“FDI in retail will kick-start the ailing Indian economy”
“It will have a positive effect on Indian business & infrastructure development,” says Manish Behl, Business Head – Food, Sahara Q Shop
The decision of Government of India to allow 51 per cent FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in multi-brand retail sector is expected to open up the economy in a big way. There have been various debates and deliberations around it by both, retailers and marketers. A recent player who will be soon giving a concrete shape to its retail ambition is Sahara India.
In early August 2012, Sahara India announced an initial investment of Rs 3,000 crore to open 800 Sahara Q Shops in 60 cities and towns across five states – Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand – that will sell food and grocery items.
In conversation with exchange4media, Manish Behl, Business Head – Food, Sahara Q Shop talks about what the FDI announcement means for the nation, marketers, retailers and consumers.
On the announcement of increase in FDI cap in multi-brand retail…
Opportunities are like a sunrise – If you wait too long, you miss them. Any serious foreign retail player who intends to invest in Indian retail market would surely take advantage of FDI opportunity. In fact many serious global players have already invested in Indian market by some way or other and have been waiting for a relaxed investment economic environment.
Indian retail market size is a mammoth with over 1.1 billion population and most international retailers want a share of the pie of this spending burgeoning populace. Many players will jump in the deep waters and few may be fence sitters. Past experience of Indian policies related investment in power sector, 2G, infra sector have not been encouraging and sometimes been arbitrary. Current infrastructural bottlenecks, unfriendly business policies, licenses and regulatory environment, unstructured economic policies, rampant corruption and above all state government’s non supportive attitude will also play an important factor in decision-making for foreign players.
The government’s decision on FDI in multi-brand retail will surely have a long-term positive effect on the Indian business and infrastructure development. It will not only create opportunities for foreign players but will also give boost to various sectors in India.
Apart from kick-starting the ailing Indian economy, FDI will provide an opportunity for Indian consumers to experience world-class services and products. For years consumers in India have been forced to old technology and outdated products, for instance, in the 80s all cars were only Fiat and Ambassadors before Maruti Suzuki and other multinational automobiles showed their mettle to us.
Government bill on FDI is always challenged whenever it is tabled in the Parliament. A lot of foreign players are eagerly waiting for opportunity to tap one of the world largest and ready markets.
On the opportunities for marketers and retailers…
With over 90 percent market share of unorganised sector in retail and as the second largest employer in the country, it is highly misplaced that by allowing FDI in multi-brand retail, it will erode the employment of small retailers. In fact the market size is so large that no single player can tap all the resources. Small retailers are an important element in India and would play an important role in re-defining the modern retail business.
Indian retailers and marketers will also benefit by the expansion in infrastructure, manufacturing and availability of various FMCG, processed food and staples and health care products, thereby leading us towards a developed retail market. Any international retailer would be required to upgrade the current farm production, supplier base, wholesale, processing and procurement infrastructure to optimise the availability, quality and cost efficiency. This would lead to development of more and more SMEs in the country, which are extremely important for country like ours.
Quality manpower resources would be required to harness these large opportunities in small and medium manufacturing set-up, infra development and retailing activities. Exchange of technical and trade best practices and processes will help enhance quality of manpower and help manage quality manufacturing and retailing operations in various big and small cities of India.
On the challenges that will arise for Indian retailers…
The major challenge in front of Indian large format retailers would be upgradation of their current operations and bring it at par with global standards and improvement in current production capacities. To be competitive, Indian retailers will have to upgrade themselves by better management of current facilities, robust supply chain management, higher investments in cutting-edge technology, greater direct procurements, and removal of middle man and intermediaries to optimise operations and cost. Deep pockets, organised approach and global market learnings would give foreign retailers edge over domestic players to be more cost effective in sourcing and development of all resources.
On what this means for Sahara Q shop…
Q Shop model is very unique and novel; we are creating and developing manufacturing tie-up to upgrade the production facilities and bring them to international quality standards. Same way we don’t want to disturb the current fabric of kiryana and small time retailers, hence, we are strengthening and supporting them by providing quality merchandise at reasonable cost which till now was only available to large format stores. Q Shop has a deep reach in rural, B and C class towns of India, so we have no issues with foreign investors investing in multi-brand retails.
