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  • If the customer does not get his/her size and if it's available in any other store, then Metro will procure and send it to the customer’s home with no delivery charge

    Now. get your Metro shoes home delivered

    By Tuhina Anand

     

    Metro Shoes has come up with a unique initiative to give an enhanced experience to its customers – that of getting their shoes delivered to their doorsteps. The service, in a nutshell, is that if the customer does not get his/her size and if it’s available in any other store across India, then Metro will procure it and send it to the customer’s home with no delivery charge for a hassle-free shopping experience.

     

    Talking about the initiative, Lavina Rodrigues Pinto, Marketing Manager, Metro Shoes, said: “At Metro Shoes, we believe in making a customer, and not a sale. The idea of initiating this unique service was to enhance the ‘customer delight’ by giving him/her what they needed without them having to worry about logistical and delivery hassles.”

     

    Ms Pinto added: “Being in the business of selling shoes for more than eight decades, we have fine-tuned and learnt from our customers; hence the service was started to provide them the much needed comfortable experience. With the growing number of brands in the market and lesser time spent by customers on singular labels, we have tried to think one step ahead in terms of loyalty marketing and creating patrons.”

     

    On their expansion plans, Ms Pinto shared that Metro Shoes aims to be Rs1,000 crore company by 2015. There is also plan to open 43 new outlets in 2012-13 with an investment of Rs44 crores. The expansion is also aimed at Tier II markets which have great potential. Currently Metro Shoes covers 20 states inIndiaand are also the largest fashion footwear brand in the country. The plan is also to add more standalone accessories stores and value format stores like MSL (More shoes for Less) in the coming years.

     

    The company also launched their e-commerce portal eight years back. Ms Pinto said: “The response has been very encouraging and we are seeing a growing category of shoppers inIndiawho prefer the click to walk.”

     

    She added: “At Metro Shoes, we have a philosophy of combining traditional ethos with contemporary means. To enhance customer experience, we have a well integrated loyalty programme. We also have a growing market of NRIs and wedding shoppers for whom we customize shoes and match the trousseau or attire. Another interesting feature is our product mix – we customize our mix regionally. For example, stores in Kerala have more flats where asChandigarhsees more of heels’ sales.Bangalorehas more colours, whereas Kolkata prefers earthy tones! With the launch of our e-commerce portal, it has helped us break geographic barriers and we have seen a healthy growth in this arena too.”

     

  • Divya Bhaskar launched Rajkaaj to address this heightened reader need for political news

    Divya Bhaskar launches Rajkaaj in Ahmedabad

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ahmedabad is the commercial and the political capital of Gujarat. As per internal research and readers feedback, it was evident to the Dainik Bhaskar Group that the readers in Ahmedabad are deeply interested in the political and bureaucratic activities of state. Power corridors of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar were of prime interest to the readers.

     

    Keeping this interest in mind, Divya Bhaskar launched a special page – Rajkaaj -in its main issue in Ahmedabad to address this heightened reader need for political news.
    Mr Saras Sethi, State CEO Gujarat said: ‘Divya Bhaskar has always been a newspaper that has remained above the curve; and we use reader’s feedback and formal research for keeping a tab on the changing environment. RAJKAAJ aimed at providing focused political news is a perfect example of this philosophy. We understand that this will further strengthen the strong reader connect that Divya Bhaskar enjoys with its readers and will help then remaining updated on the political and bureaucratic scenario and the power struggle or equations.”

     

    Divya Bhaskar, the Gujarati newspaper from Dainik Bhaskar group with 11.44 lakh readers (IRS Q1 2012) is the only Gujarati newspaper with more than a million readers in a city.

     

  • LinOpinion is mandated to educate publics on the concept of dental stem cell banking and increase media visibility for Stemade

    LinOpinion wins PR mandate for Stemade Biotech

    By A Correspondent

     

    Stemade Biotech, a pioneer in dental stem cell banking in the Asian region has appointed LinOpinion – the Lowe Lintas public relations division, which bagged the account after a competitive pitch against two other agencies. LinOpinion is mandated to educate publics on the concept of dental stem cell banking and increase media visibility for Stemade.

     

    With an aim to gain repute in the era of regenerative medicine, Stemade endeavours to be the largest dental stem cell bank inIndia, offering services of the highest standards.

     

    Commenting on the reason for picking LinOpinion, Shailesh Gadre, Managing Director, Stemade said: “LinOpinion has an excellent body of work in the healthcare space. I think they were able to immerse themselves completely into the category, and consumers, which led to a thorough understanding of our business and our brief. Considering that we wanted to change our communication strategy from one that was tactical, to one that is insightful and strategic, we believe that LinOpinion is the best fit. Our ultimate aim is to heighten awareness of dental stem cell banking acrossIndiato save lives.”

