beyond its own stores is driven by the significant growth opportunities it presents.
Among the brands introduced thus far are Silkfeet and Jivers in the footwear category, Xlerate specializing in footwear and athleisure, Feet Up focusing on women’s footwear, Dhuni by Avaasa featuring Indian wear, Riva specializing in womenswear, John Player Select offering menswear, Kidlyboo catering to kidswear, and Altair specializing in t-shirts.
Reliance Retail plans to distribute these brands across all markets, including rural areas, through third-party stores within its apparel distribution network. Currently, the company is conducting a pilot program under the Ajio Business banner, and according to one of the executives, this initiative will be expanded on a larger scale by the upcoming spring-summer season.
“Reliance will launch its own apparel and fashion brands across categories such as western wear, Indian wear, inner wear, lingerie, costume jewellery, footwear, fashion accessories in the value and mid-premium range to be sold through lakhs of third-party retailers. Organising the unorganised will be the next thrust area,” the executive said.
According to another executive, the business-to-business (B2B) segment in apparel is expected to surpass Reliance Retail’s own apparel retail stores as a major revenue contributor within the next five years. He highlighted that 80% of the apparel retail market in India is unorganized, presenting a substantial opportunity for growth beyond reliance on proprietary stores.
“The textile industry is a large employment generator and Reliance would want to nurture it by ensuring small apparel retailers can offer an assortment. Reliance will create a backend for them so that they can also do sales by showing catalogues,” he said.
As of the press time, an email sent to Reliance Retail seeking comments has not received a response.
Reliance is extending its distribution to encompass additional well-known apparel and fashion brands through Ajio Business. This lineup includes Campus, Khadim’s, Liberty, Biba, Globaldesi, Lotto, and Adidas.
As the largest apparel retailer in the country, Reliance Retail operates more than 4,000 stores across various brands. The Trends brand, boasting over 2,600 stores, stands as the largest fashion retail chain under its umbrella. Additionally, Reliance Retail has introduced new formats, including Azorte, focusing on high street fashion, Yousta catering to youth-centric fashion, and Centro departmental stores.
“The company will expand the newer formats by 50% annually for next few years, while Trends stores will be expanded by 10-15%. While the overall apparel market is growing at 11%, organised retail is growing at 18-20%,” the second executive said.
Reliance, holding the position as the nation’s foremost retailer, is also the frontrunner in consumer electronics, mobile phone retailing, and grocery sectors.
La Pink, a distinguished skincare brand known for spearheading India’s first 100 percent Microplastic Free Formulations, has now made a significant venture into the realm of hair care. Introducing the La Pink Methi Dana 8-in-1 Hair Oil, Shampoo, and Conditioner, along with the La Pink Olive and Argan Shampoo and Conditioner, the brand continues its commitment to quality and innovation.
After thorough research and development, La Pink’s revolutionary hair care collection was meticulously formulated by French experts using premium natural ingredients sourced globally. The Methi Dana hair care products showcase the powerful White Haldi alongside seven other impactful components—Methi Dana (fenugreek seeds), Onion, Bhringraj, Kadi Patta, Hibiscus, Coconut, and Sunflower—all scientifically tested to deliver targeted volume enhancement.
The Methi Dana series assists in managing hair fall, fortifying hair strands, and fostering growth by harnessing the advantages of fenugreek seeds. The addition of Bhringraj, Kadi Patta, and Onion further enhances overall hair health, while White Haldi provides scalp soothing properties, prevents hair fall, and reduces dandruff.
The Olive and Argan hair care series from La Pink, featuring formulations entirely free of microplastics, comprises Shampoo and Conditioner crafted to soften and tame thick, frizzy hair. Infused with a blend of White Haldi, Olive, Argan, and Avocado, the collection promotes a healthier scalp. Leveraging the moisturizing benefits of Olive oil, it effectively addresses dryness and frizz, while the conditioning properties of Argan oil work to control frizz, resulting in a smoother hair texture.
Nitin Jain, Founder of La Pink, emphasized, “La Pink has always been focused on what’s crucial. We have brought about a change in the outlook of people that besides paraben and sulfates, one must also look for microplastic-free products. And we are no different in our caution with haircare.”
La Pink’s foray into the realm of hair care reflects its dedication to providing clean, forward-thinking, and environmentally conscious products. Prioritizing a microplastic-free approach and harnessing the power of ingredients like White Haldi, La Pink not only revolutionizes hair transformation but also redefines the essence of hair care. The introduction of La Pink Methi Dana 8-in-1 Hair Oil, Shampoo, and Conditioner, alongside the La Pink Olive and Argan Shampoo and Conditioner, underscores the brand’s unwavering commitment to innovation in the beauty industry.
MiniKlub, a leading kidswear brand in India, proudly announces the opening of its second store in Trivandrum. This marks a significant step in solidifying the brand’s commitment to providing stylish and high-quality children’s clothing. The strategic addition to the MiniKlub family is in line with the brand’s expansion strategy and aims to introduce the latest trends in kid-friendly fashion to families in Trivandrum and its surrounding areas.