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OOH now can tell a story through video & that is drawing advertisers: Jayesh Yagnik
The Chief Executive Officer of MOMS Outdoor Media Solutions spoke to e4m about the OOH industry’s growth rate, emerging markets, the advertisers’ perspective and more
Technology-led innovations have played a significant role in reshaping the OOH landscape. From interactive displays to augmented reality experiences, advertisers are leveraging cutting-edge technology to create immersive brand experiences that capture attention and drive engagement.
e4m caught up with Jayesh Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, MOMS Outdoor Media Solutions, about the OOH industry’s growth and future. “In India, the OOH industry is expected to continue growing post-COVID, fuelled by data analytics, AI-driven insights, and creativity. By leveraging technology and innovation, advertisers can create impactful campaigns that resonate with consumers in an increasingly digital and mobile world.”
According to the Pitch-Madison Advertising Report 2024 as well, OOH seems to be finding favour with more advertisers and believers are using it more intensively now. This is reflected in the 13 per cent growth rate OOH achieved in 2023, which is substantially higher than that achieved by TV and Print.
Moreover, expansion into smaller towns and emerging markets has been another trend observed in the post-COVID era, as per Yagnik. As infrastructure improves and connectivity increases, OOH advertisers are tapping into new geographic regions to reach previously untapped audiences.
Top key drivers for growth
“One notable development is the rise of Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising. With its flexibility and ability to deliver dynamic content, DOOH has gained momentum as advertisers seek more engaging and targeted ways to reach audiences,” Yagnik said.
He highlighted that digital billboards enable advertisers to communicate with customers in real-time and with more targeted engagement. When considering audience demographics and behaviour, customised material may be sent and creatives can be changed remotely with DOOH, providing more flexibility and efficiency than static signs.
Furthermore, how advertisers approach OOH ads is being revolutionised by the combination of data analytics and targeting capabilities, he said.
“Advertisers can enhance their understanding of the habits, routines, and mobility patterns of the target audience through the utilisation of data sources - mobile location data, social media insights and third-party consumer behaviour data,” shared Yagnik.
Programmatic OOH is another buzzword for the industry as of now. This is when advertisers use every tracking feature available, including cookies, browser history, and mobile location data, to identify trends in the behaviour of unidentified customers. Depending on the selected parameters, such as the number of individuals in the vicinity, whether or not nearby customers match the appropriate profiles, the weather, or the time of day, the data is utilised to automatically alter which digital adverts are displayed.
Yagnik added, “Similar to programmatic online advertising, programmatic DOOH enables marketers to buy real-time ad space using digital platforms and ad exchanges. They can target certain audiences and maximise campaign effectiveness by utilising data-driven insights.”
All these developments have also enabled OOH to be recognised as a medium that can lend status and prestige to a brand, the report stated. The ability of OOH to tell a story through video, which was earlier the exclusive domain of TV, is also an attractive proposition for advertisers now.
How to leverage these trends?
To leverage all these new and upcoming technologies, businesses also need to know how to leverage OOH effectively. Spending money on technology alone cannot help them reach the right audience, Yagnik noted.
He also harped on effectively leveraging outdoor advertising in the Indian market. Businesses must understand the demographics, preferences, and habits of their target audience. This knowledge will help them strategically place OOH advertisements in high-traffic areas where the audience will likely see them.
Creating compelling content is another important factor. “In a busy and visually stimulating environment like India, it's essential to create OOH advertisements that instantly catch attention. Use intriguing visuals, clear messaging, and impactful design to ensure the ads stand out amidst the clutter,” he said.
To maximise reach and engagement, businesses should integrate OOH advertising with digital platforms. This allows for a seamless experience across multiple channels and ensures the message reaches consumers wherever they are, added the executive.
And finally, Yagnik opines that since the Indian market is dynamic and ever-changing, businesses should stay flexible and be prepared to adjust their OOH advertising tactics in response to evolving market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitive landscape.
ShareAmazon miniTV launches OOH campaign with BEST buses
The campaign is for the mini-series Yeh Meri Family S3
Amazon miniTV has launched promotions for its latest family drama series – Yeh Meri Family Season 3 – in association with Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply & Transport, unveiling the ‘BEST’ marketing ploy for Yeh Meri Family Season 3.
