MxMIndia

Tag: Diwali

  • The shift away from gold and silver gifts is being spurred by a younger generation that is more enthused by luxury goods and of course rising prices of gold and silver

    iPads, smartphones set to replace gold & silver wares as corporate gifts this Diwali

    By Madhvi Sally & Sutanuka Ghosal

     

    Luxury watches and pens, iPads, smartphones and even toasters and sandwich makers are set to replace gold and silver coins, idols and puja thalis as corporate gifts this Diwali as prices of precious metals soar through the roof and slowdown-struck companies cut back on festival spends.

     

    Jewellers across India do not see bright prospects for the festive season what with prices of gold and silver northward-bound. Since mid-August, gold has risen 6.6% and silver 18%. “There are no orders. We feel companies will go for other gift items as gold and silver prices remain firm,” says Bharat Zaveri, managing director of Ahmedabad-based Zaveri & Co.

     

    The shift away from gold and silver gifts is also being spurred by a younger generation that is more enthused by luxury goods. Sanjay Bansal, chairman of the Ambootia Group, a producer of Darjeeling tea, says: “We have stopped giving gold and silver coins as corporate gifts during Diwali and are now giving consumer durables and iPads to clients. The prices of these gifts vary between Rs 1,000 and Rs 25,000.” Ten grams of 24 karat gold is currently quoting at a little over Rs 32,000 and a kg of silver at roughly Rs 64,500.

     

    “Corporate gifting of gold and silver coins during this Diwali is on decline. Jewellers who had placed orders during the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) last month are holding back physical delivery of gold. There is some reluctance among jewellers to create an inventory for the festive and wedding season,” says Bachhraj Bamalwa, chairman of the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation.

     

    Organized by Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, the IIJW saw participation by over 862 diamond and jewellery companies. Nearly 65% of jewellers who had placed orders during the expo are now in a wait-and-watch mode.

     

    Good News for Appliance Makers

     

    Most jewellers who had placed orders during the IIJW are watching the situation before entering into a final transaction, says a jeweller who participated in the show.

     

    He adds that orders worth a little over Rs 5,000 crore were placed during the jewellery exhibition. Leading players such as Rosy Blue, Karp Impex, Dimeson, Gitanjali Group, Rio Tinto, PC Chandra, Anmol Jewellers and the World Gold Council had participated in the show.

     

    Harmish Arora, director of National India Bullion Refinery, a refiner of gold and silver, says demand for gold coins has slowed down and there were hardly any investors in the market. “People are selling gold and not buying,” he says.

     

    That’s good news for marketers of everything else other than gold — including domestic appliances. Says Gautam Sengupta, vice-president, Videocon: “We are seeing demand for light home appliances for corporate gifting purposes. Corporates are interested in items such as toasters and sandwich makers. We expect order flows to improve further from early October.”

     

    It’s not curtains, though, for gifts of gold – not yet. Ajay Mitra, managing director (India & Middle East), World Gold Council says: “Despite the uncertainty, it is important to remember that there is still a lot of latent demand for gold; and with the upcoming festive and marriage season, we should see an upsurge in demand.” Ved Prakash, director at MMTC, India’s largest bullion importer, adds that although sentiment is low, Indian buyers may be prompted to buy in October, when prices are expected to dip; and that could well jumpstart sales.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2012, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

     

  • Behind every great commercial is super strategy. Every week, MxMIndia will bring you the brief and the strat as given by the client and whatever else that went into creating a winning ad. AdStrat is compiled by Shubhangi Mehta.

    The husband’s predicament

    The Campaign:

    Amitabh Diwali Campaign

     

    The Client:

    Tanishq

     

    The Agency:

    Lowe Lintas

     

    The Brief:

    To promote Tanishq diamonds during the peak jewellery buying season – Diwali. It is also the most auspicious time for jewellery purchase.

     

    Research insights:

    According to Arun Iyer, National Creative Director of Lowe Lintas, “Usually during Diwali gold is the main metal of purchase among consumers. But we have taken this opportunity to push diamonds this Diwali.”