Nestled within Lulu Mall, Thiruvananthapuram, the recently opened MiniKlub store offers a lively and immersive shopping setting for parents. Here, they can discover a diverse selection of trendy and comfortable clothing options tailored for children of all ages. MiniKlub is dedicated to ensuring each shopping experience is enjoyable and stress-free for parents, presenting everything from adorable newborn essentials to stylish ensembles for 8-year-olds.
Anjana Pasi, Director of MiniKlub, expressed, “We are thrilled to open our second store in Trivandrum, a city that appreciates quality and style in children’s fashion. MiniKlub is not just a brand; it’s a celebration of childhood, and we are excited to bring our unique and fashionable collections to more families in Trivandrum.”
Established in 2013, MiniKlub, a part of First Steps Babywear, has experienced rapid growth as an omni-channel brand. It boasts a widespread presence across more than 450 multi-brand outlets, leading e-retailers, and exclusive brand stores, both in physical and online spaces. With a robust footprint in 28 cities through 65 exclusive brand stores, MiniKlub takes pride in crafting products with meticulous attention to the comfort and safety of babies. The brand adheres to a sustainable manufacturing process while ensuring the highest quality in its offerings. Operating in over 450 multi-brand outlets and featuring prominently on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, and Ajio, MiniKlub also facilitates nationwide delivery through its e-commerce platform.
Zimero, an ice cream company known for its distinctive flavors and commitment to using natural ingredients, has unveiled its expansion plans for 2024. The brand is set to establish new retail stores in Bangalore by the upcoming summer, while also gearing up to expand its online delivery services to Hyderabad by January.
The brand has rapidly gained prominence as the preferred choice for ice cream enthusiasts. Captivating taste buds with bold flavors such as Goat Cheese and Blueberry, aromatic Lavender and Honey, and an inventive range of 100 percent Jaggery and No Sugar options, Zimero has also made waves with its irresistible South Indian Filter Coffee flavor.
Shuchi Jain, Founder of Zimero said, “At Zimero, we are passionate about redefining the ice cream experience. Good ice cream, in our opinion, is a celebration of flavors and memories rather than just a sweet treat. We are really excited to unveil our creations to Hyderabad and Bangalore. We know that our dedication to using only natural ingredients will appeal to the discriminating palates of these globally connected cities.”
Zimero’s unwavering dedication to excellence is evident in the meticulous crafting of every flavor, using minimal preservatives and natural ingredients, garnering praise and customer loyalty. The brand has set its sights on becoming a household name in India’s major metropolitan cities by 2024.
Vegrow, a B2B fruits marketplace, has successfully raised $46 million in a primary and secondary funding round. The funding was led by GIC, and notable participation came from existing investor Prosus Ventures, along with Matrix Partners India, Elevation Capital, and Lightspeed.
According to a press release from the company, the newly acquired funds will be deployed to expand Vegrow’s presence throughout India and fortify its global network.
Earlier, the startup successfully secured $25 million in a Series B funding round led by Prosus in July 2022.
Vegrow collaborates with farmers to consolidate the supply and engage in organized partnerships for selling. The primary source of gross revenue for the Bengaluru-based company has been the sale of produce.
Established by Praneeth Kumar, Shobhit Jain, Mrudhukar Batchu, and Kiran Naik, Vegrow links farmers spanning over 400 production pockets, assisting them in aligning with market expectations and achieving higher yields. The company processes over 200 tons of fruits daily and operates in the states of Karnataka and Telangana, as per its statements.
For GIC, Vegrow marks its first agri-tech and B2B investment in India. “Vegrow is the fastest agri-tech company to build a national presence, having done this within three years of its inception. Typically, it takes double the time to achieve this scale of operations,” said Vegrow Co-founder, Praneeth Kumar.
“At Vegrow, we distinguish ourselves from conventional operations, by creating an organizational ethos centered on agility and experimentation. Through the extensive utilization of data and technology, we provide valuable insights and optimize supply chain challenges, such as reducing perishable inventory wastage to only one-fourth of industry average, and consistently achieving industry-leading profit margins,” added Vegrow Co-founder, Mrudhukar Batchu.
According to the company, it enhances farmers’ income by precisely grading produce and aligning it with the most suitable demand channel. This establishes a virtuous cycle, drawing in more farmers with competitive pricing and attracting additional buyers who value consistency in both price and quality.
According to TheKredible’s estimates, Vegrow attained a valuation of approximately $170 million following the Series B round. The current valuation of the company remains undisclosed.
Over the past year, Vegrow has achieved a remarkable five-fold increase in revenue and operational profitability.
Although the company has not yet reported its FY23 earnings, its Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) skyrocketed to INR 100.83 crore in FY22, marking an 8.54X increase. However, losses also increased significantly, rising 6X to INR 29.7 crore in FY22 from INR 4.79 crore in FY21.
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