AD Agencies
Thought Blurb Lulu Mall’s advertising partner
MUMBAI: The Lulu Group, headquartered in the UAE, is ranked third on the Forbes List of ‘Top 100 companies making an impact on the Arab World’. The group’s flagship mall in India, Lulu Mall in Kochi, has signed on Thought Blurb as their advertising partner to build the brand in sync with the global retail brand image.
Lulu Mall Kochi CEO Shibu Philips said that the group is initiating an assertive push into other cities in Kerala and expanding its footprint into various other Indian cities, and it’s imperative to have world class branding and communication design.
Philips said that an analysis of Thought Blurb’s past experience in environmental and space design, graphic design credentials and overall understanding of mall communication and promotion was an essential criterion in their decision. The 3-month pitch process saw The Lulu Group evaluating the presentations of several top-rung ad agencies from Kerala and other cities. The decision eventually hinged on strategy and domain knowledge of retail marketing.
Philips said, “Thought Blurb’s past work on Quick Service Restaurants, large retail chains and Malls showcased great acumen and promise. Their strategic thinking reflects a layered understanding of today’s retail customer, their fickle loyalties, and what buttons to press to keep them engaged.”
The Lulu Mall chain of hypermarkets and supermarkets is spread across 31 countries, including India. The company’s most recognizable presence is the Lulu Mall in Kochi, spread over 10,00,000 sq ft of space that can accommodate 100,000 people at a time. By introducing 56 brands to Kerala, the Lulu Mall has changed the way people shop in Kerala.
Thought Blurb CEO Vinod Kunj said, “We have sharpened our skills in this field for almost a decade and are raring to go with every resource we have at our call. Our design expertise has been awarded and recognised in every forum. Working on a mall chain is different from the norm. People need to stay engaged through programmed events and activations. Newer experiences for the consumers keep an in-demand mall from becoming a has-been. That would never happen on our watch. We are proud to be associated with the Lulu brand, and intend to ensure its dominance in the future.”
AD Agencies
Publicis posts €4.19bn Q1 revenue, 6.4 per cent growth; backs FY outlook
Ad giant signals Q2 acceleration as AI and new deals power momentum
PARIS: Publicis Groupe continues to outperform the industry, delivering a strong start to 2026 under Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. Despite a volatile global macro environment, the company has now outpaced the industry for nearly 20 consecutive quarters.
For Q1 2026, total revenue reached €4,191 million, up from €4,161 million last year, with organic growth of 6.4 per cent. Net revenue, which excludes pass-through costs, stood at €3,460 million, reflecting organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
Exchange rates had a negative impact of €268 million, mainly due to a weaker US dollar and pound sterling. Acquisitions, including Adge.AI and 160over90, contributed an additional €46 million.
Performance across regions was largely positive, with some variation:
- North America, accounting for 59 per cent of net revenue, grew 4.7 per cent
- Europe recorded growth of 3.9 per cent, led by the UK at 6.2 per cent, while France grew 1.6 per cent
- Asia Pacific posted 5.9 per cent growth, driven by China at 11.7 per cent
- Latin America grew 13.3 per cent
- Middle East and Africa declined 5.1 per cent due to geopolitical challenges
AI-powered marketing services, which now make up 86 per cent of the business, grew 5.6 per cent. However, the technology segment, representing 14 per cent of revenue, declined slightly as clients reduced spending on large-scale transformation projects.
Sharing his outlook, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “Publicis had a very strong start to the year, outperforming the industry for almost 20 quarters in a row despite the volatile macro environment. Organic revenue growth reached 6.4%, leading to 4.5% in net and further increasing the gap with our peers.” He added that the company remains confident of delivering industry-leading performance. “We are confirming our industry-leading organic growth guidance of 4 to 5%, with the 4% rock solid, and a sequential organic growth acceleration in Q2 despite a higher comparable.”
Publicis continued its expansion with the acquisition of Adge.AI in March, followed by 160over90 in April to strengthen its sports and culture marketing capabilities.
Net financial debt stood at €1,156 million at the end of March, reflecting a seasonal shift from the net cash position at the end of 2025. Average net debt over the past twelve months was €1,035 million.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue organic growth of 4 to 5 per cent in 2026. It also anticipates an operating margin slightly above 18.2 per cent and free cash flow of approximately €2.1 billion.
With expectations of stronger performance in the second quarter, Publicis remains well positioned to sustain its growth momentum.