     

    Kavita Lakhani, President, LinOpinion said: “We are very pleased to work with Stemade who are leaders in the category. Dental stem cell-based therapy indeed seems to have potential to change the traditionally weak Indian medical system. Our challenge is to create awareness of dental stem cell banking and its benefits. LinOpinion will employ a fully integrated multi-media approach to deliver messages and drive conversations with diverse audiences – consumers, healthcare practitioners and regulators. We will also articulate Stemade’s advocacy programs ranging from innovation to education.”

     

    One of LinOpinion’s greatest competitive advantages is a comprehensive understanding of building and protecting healthcare brands through its work with hospitals, insurers, healthcare professionals, policy makers and other key influencers.  The agency’s experience includes campaigns for the Government of Maharashtra – Avert Society (AIDS awareness), Healthspring Community Medical Centres, Allergan, Botox, Centre for Obesity and Diabetes, GSK – Smoking Cessation Therapy, Pfizer-Viagra, Manipal Hospitals, Johnson and Johnson, Johns Hopkins University, National Leprosy Education Program, OncQuest and Rotary’s pulse polio vaccination drive.

     

  • In this TV commercial, Scrat, who is one of most loved characters from the franchise, has turned this attention towards his favourite Alpenliebe

    Alpenliebe re-creates irresistibility in Ice Age 4

    By A Correspondent

     

    Perfetti van Melle India, the market leader in confectionery, has partnered with Fox Studios for the latest marketing campaign for Alpenliebe. The creative for the campaign is set in Ice Age, the internationally successful franchise from Fox, with the release of its latest installment – Ice Age 4: Continental Drift.

     

    The campaign aims to bring alive the “irresistibility” positioning of Alpenliebe. In this TV commercial, Scrat, who is one of most loved characters from the franchise, has turned this attention towards his favourite Alpenliebe. But his greed for Alpenliebe cascades into a hilarious chain of events.

     

    The campaign will surely surprise and entertain consumers and create an excitement around the brand. This campaign can be seen on all leading kids’ channels and on Youtube and Facebook.

     

    Commenting on the initiative, Nikhil Sharma, Director Marketing Perfetti van Melle India, said: “The objective of this campaign was both to bring alive the brand proposition and to entertain our consumers. Thanks to the support we received from Fox Studios, we have been able to produce a TVC that delivers very well on both counts.”

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”225″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wcl2zVWQ14[/youtube]He added: “Scrat’s tireless chase of an acorn is a well established and entertaining part of the Ice Age story and the whole piece fit very beautifully to highlight the ‘irresistibility’ of Alpenliebe – something which is very rarely the case in such associations.”

     

    Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios India said: “Ice Age is the most successful animated franchise in India, and highly beloved amongst children and families; we are really pleased on the association between Ice Age 4: Continental Drift and Perfetti van Melle. The Indian team is very passionate and creative. The idea has been seamlessly depicted in the TVC, from the perspective of both Alpenliebe and Ice Age franchise.”

     

  • ESPN STAR Sports to exclusively broadcast all international hockey test matches under HI to be played inIndiafor the next 5 years

    Hockey India signs multi-year deal with ESPN Star

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hockey India entered into a multi-year broadcast agreement with leading sports broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports to exclusively broadcast the soon to be launched Hockey India League (HIL). ESPN STAR Sports will also cover all international hockey test matches under Hockey India to be played in India for the next 5 years.

     

    In a multi-year deal, ESPN STAR Sports has been granted global telecast rights for the professional hockey league. The FIH-approved league will see the best of national as well as international hockey stars showcase their prowess. The first edition of the league is expected to be played in January 2013. The league will comprise of at least six franchise hockey teams and will feature 33 hockey matches to be played in prime time in stadia across the country. All teams will play each other on a home and away basis (30 league matches) followed by 2 semifinals and the final.

     

    Hockey India further announced that ESPN STAR Sports has the global broadcast rights to telecast at least 5 international hockey test matches every year under Hockey India to be played in India for the next 5 years. The number of matches that India will play against top quality international opposition could go up depending on the finalization of the series schedule.

     

    Hockey India Secretary General and Chairman, Hockey India League, Dr. Narinder Batra said: “We are delighted to have ESPN STAR Sports as our broadcast partners. Hockey India has a clear vision – we want to revive the glory days of hockey inIndiaand drive popularity of the game across the country. This partnership with ESPN STAR Sports will play a key role in our overall plans.”