Starring Hetal Gada, Anngad Raaj, Rajesh Kumar, and Juhi Parmar, Yeh Meri Family Season 3 explores the intricacies of family dynamics while bringing back the magic of 90s India. Produced by The Viral Fever and powered by Mamaearth, the latest season takes viewers on another nostalgic journey filled with emotions and heart-melting moments. Since the series’ release, the Awasthi family has captured the hearts of viewers. Now, the country’s favourite family made heads turn in Mumbai, as several BEST Buses were seen endorsing the series by integrating BEST’s logo with the latest edition of the franchise. This clever integration with ‘BEST’ made for an engaging brand campaign with smart wordplay conceptualised by Amazon miniTV and executed by Initiative and Trailer Park Studios.
Aruna Daryanani, Director and Business Head at Amazon miniTV said, “At Amazon miniTV, we constantly strive to deliver high-end entertainment. We aim to stand apart amongst other OTT players by combining effective yet clever ways to reach our fans. In an effort to reach closer to our audience, we partnered with Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply & Transport (BEST) to integrate their brand logo with the release of the latest edition of Yeh Meri Family. We look forward to engaging in similar dynamic collaborations that will resonate with fans.”
Laqshya Media Group uses real denim for The Roadster Life Co's billboards
The billboards feature brand ambassadors, stand-up comedian Zakir Khan and Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez
Laqshya Media Group has executed an OOH campaign for The Roadster Life Co. called ‘Trends with Benefits’ featuring brand ambassadors, stand-up comedian Zakir Khan and Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez.
A massive 60Ft x 30Ft billboard featured a custom mega cutout of Jacqueline Fernandez. The impact was amplified by extending the design down the supporting pole using 500 Sq Ft of real denim, meticulously crafted by master tailors and fabricators. This innovative approach blurred the lines between traditional advertising and a three-dimensional fashion installation. In a coordinated effort, Laqshya Media Group deployed over 110+ strategically placed hoardings across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, further amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact. These impactful OOH placements effectively communicated the brand’s ‘Trends with Benefits’ positioning, highlighting its commitment to providing trendy yet comfortable and practical fashion for all.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with The Roadster Life Co. on this groundbreaking campaign. Our innovative OOH solutions effectively captured the brand's attention and drove significant sales growth,” said Mr Amarjeet Hudda, COO of Laqshya Media Limited.
Tata AIA’s quirky campaign uses weddings to remind people about need for life insurance
The campaign hoardings have been placed smartly next to a jewelry shop brand or wedding suit brand
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Weddings in India are more than an event. On the one hand, they are the beginning of a relationship filled with joy, laughter, and love. On the other hand, they are a pledge to protect and care for one another. In recognition of this significant milestone, Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Ltd. (Tata AIA) has launched a new campaign titled “Karlo Shaadi Ki Poori Taiyaari." Through tongue-in-check humour, the campaign relates the excitement pertaining to shopping for one’s wedding and the importance of comprehensive financial planning with life insurance.
The campaign released across select OOH hoardings placed smartly next to a jewelry shop brand or wedding suit brand. The hoardings have simple but cheeky messaging.
Explaining the thought behind the campaign, Girish Kalra, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata AIA Life Insurance, said, “Marriage is an auspicious event that marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in one’s life. It also means the need to prepare for a financially secure future, for our life-long partner. Our new campaign "Karlo Shaadi Ki Poori Taiyaari" aims to blend the excitement of wedding and the importance of long-term financial security in a playful way. Our endeavour is to partner our consumers and enable them to be Taiyaar (prepared) for all the moments (positive or negative) that life has to offer. With our term insurance solutions, guarantee income products, wealth creation plans or retirement offerings, we ensure our consumers live a fikar-free (worry free) life.
”Yash Chandiramani, Founder & Chief Strategist, Admatazz, said, “With this campaign, we decided to crash weddings in a good way! We connected a life insurance plan as a natural element of the wedding checklist. Our approach was simple yet effective: place life insurance right where the wedding shopping is happening, with ads that catch your eye without weighing down the mood. We are thrilled with the response and glad to play a part in Tata AIA’s communication strategy that addresses serious stuff but in a light-hearted manner”.