     

    The thought process behind the creative:

    “We have used the insight of how men always go wrong with their choice of gift during festivities. And this time the attempt is to ensure that they are clear about their choice of gift this Diwali.”

     

    Media vehicles chosen:

    TV, Radio and Outdoor

     

    Key issues kept in mind while executing the ad:

    “Since we were using Amitabh and Jaya again, we had to ensure that they come across as normal husband and wife and not like celebrities. Also the situation that was shown is a predicament that every husband goes through in marriage.”

     

    Does the treatment do justice to the brief?

    “Absolutely. Like I have mentioned earlier Amitabh behaves like any husband would. Despite having clarity about the choice of gift he still falters as women, being women, will always have a different point of view.”

     

    What is the differentiating factor about the ad?

    “I think it’s the execution. Amitabh and Jaya have been shown going through life’s moments just like any other normal couple would.”

     

    Market and client feedback:

    “There has been a positive feedback from the market and client. Customers have been talking about it and find the ad very entertaining. The fact that Amitabh gets stumped again by Jaya in the end is the highlight of the film.”

     

    Credits:

    Creative: Arun Iyer, Rajesh Ramaswamy, Abhijit Ghosh, Adarsh Atal, Indrashish Mukherjee, Prasad Baggi

    Account Management: Sudhir Rajasekharan, Pritish Wesley, Arunabho Sen

    Director: Prakash Varma

    Production House: Nirvana Films

  • It’s the time to celebrate and even though the chips may be down, a cross-section of media folk think it’s good to be in the trade.

    MxMIndia wishes you a Delightful Diwali!

     

    Happy Diwali. The mood’s upbeat. Our cricketing heroes, disgraced by their defeat in England, have effected a revenge in the one-dayers. The slowdown exists, but then things aren’t down and out thus far.

    And, heck is it great to be in the media. It’s always been great to be here.

    There have been times in the last 25+ years in the business when I’ve told myself that it was perhaps a wrong decision for me to chuck my admission to a B-school. But those moments have been few and far between.

    Agreed there’s much mediocrity and decay in most media. Even though the media damns the government and corruption across the country, its own corridors have their own share of dubious acts.

    However, despite all of this, there is much excitement around the media. New papers, new magazines, new websites (MxMIndia included), new mobile platforms, new channels… yup, the business is doing well.

    Then there are new recruitments and people movement, scandals and controversies, M&As and MoUs… yup, it’s all happening out there.

    We hope you enjoy reading our package and thank all the people who’ve helped to make this happen.

    Enjoy Diwali and the festivities.

    We’ll be back on Monday.

    Cheers

    Pradyuman Maheshwari

  • My life has changed totally after I moved from advertising to journalism. For the better, of course.

    Anil Thakraney: It’s changed my life. No, really

    My life has changed totally after I moved from advertising to journalism. For the better, of course. Here’s how:

     

    I earn a lot less. This means no boozing, no smoking and no partying. In fact, I have had to give up on all good things in life. No problem, this keeps me fit. I am 10 kgs lighter now.

     

    I seldom get invited to parties. And Page 3 parties, in particular, are totally out of the question. This has to do with the ‘unhip’ journalism I do. No one wants to risk pissing their VIP guests off with me in the house. But this also means I have started doing yoga in the nights. Healthier than partying, no?

     

    Folks in Mumbai go to jail if they are caught driving drunk. But I get into serious strife for parking in a no-parking area. And that’s because I once did a sting operation on corrupt traffic havaldars. And these guys have a wonderful memory, aside from deep pockets. But that’s cool. Anyway I hardly drive because of the killing petrol prices.

     

    I have spent many hours in the company of beautiful movie stars. Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra, to name a few. Asking them about their intimate secrets and desires. What fun! But I have also discovered how vulnerable, ambitious and insecure they are, just like the rest of us. I emerged from these meetings totally disillusioned. But that’s okay. I can boast to my mama who lives in Alwar that I have Priyanka’s cell number.