     

    Speaking on the professional hockey league, Mr Batra added: “The proposed league (HIL) will be the biggest initiative that hockey has ever seen in India. We have been working out the details for months now and I am glad to announce that things are quickly falling into place. I am confident that our partners ESPN STAR Sports will help us deliver a flawless world class product.”

     

    Peter Hutton, Managing Director, ESPN STAR Sports said: “Hockey is close to our heart and we will drive all our efforts to make this league a success. We are also delighted to have all international hockey test matches under Hockey India to be played in India on our networks for a 5 year period. I look forward to some memorable occasions and a new era for Indian hockey.”

     

  • Team Scarecrow jammed with Agnee to draft the lyrics and roped in a technology partner to design this one-of-its-kind app

    After 1.5lakh+ views, Agnee’s ‘reveal yourself’ video is unmuted for launch of B’lue!

    By A Correspondent

     

    Almost a week back, on July 23, Scarecrow Communications had launched a silent music video featuring Agnee to promote Danone-Narang’s new drink B’lue. People were asked to lip-read and guess the lyrics. Through a specially designed Facebook application, one could type in the lyrics. On submitting their lyrics, every user got a score on the correct words revealed and more interestingly, the correct words got unmuted in the silent music video on replaying.

     

    In just a week’s time, the campaign got a whopping 1.5 lakh+ views. With engagement and curiosity at their peaks, on July 30, the original track – Reveal Yourself – was unmuted and released. Here is when the brand B’lue unveiled its association with Agnee and the idea behind the ‘Reveal Yourself’ campaign.

     

    Renu Bansal, Head-Marketing, Danone-Narang Beverages said: “Today’s youth is aware of what they want to pursue and don’t live a life dictated by others. With our new campaign ‘Reveal Yourself’, we wish to foster a passion to inspire people to pursue their dreams. Agnee has beautifully captured this sentiment in their music video. ‘Reveal Yourself’ is B’lue’s tribute, along with Agnee, to all Punekars.”

     

    The premise of the campaign was unique. Amitabh Sreedharan, AVP-Account Management, Scarecrow Communications said: “Before launching the brand nationally, Danone-Narang was looking to do a pilot launch for B’lue in Pune. While a print and outdoor campaign was created under the theme of ‘Reveal Yourself’, there still had to be a big buzz-generating activity that engaged the youth of Pune.”

     

    Kapil Tammal, Executive Creative Director, Scarecrow Communications said: “Since ‘Reveal Yourself’ is all about inspiring people to follow their hearts, team Scarecrow decided to help the brand philosophy come alive through a song that connects with the youth of Pune. While Agnee is today a popular national band, it’s still very much Pune-based. Agnee’s popularity among the youth of Pune and the roaring music culture of the city was only to leverage upon.”

     

    Team Scarecrow jammed with Agnee to draft the lyrics and roped in a technology partner to design this one-of-its-kind app. Sarvesh Raikar, Creative Director, Scarecrow Communications said: “Besides launching the silent video, we created a range of interactive elements that drove engagement further. Videos were shot with Mohon and Koco (the band’s lead singers) playing dumb charades and helping people guess the lyrics.  Fun stuff like lip-reading tutorials and crosswords were also uploaded to boost the buzz.”

     

    The band members also interacted with the participants through Twitter and encouraged them.

     

    To catch the teaser phase action, visit Agnee Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/agneelive

     

     

  • This development is the result of a multi-agency pitch that was initiated in Chennai around the first week of April

    Lowe Lintas bags Amrutanjan mandate

    By A Correspondent

     

    Amrutanjan has selected Lowe Lintas and Partners as its new brand communications partner. The agency’s Chennai office will handle the business. This development is the result of a multi-agency pitch that was initiated in Chennai around the first week of April.

     

    Joydeep Chatterjee, Business Head-Sales & Marketing said: “Lowe Lintas and Partners’ long experience in FMCG and its proven track record in turning around the fortunes of brands gave Amrutanjan immense confidence. During the pitch, the agency highlighted its deep understanding of the Indian consumer across SECs and categories and we felt that a heritage brand with an iconic status such as Amrutanjan would benefit from this understanding in its effort to stay relevant and increase market share. Yet another aspect that went in favour of Lowe Lintas and Partners was its long associations with clients, many of them stretching over decades. This kind of consistency is good for brands as it is possible to share and pursue a vision in a spirit of partnership over long periods of time.”