“Post its newly launched brand positioning ‘Har Waqt Ke Liye Taiyaar’ (prepared for all situations), Tata AIA has changed the way it communicates with consumers, using innovative humour and emotion to connect with consumers across life stages. The brand positioning now veers towards engaging with consumers to live life to the fullest, inspiring healthier, happier lives. Tata AIA now transitions into partnering with its consumers in every step and milestone of the life journey. The aim of the Company is to ensure that India and Bharat understand the need of life insurance and invest adequately to protect what matters to them the most, through simple, concise yet emotionally connective messaging as showcased in “Kar Lo Shaadi Ki Poori Taiyaari!, “ stated the press release.
Laqshya Media Group executes OOH campaign for The Roadster Life Co.
The campaign features comedian Zakir Khan and actor Jacqueline Fernandez
Laqshya Media Group has executed the OOH campaign for The Roadster Life Co., a fashion and lifestyle brand available on Myntra.
The campaign ‘Trends with Benefits’ featured brand ambassadors, stand-up comedian Zakir Khan and actor Jacqueline Fernandez.
A massive 60ft x 30ft billboard featured a custom mega cutout of Jacqueline Fernandez.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with The Roadster Life Co. on this groundbreaking campaign. Our innovative OOH solutions effectively captured the brand's attention and drove significant sales growth,” said Amarjeet Hudda, COO of Laqshya Media Limited.
Bold Care and Zepto have a playful billboard banter in Delhi
The billboards, strategically placed in high-traffic areas of the city, feature witty exchanges between the two brands
In a creative and playful marketing campaign, Bold Care and Zepto have engaged in a friendly banter with billboards in Delhi’s Galleria Mall & Mayapuri Flyover area, sparking conversations around men's sexual health.
The billboards, strategically placed in high-traffic areas of the city, feature witty exchanges between the two brands, captivating the attention of passersby and igniting discussions around important topic of men’s sexual health.
Rajat Jadhav, Co-Founder of Bold Care, shared his excitement about the banter, stating, "We wanted to convey a serious message in a light-hearted and relatable manner. By engaging in this playful banter with Zepto, we hope to raise awareness about men's sexual health while also showcasing the fun side of addressing these crucial issues."
Chandan Mendiratta, Chief Brand Officer, Zepto shared, "Partnering with Bold Care for this playful billboard exchange was a no-brainer for us. The concept for this collaboration practically wrote itself. In an industry like ours, where timing is everything, a 10-minute delivery is a must-have. At Zepto, we're all about delivering joy and convenience without delay."
The #TakeBoldCareOfHer campaign encourages individuals to prioritize their intimate well-being and take proactive steps towards maintaining a healthy and fulfilling sexual life.
Netflix lights up the sky with 1,000 drones for ‘Heeramandi’
Netflix hosted a drone show to reveal the launch date for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's series debut
The trending hashtag #HeeramandiKabReleaseHoga (when will Heeramandi release?) has an answer, at last. In a mesmerizing aerial spectacle above Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Race Course, Netflix and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced that Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar premieres on May 1.
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The media and college students were joined by the heeras of Heeramandi — Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Shaikh — alongside Prerna Singh, CEO, Bhansali Productions and Tanya Bami, Series Head, Netflix India, at the grand reveal. Together, they marvelled as a fleet of 1,000 drones took flight, leaving onlookers spellbound. As the anticipation reached fever pitch, the drones unveiled the series’ launch date, igniting waves of excitement among the gathered crowd.
On the eve of the date announcement, creator-director Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “I am grateful to the entire team for their relentless passion and dedication to bring the world of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar to Netflix. With the release scheduled for May 1st, we can't wait for audiences worldwide to watch it and shower us with their love and appreciation.”
With a lot of excitement, Monika Shergill, Vice-president-Content, Netflix India said, "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is undoubtedly India’s biggest cinematic series, and the auteur, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, in his true signature style, has created a mesmerizing world with powerful characters that fight for their fate and that of their country. A one-of-a-kind series, it will offer a visual and visceral experience of a world only he can bring to life with such beauty and boldness. As we gear up for the worldwide premiere on May 1st, we can feel the excitement building up."
Amidst the city's lights, the drones formed the iconic Netflix ‘N’, followed by elements found in the series: a ghungroo (anklets), jharokha (ornate window), and an adaab (greeting). Gradually crafting the silhouette of a dancer, the drones move in unison to unveil the title logo, symbolising noor, nazaakat aur andaaz (light, refinement and style) before finally unveiling the premiere date.