     

    I have discovered that all the cricketing gods I idolized since childhood are actually quite petty, opportunistic and materialistic people. That they give a rat’s arse for their fans, and have interest only in making money. This has left me depressed for sure, but there’s an upside: I watch very little cricket now. Good. I have time to follow more productive passions.

     

    My not-very-sweet views on netas and underworld dons over the years have worried my family members a lot. They fear I may not return home one day. But that’s fine. At least I feel wanted by someone.

     

    And of course, people now look at me with a little more respect, which was not the case in advertising. When I last went for a snack to a very packed Kailash Parbat at Lokhandwala, the manager told me I’ll have to wait one hour forty minutes for a table. When I proudly told him I am a happening journo, he very graciously reduced the waiting time. To one hour thirty five minutes.

     

    Yup, it’s great to be in the media!

  • In association with T-Series, RED FM regales its listeners with superhit compilations.

    RED FM to launch Superhits TOP 30

    By A Correspondent

    This Diwali, RED FM celebrates the joy of the season with full-on entertainment and energy. Presenting an absolute dhamaka to its listeners, in association with T-Series, RED FM announces the simultaneous launch of 93.5 RED FM SUPERHITS TOP 30, across its network. To be unveiled on October 26, this Superhits CD boasts of a compilation of the Top 30 songs from Bollywood movies released this past year.

    93.5 RED FM SUPERHITS TOP 30 is a reflection of the CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio) format followed extensively by the station. With the launch of the music CD, the station for expression will engage its listeners through exciting on-air contests giving them an opportunity to win their very own copy of the 93.5 RED FM SUPERHITS TOP 30.

    Speaking about the association, Mr Rana Barua, COO, RED FM 93.5 Network said, “Listeners tune into RED FM because they know that it is the only radio station that plays contemporary hit music across shows. Similarly T-Series has regaled the audience over the years with one chartbuster after another. Through this association with T-Series, the listeners are in for a very good time as they will be treated to an exclusive compilation of 30 rocking chartbusters. This endeavor, will surely usher the festive celebrations with gusto!”

    Says Mr Neeraj Kalyan, President, T-Series, “We are delighted to partner with RED FM in launching Superhits T30 music CD which is a compilation of chartbusters that has been serenading the airwaves all year round! Since RED FM is the only radio station that plays contemporary hit music, our synergies matched effortlessly. Through this partnership, we intend to reach out to maximum number of people across the cities this Diwali.”

    With songs from the movies such as Rockstar, Dabangg, Ready and Delhi Belly amongst others featuring in the CD, RED FM reinforces the fact that it is the only radio station that breaks the clutter by promoting contemporary super hit music!

    Says Nisha Narayanan, Senior VP Projects & Programming, RED FM 93.5 Network, “Superhit Top 30 has always been the trademark for Red FM. It is this show that is associated with RED FM across India. Thus, with the kind of response the show has received, Red FM has decided to launch the compilation of top 30 songs in a CD and who better to do it with than TSeries. The compilation consists of the best voted songs in the chartbusters for the last one year. We are happy to have associated with one of the best music company – ‘TSeries’ and hope that our clients and listeners like this gesture of us in the form of Superhits Top 30 for this festive occasion.

  • Online shopping likely to touch over Rs 5,000 cr during Diwali: Asssocham.

    Mouse click is good business

    By A Correspondent

    Online demand during the upcoming festive season for products like mobile phones, e-tablets, consumer electronics, home appliances, home decor, furnishings, apparel and ornaments is likely to shoot up 300 per cent from last year to over Rs 5,000 crore as nearly 1.25 crore consumers are expected to place orders through internet, according to The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).

    The figure has gone up by over 100 percent which was around 250% to Rs 2,000 crore in 2010 in which nearly 90-100 lakh consumers took part according to Assocham.