     

    GV Krishnan, Executive Director, Lowe Lintas and Partners added: “We are proud to have won the creative mandate of Amrutanjan, an iconic brand with a rich heritage. Our task will be to rejuvenate the brand and build preference. This win adds to our strong and rich FMCG portfolio.”

     

    Joseph George, Chief Executive Officer, Lowe Lintas & Partners concluded: “Being asked to partner a brand like Amrutanjan is both a privilege and a huge responsibility; and we look forward to the challenge. After Daimler Bharat Benz, this is Lowe Lintas Chennai’s second significant win this month. This momentum of success and positivity is not just great for the agency, but also for the brands it handles.”

     

  • To expand its portfolio of offerings for mobile app developers

    InMobi acquires Metaflow Solutions

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bangalore-based mobile advertising network InMobi announced the acquisition of Metaflow Solutions, leaders in mobile app management and distribution solutions.

     

    Metaflow technology simplifies the global deployment and content management process for developers through its intelligent submission tools optimised through six years of operations, servicing the biggest publishers in the market.

     

    Metaflow’s management and distribution of content to consumer portals has consistently provided the fastest, lowest cost way to publish apps to hundreds of independent, OEM & operator app stores across the globe. “As a global leader in the mobile advertising space, InMobi is committed to growing the mobile ecosystem. Our acquisition of Metaflow Solutions will help us to continue to rapidly expand the distribution and monetisation of content for our developers and publisher partners,” said Naveen Tewari, Founder and CEO at InMobi.

     

    The Metaflow team will become an integral part of InMobi’s developer oriented efforts, led by Piyush Shah, VP and GM of Developer Platforms and Performance Advertising at InMobi. Mr Shah said: “With the recent acquisition of MMTG Labs, along with today’s acquisition of Metaflow, we will augment our value proposition by offering highly compelling distribution, monetisation, and engagement solutions to app developers globally.”

     

    “At Metaflow, our mission has been to simplify and unify the complex process surrounding content management and deployment of apps to a distributed and highly fragmented marketplace. The global reach and technology backbone provided by InMobi is hugely exciting for us. InMobi provides app developers with even greater opportunities to acquire millions of users and monetise their exciting apps,” said Charles McLeod, CEO at Metaflow Solutions.

     

    The Metaflow Solutions team will relocate to the new InMobi London office.

     

     

  • The app provides users with a location-specific snapshot of where all of their Facebook friends have previously 'checked in'

    Tourism Australia launches Facebook app

    By A Correspondent

     

    The ‘Discover Australia Through Your Friends’ app – the first of its kind – merges the best of Google Maps and Facebook technology to create a unique travel planning tool to not only help choose where to go in Australia, but also provide advice from friends who may already have been there.

     

    The app provides users with a location-specific snapshot of where all of their Facebook friends have previously ‘checked in’, photos they may have ‘tagged’ and also any comments they may have posted about their travel experiences whilst there.

     

    Currently, Tourism Australia has 3.3 million fans. Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy believes that the new app will be welcomed both by travellers and the Australian tourism industry.

     

    “We know from research that more and more travellers are turning to their social media networks for inspiration to help them plan and get the best out of their holidays. Tourism Australia has been a global leader in the digital space for over a decade and this innovative social media tool will make word of mouth from your trusted network of Facebook friends even more powerful,” Mr McEvoy said.

     

    The launch of the new app follows new research findings, released by Tourism Australia earlier this month, demonstrating the growing impact of social media on the way Australians travel around their own country.

     

    “Facebook remains a key plank in Tourism Australia’s social media strategy to promote the country’s tourism credentials at home and abroad through the power of advocacy,” he added.

     

    Tourism Australia Executive General Manager Consumer Marketing, Nick Baker, who has led the national tourism agency’s innovative digital and social media approach, said Tourism Australia’s Facebook page now enjoyed over three million advocates.

     

    “The new Discover Australia Through Your Friends app is also a great tool for the industry – allowing us to simultaneously showcase these postings as fantastic examples of things for visitors to do nearby, whilst spending time exploring our great country,” Mr Baker said.

     

  • He will be responsible for all Legal and Regulatory affairs of TTN and Prime Connect, as well as support the team on Box TV

    Times TV appoints Rohit Kishore Chopra as legal head

    By A Correspondent

     

    Times Television Network (TTN) has announced the appointment of Rohit Kishore Chopra as Head Legal, Times Television Network and Prime Connect. Based out of Mumbai, he will be responsible for all Legal and Regulatory affairs of TTN and Prime Connect, as well as support the team on Box TV.

     

    Speaking on the announcement, Avinash Kaul, Chief Executive Officer, ET Now, Times Now and Zoom, said: “We are delighted to have Rohit on board. Given his significant experience in the broadcast space, Rohit will play a pivotal role in directing the legal and regulatory aspects of TTN’s business.”

     

    Mr Chopra joins TTN from Viacom 18 Media Pvt Ltd where he was heading Corporate Legal Affairs. He has previously worked at Balaji Telefilms Limited, Reliance Big Broadcasting and ESPN Star Sports. The existing legal teams at TTN and Prime Connect will report into Mr Chopra, who in turn will report into Avinash Kaul.

     

    Commenting on his new role, Mr Chopra said: “I am really excited and honoured to be a part of such a diversified media conglomerate. I look forward to working with this dynamic team and adding value to the system.”

     

  • Leading news anchors and producers will conduct the Studio Talk anchoring workshop for Studio Talk from tomorrow

    Top news anchors & producers to conduct anchoring workshop from tomorrow

    From the MxM Infodesk

     

    Studio Talk has announced the second batch of its TV Anchoring Workshop starting August 4 in Mumbai. “Of the anchors you see on TV, very few are naturals. For the rest, it is an acquired skill set that comes with practice and practice,” said course director Mahrukh Inayet Rizvi, who was formerly Senior Editor with Times Now and is an award-winning journalist.

     

    The workshop trains and prepares one on how to be a television anchor/presenter during an intensive six weekend programme which is designed by top names in the industry, informed Vikram Sawant, director, Studio Talk and senior journalist.

     

    As course director, Ms Inayet Rizvi will personally oversee the six weekend training programmes. She will be joined by Mr Sawant, Mandira Lalwani (Former Times Now, ESPN, TenSports & Star News), Naomi Datta (Author 6 pm slot and Former Anchor & Producer CNBC & Times Now), Tejas Mehta (Mumbai Bureau Chief, NDTV 24 x7), Tanvir Gill (Senior Markets Anchor, ET Now), Juhi Pande (Former VJ, Channel [V]), Ragini Kumar (Former Sports Anchor, Times Now), Shruti Rajkumar (Former Anchor & Producer, Tech Toyz, CNBC), Mikhail Vaswani (Presenter, Neo Cricket), Ameet Sawant (Producer & Director, 96Karatz Productions), Renelle Snelleksz (Former Anchor, Times Now) among others.

     

    Along with teleprompter training, studio simulated exercises, voice modulation and basic make-up sessions, students will receive a certificate at the end of the program and a demo CD which will help showcase their talent and proficiency before the cameras.

     

    The weekend batches happen on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm atSt Paul’s Institute of Communication Education, Bandra (W), Mumbai.

    Telephone: +91-9820125420, +91-9004402661, Email: thestudiotalk@gmail.com, Website: www.thestudiotalk.com

     

    *MxMIndia was a media partner of Studio Talk’s first workshop

     

  • This campaign will bring forth 15 heroic stories of men and women who have bravely stood up against crime

    Red FM launches Crime Ki Keh Ke Lenge

    By A Correspondent

     

    This summer seems to belong to superheroes on screen and we loved seeing them beat up the bad guys. But on August 06, 93.5 Red FM will launch ‘Crime Ki Keh Ke Lenge’, which will introduce listeners to some real life heroes – ordinary people who have had the courage to stand up against crime in our capital city.

     

    This campaign will bring forth 15 heroic stories of men and women who have bravely stood up against crime. The basic premise is to highlight the immense amount of courage and resilience shown by these people to counter different criminal acts they were faced with. The content of the show is purposeful and interesting, and goes on to show that the common man or woman can handle these successfully.

     

    Red FM Delhi’s Morning RJs Peeyuush and Swati will feature one such instance on their show every day, with different people related to the story coming on-air along with the protagonist.

     

    ‘Crime Ki Keh Ke Lenge’ is yet another initiative by Red FM to take up matters of local importance, and present them in an entertaining, yet responsible manner. As elucidated by the Senior VP – Programming and Projects, Nisha Narayanan: “‘Crime’ is a new genre for radio, the relevance of which is even more in our capital city. The campaign thought for our prime-time show comes from an inherent responsibility to highlight what we think should be brought to the notice of our listeners. These heroes are also a part of our listening universe, and the deeds instill a sense of pride in their fellow citizens.

     

    A bold move by one the leading radio stations inIndia, Red FM means business when it says ‘Crime Ki Keh Ke Lenge’.”