     

    Commenting on the ASSOCHAM analysis, its secretary general, Mr. D S Rawat said that, the articles that are likely to be shopped intensively during Diwali would include electronic items, gift articles, idols of Gods and Goddesses, sweets, flowers, clothes & jewellery and diamonds due to discount range from 10-15 percent to 80-90 percent depending upon product vertical and other offers are lucky draws, free shipping, free gifts and gift vouchers.

     

    Mr. Rawat further added that the expected growth during key festivals like Karva Chauth, Dhanteras, Diwali, the online shopping portals will go up by 30-35% this diwali. So, online shopping seen a phenomenal rise in the country and will continue to do so  given the great potential and the huge segment of population which is still not net savvy.

     

    The reasons for e-shoppers number multiplying are because of factors such as home delivery which saves time, secondly ’24×7′ hours shopping with ease and availability factors for product comparisons.

     

    Gujarathis are taking lead in ordering their Diwali requirements of consumer durables product followed by Maharahtrian, Delhiites, Sindhi’s, Rajasthanis and Punjabi. The percentage of South Indians is equally strong.

     

    Keeping this boom in mind a lot of online players have already announced exclusive Diwali deals and even exclusive Diwali shopping stores. Besides for rediff.com the other shopping sites like ebay, homeshop18, sify, indiaplaza and indiatimes have also opened shop for Diwali offers and are enticing online buyers with discounts.

     

    These shopping portals are witnessing a large number of users buying gifts and products also for personal use. Cashing in on the growing number of online shoppers, portals like rediff and ebay are readying themselves for increased traffic, with a series of offerings to consumers.

     

    As per Assocham estimates, for any shopping site, the sales are expected to go up by around 20-30 percent month on month during October.

     

    Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are also shopping more online during the festive season. During Raksha Bandhan, online shopping by NRIs contribute to about 40-50% of total shopping, whereas during Diwali, it increases to 85%, adds the paper.

     

    Rediff has announced a series of offerings for its consumers, which includes offering of special gift vouchers of Rs 1,500 with every purchase.  The single portal has also seen an increase in the number of visitors each day from 1,00,000 to 1,50,000 during the festive season, which adds up to 7 million visitors a month.

     

    Similarly, other portals are also introducing the ‘Get lucky’ offer, where consumers who shop on the portal will get a discount coupon of 10-50% on all their purchases.

     

    The products that are sold most are in the tech and fashion category, which include mobile phones and accessories, MP3 players, digital cameras and jewellery, among others, said Mr. Rawat.

     

    Online shopping boom is not restricted to metros alone. Lucknow ranks high, followed by Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Dehradun, Nasik, Trichy, adds the Assocham report.

     

    Mr. Rawat also mentioned that “online shopping is definitely catching up. Emerging gifting trends also include imported wines and juices. Chocolates are picking up in a big way as a substitute to mithais.   This trend extensively points towards luxury shopping, an emerging concept in the Indian market.”

     

    Diwali also marks a time when online purchases of consumer durables, jewellery and gifts comes out of the shadows of online travel, which corners a lion’s share of the country’s e-commerce. “Majority of the Diwali shopping is consumer durables include electronics, mobile phones, accessories, jewellery and apparel during Dhanteras, when we see many big-ticket items being sold”.

     

    These clearly show that online shopping has truly come of age and consumers are keen to shop on the net. Festival shopping is the prime time for multi-channel retailers to attract new shoppers.

     

    Online retailers have seen growing consumer interest in buying Diwali gifts online. The growth in the last two years to be broad product selection and the ever-expanding range of unique and unusual gifts ideas as well as increased consumer confidence in shopping on interest.

     

    This business module is cost effective, easily accessible and profitable in many functional areas. Consumers and retailers both desire safe, simple and comprehensive online shopping that will truly realize the range of power of the Internet.

     

     

     

    (ASSOCHAM)

  • When festivity joins hands with creativity, it usually makes for memorable ads. Check out the industry’s picks.

    The Diwali ads that crackle

     

    By Shubhangi Mehta

    Though the Diwali campaigns this season did not create much hype as they were fewer than in the past, going a little back in time we have seen some absolutely delightful campaigns, from Cadbury’s “Iss Diwali aap kise khush kar rahe hain?” and Coca-Cola to Samsung’s Diwali commercial or the latest Tanishq campaign featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan.

    Which is the Diwali commercial that has been an all time favourite for the industry? MxM India asked the biggies themselves.

    Mr KV Sridhar aka Pops, NCD, Leo Burnett, said, “My favourite Diwali commercial would be ‘Iss Diwali aap kise khush kar rahe hain?’ by Cadbury, which was out almost a year ago. For me and I’m sure for everybody else, the best way to celebrate Diwali is to catch up with near and dear ones and make them happy. Hence I found the commercial very real.”

    Mr Dheeraj Sinha, Regional Planning Director, Bates, said, “The Diwali campaign that has appealed to me the most is the Fiat Festive season campaign done by Bates. The campaign goes a step beyond the Diwali promotional offers etc and talks about the philosophy of Fiat, therefore I find it more appealing.”

    Mr Rajiv Rao, NCD, Ogilvy & Mather, said, “I know it’s my own agency work but I can’t resist saying that it is Cadbury’s ‘Iss Diwali aap kise khush kar rahe hain?’ There is so much of humanity and it breaks the clichéd concept of just greeting only your family and close friends on Diwali. It is most definitely my favourite Diwali campaign.”

    Mr Bobby Pawar, COO, Mudra, however took a different tack, saying, “No ad campaign has been able to capture a place in my mind; I really cannot think of any Diwali campaign that has appealed to me so much as to be called my all-time favourite campaign.”

    Cadbury’s seems to be the brand and campaign to have captured minds and hearts, and the sweet taste of success is certainly well deserved. But with such a wealth of creativity on tap and such a rich diversity of cultural references available all over India, it is high time a new, iconic ad or campaign came forth.

    We’re waiting.

    [Link] Debrief: In the midst of the drought, the Diwali ads that caught Anil Thakraney’s eye.

  • How do I gift stuff to anyone if all my savings have been burnt on getting KLPD*? Still, three ads caught my attention.

    Debrief: The Diwali Special

    By Anil Thakraney

    Diwali special

     

    Not much Diwali themed ad action this season. Guess because the sentiment is a bit dull in the market place, thanks to the heavy inflation. How do I gift stuff to anyone if all my savings have been burnt on getting KLPD? *(For the one-track mind wallahs, that’s Kerosene, LPG, Petrol, Diesel.)

    Still, three ads caught my attention. The Cadbury’s ad I have already dealt with earlier. The other two are from Coke and Big Bazaar.

    `

    [youtube width=”320″ height=”200″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfH9hm9Ea7o[/youtube]
    Rating: (On a scale of 1 to 5): 2. Only for the jingle. Watch this commercial with your eyes shut, and it works rather nicely!

    Coke: Great audio, poor video

    To begin with, there’s no direct connect between a soft drink and Diwali. No one gifts a cola on D-day. Unless, of course, very subtly the Coca Cola guys are asking us to do just that, since we are all so bloody broke! Coke’s ad wants us to light ‘two extra diyas’ this Diwali. I suppose this is an extension of their ‘open happiness’ idea. And the execution involves kids lighting diyas at their regular haunts. College canteen, girls’ hostel, on the wall that serves as ‘stumps’ for their cricket matches, etc.

    I think it’s a nice idea wasted on juvenile imagery. Coke should have taken the ‘share happiness’ route and come up with situations that are touching and emotional without being heavy. ‘Khushiyaan baanto’ as a concept lends itself to emotion very well. Even the jingle is warm and tugs at the heart. But the silly visuals leave you cold and detached. I suspect this is what happens in the desperation to feature kids at all costs. Even accepting that, surely there’s more to youngsters than canteen and cricket.

     

    Rating: (On a scale of 1 to 5): 3.5. For the advertiser’s deep empathy with the target consumers. 

    Big Bazaar: Relevant and thoughtful

    It’s a simple, no-frills Diwali commercial. And you know what? It works perfectly well for me. Because the idea and the execution reflect a clear and sharp understanding of Big Bazaar’s core target market.

    The TVC features a teenage girl inside her home. She looks fed up of her regular salwar kameez, and yearns for a stylish one she spots in a magazine. The setting and the casting clearly tell you this is a lower middle class household. However, her dad, who’s decorating the house, smiles and tells her: ‘Diwali aa rahi hai’. And yes, it’s time to hit Big Bazaar and get hold of that salwar kameez, and more!

    Good one. I like the fact that Big Bazaar is totally clued in on their key customers, which is the middle and the lower middle class segment. And this results in an engaging, warm, and very relevant communication. Big Bazaar and the ad agency will definitely not win any awards for this effort, but the store will surely get many footfalls this festive season. And in the end, that’s what really matters.

  • The mood seems a bit muted this year what with inflation and a general economic uncertainty. It’s not that purchases are not being made but the general consensus on the mood is that people are cautious before spending.

    Tight strings on wallet this Diwali (text & videos)

    By Tuhina Anand

    With inputs from Shruti Pushkarna in New Delhi (text and videos) and Insiyah Rangwala in Mumbai

    Looks like the sparks this Diwali could be less bright as for people who traditionally would see big business during the festive season be it shops selling consumer durables, gadgets and gizmos and of course jewellery are not too optimistic on the sales. The mood seems a bit muted this year what with inflation and a general  economic uncertainty. Its not that purchases are not being made but the general consensus on the mood is that people are cautious before spending.

    For shops selling consumer durables, Diwali has been a money spinner but things seem to have changed in the last 2-3 years. Mohan Singh, Branch Manager, Next Retail Ltd in Delhi in a conversation does share that sales are down as compared to last year. But he is hoping on Dhanteras purchase to make up for this slow start. He said, “Last year there was a huge demand for microwaves, washing machines and TVs but this year except for LCDs, there isn’t much demand for other products in this category. In fact I would term it as black Diwali.

    HR Giria of Girias, which is a multi-city chain of consumer durables showrooms dubs that even if the sale would be encouraging this year it would only be `marginally better’. In the meanwhile Girias is leaving no stone unturned to woo customers with both offers in shop as well as extensive advertising in print to reach to large number of customers.

    While the mood may be sombre but one thing is clear that when its comes to making purchases this Diwali, its LCDs and LED’s that is `hot’ item. Samsung, Sony and LG are the preffered brands and the 32inch seems to the most popular buy. In fact in some shops like Vijay Sales, the floor manager informs us that these panels comprise almost 50 percent of their sales.

    Small appliances like hand blenders, toasters and rice cookers are popular picks for gifting purposes. Also the shift is now on gadgets especially tablets, MP3 and smart phones and digital cameras when it comes to gifting. One does not need to be disappointed as there are also shops who have seen increase on sales this year especially in terms of gadgets like Manpreet Singh, Manager, Hari Om Electronics informs that as compared to last year gadget purchases have gone up, and says it has increased by 30 per cent.

    Most of the shops have easy availability of credits to help shoppers purchase more. Some of these have also tied up with banks like ICICI, HDFC, Amex, Citibank to encourages customers to spend more.  The average spends could be anywhere between Rs 25000-35000. Also most retailers have scratch card or other such offers mostly given by the company itself to give something more to the consumers.

    And if one is discussing Diwali purchase one has to look at gold and silver purchases this Diwali as jewellery or coins is a major part of Diwali shopping. With spiralling gold and silver rates, these purchases have become far more dearer. In fact, a jeweller in Mumbai rues the fact that this year the sales have gone up only by 150 percent whereas in the past it used to increase to 450 percent. In fact, 10 per cent of his income would come from Diwali.

    Mohit Gupta, Vice President, PP Jewellers Pvt Ltd, said, “Sales have definitely gone down this year because of the soaring gold rates. Gold and silver coins are the most popular purchases, they are seen as investment. For gifting, because of high gold rates, this year people are going in for more light weight jewelery like ear rings and small pendants. Every year we see a growth of at least 20 to 30 percent but this year there isn’t any such indication so far. We are expecting a lot of purchases on Dhanteras.”

    Even though in the last few days the price of gold and silver have gone down but the increase in prices throughout this year will be a major deterrent for buyers. In fact, World Gold Council is advertising heavily on the fact that how gold is a good investment option. So the general mood is that the market is stagnant this year or the sales will be less than last year. Even in purchases people are going for small items. As a local jeweller in Bangalore informs that last year during diwali they had sold around 350-400 silver coins and will be stocking the same this year. Currently, a 5gm silver coin will cost around Rs 260 and 1 gm of Gold is approximately Rs 2600 (prices will fluctuate according to daily rates).

    Harish Goel, Owner, Goel Jewellers sums up the mood, “Sales are very low this festive season thanks to the gold prices. There are hardly any purchases from the middle classes so to say, even from higher classes, purchases are owing more to weddings rather than Diwali. Gold and silver coins like every year are preferred items. Last year the average spend per customer was somewhere around 50000 but this year it isn’t even half that amount.”

    These retailers are pinning their hopes on Dhanteras and let’s hope that they finally have their cash registers ringing on the auspices day.

    Also on Dhanteras, people buy steel items. Talking to Sumit Jain, Owner, Gift Gallery, he said, “Crockery is always an all time favourite. Like every year, this time too crockery items are popular gifting choices. Both china and glassware are popular gifting choices but we are seeing a big dip in sales. The market is not buzzing with consumers as it does every Diwali. Dhanteras is one day we are looking forward to but those are mostly steel purchases.”

     


    WHITE GOODS 

    On market trends in the last few years 

    Baldev Ahuja, Manager, Aarvee Sales (electronics showroom)- Market is down…four years back the market used to be buzzing but now because everything is getting expensive people are spending less on these items.

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IVkk-gpGkM[/youtube]
    On the most popular product this Diwali (LED) Saquib, Sales Executive, Audio Voice India Pvt Ltd- LEDs are more popular than LCDs because the prices have gone down. Also LEDs are better in quality as compared to LCDs.

    Baldev Ahuja, Manager, Aarvee Sales- People are more attracted towards LEDs this year because of the dip in prices.

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-TZcccS90M[/youtube]
    On the preferred gift items Saquib, Sales Executive, Audio Voice India Pvt Ltd – People this year are opting for more gadgets rather than home appliances, they go in for phones, ipods etc more as compared to LCDs [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKXr2hGOggc[/youtube]
    JEWELLERY 

    On most popular purchases this Diwali 

    Neeraj, Owner, Rama Krishna Jewellers- Gold coins are very popular this year, we have coins in all denominations; people are buying and investing more in coins this year.

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2k-84Twu78[/youtube]
    On how gold rates have affected sales this Diwali Lajpat Anand, Owner, Luxmi Jewellers- Lot of difference in the market this year…only people who have to buy for weddings etc are buying and even they have cut down on their budgets; as for other purchases, people’s budgets have been messed up because of increasing gold prices.

    Rahul, Manager, Rajesh Gems & Jewels- Big difference between this Diwali and last year is the gold rate that has gone up but it hasn’t really deterred people from buying gold during this Diwali…our sales have gone up as compared to last year.

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvPwnxqv6Pk[/youtube]

     

    CUSTOMER VOXPOP   Mrs Shukla, Housewife- As per the trend, prices go up every year, so obviously this year also it has gone up…but what can we do, we have to buy stuff for our own use and for gifting purposes.

    Nidhi, Working Professional- As compared to last year…we spend the same, Diwali is one special festival, so no cutting in costs, Its Diwali!

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmBk-uhlOl8[/youtube]



  • Watch a movie? Maybe. Or read, shop, check out sports. Or watch a movie.

    The Anchor: 6 things you could do in the looooong Diwali break this week

    There’s an extra long Diwali break coming up. So you’ve had to cancel your Bangkok holiday because of the deluge there and find the tickets to every other touristy place exorbitant? You would’ve liked to watch Ra One at least once, but the endless promos have ensure that you have the movie coming out of your ears, eyes and toe nails?

     

    Worry not. Here’s a recommendation from the MxMIndia editorial team of what you could do.

     

    #1 No 1 on our list is the exclusive biography of Steve Jobs. Written by Walter Isaacson, this book shot up on the Amazon popularity charts from oblivion to the top after Jobs passed away. Since it’s got the blessings of Jobs, be sure of getting some rare insights.

    It’s going to be on all bookstores and is available for quite a steal on Flipkart (Rs 559) or better still, off uRead.com at Rs 543. Hey, the 16 bucks could buy you a world of things. Isaacson’s book is scheduled to be out today (Oct 24).

     

    #2 Go shopping for the Smart TV at Chroma, eZone, Vijay Sales etc. The Samsung Smart TV or the other brands in the same genre. It can do loads of things together, plus also play videos from DVDs and YouTube. Prices are high, but can be fitted into EMI plans.

     

    #3 Get yourself a couple of DVDs. Check the ones at Flipkart (http://www.flipkart.com/movies). Okay the new releases may not excite you much: Nutcracker 3D is a downer. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has already been on telly recently, but if you want to see it at one go and with deleted scenes and the making of a few of the songs, go for it at Rs 255 (Flipkart again). Some good giftables are available from among the TV shows.

     

    #4 Live events: Eden Gardens is going to come alive with an ODI tomorrow (Oct 25) and a T20 encounter on Saturday (Oct 29)… the games are between India and England and they’ll be on Neo Cricket (and DD). There’s Metallica in Gurgaon (Oct 28) and Bengaluru (Oct 30). Plus of course Lady Gaga and all the entertainement acts to coincide with the big F1 days on Oct 28-30.

     

    #5 Go watch Ra One. Poor Shahrukh Khan. He’s invested huge sums of money and time for its promotion. May as well watch it. Meanwhile, visit MxMIndia next Monday for our expert view on the film and how we think the reviewers fared.

     

    #6 And last but definitely not the least, await MxMIndia’s Diwali special on Wednesday. Titled ‘It’s gr8 to be in the media’.  Guest writers plus Anil Thakraney, Ranjona Banerji, and, a little birdie tells us, even Mediaah! To those of you, who’ve been initiated to MxMIndia a little late, this may be a good opportunity to dig into our archives.

     

  • The line-up has a collection of enthralling, nerve wrecking and entertaining movies this October

    PIX brings you Dynamite Diwali

    By A Correspondent

     

    PIX is amping up the Diwali excitement with its Diwali Dynamite throughout October, 11pm onwards. Pix has planned laughter, suspense, drama and action, right from the sensuous murder mystery Basic Instinct to the outrageously funny Grown Ups.  Diwali Dynamite will include blockbusters like Social Network, Jurassic Park, Gladiator, Nacho Libre, Mighty Heart, Salt, Road Trip and Mini’s First Time.

  • A week of surprises and a Diwali extravaganza airs from October 17 to October 21 at 6:30pm on Star Plus

    Diwali fun on Star Plus

    By A Correspondent

    Star Plus is treating viewers to a week-long Diwali celebration that ends on October 21, with drama, laughter and performances by some favourite television artists in Diwali Rishton Ki Mithas – Peedhiyan Anek, Tyohaar Ek.

     

    The  celebrations kick-started on October 17 with Lakshmi Pooja that showcased dance performances and aerial stunts, then for Bhai-Duuj there is shor-sharaba with some light-hearted moments between reel life siblings —Ahem-Kinjal and Ayush-Navya, and Antakshari between Suhana-Ishaan and the Kashyap family. King Khan and his chammak challo will make a special appearance with their latest track from Ra.One.

     

    The celebrations get louder as the television jodis and families get together to celebrate their happiness while commemorating the season of festivity by lightening everybody’s spirits.