MAM
EVOK’s ad spends to touch Rs 200 mn this fiscal
BENGALURU: Hindware Home Retail‘s home interiors fashion brand EVOK will be spending around Rs 200 million towards advertising and marketing spends this fiscal as told to Indiantelevision.com by company officials.
The brand spends between five and 7.5 percent of its revenues towards advertising and marketing and an additional burst spend of around Rs.1.5 to two million with every new store launch inform the sources.
EVOK mainly uses print and outdoor as well as in-store branding for ATL activities for brand building, and promotional activities and roadshows for BTL. It is also looking at radio, since the brand has met with a fair bit of success with the medium with its Ludhiana and Gurgaon stores. EVOK has seven different creative agencies signed up and does its media buying through Lintas.
This financial year, EVOK plans to open 25 new stores to take its store count across India to 42. The brand is targeting to up its revenues from Rs.1.5 billion in 2012-13 to Rs.2.5 billion during the current fiscal. With the new stores launch, EVOK will add 200,000 square feet to its existing 150,000 square feet of retail space. The brand has two store formats – the mega store of about 10,000 to 13,000 square feet size and the super specialty store of about 2000 to 3000 square feet size.
EVOK estimates the home furniture business to be worth about Rs one trillion annually, of which organized retail has a five percent share that will grow to fifteen percent over the next five years. The brand says that it caters to the requirements of the value as well as the high net worth customer.
MAM
Strategy, storytelling and leadership: The expanding role of women in marketing communications
By Masuma Siddique, Founder & Chief Strategist, InkCraft Communications
MUMBAI: When I began my journey in communications over a decade and a half ago, the marketing and PR landscape looked very different. Conversations around brand building were often dominated by traditional advertising approaches, and communications was largely seen as a supporting function rather than a strategic one. Over the years, however, I have witnessed a powerful shift not only in how brands communicate, but also in who is shaping those conversations.
Today, women are playing an increasingly influential role in defining modern marketing communications. From strategy and storytelling to reputation management and audience engagement, female leaders are helping brands move beyond transactional messaging toward narratives that are more human, empathetic, and purpose driven.
In many ways, this shift is not accidental. Women have always been natural storytellers, communicators, and relationship builders. In an industry that now relies heavily on authenticity, emotional intelligence, and audience understanding, these strengths are becoming central to effective brand leadership.
Marketing today is no longer about simply broadcasting a message. It is about building a conversation. Brands are expected to have a point of view, to stand for something meaningful, and to engage audiences across multiple platforms in ways that feel genuine and relevant. This is where storytelling becomes a strategic tool rather than just a creative exercise.
In my own experience building InkCraft Communications, I have seen firsthand how powerful strategic storytelling can be. A brand’s narrative has the ability to shape perception, influence trust, and create lasting connections with audiences. When done right, it transforms marketing from promotion into reputation building.
What makes this moment particularly exciting is that women are not only participating in this evolution; they are helping lead it. Across agencies, brand teams, and media platforms, women are stepping into leadership roles where they are defining communication strategies, guiding brand voices, and influencing how businesses engage with the world.
However, the journey has not always been straightforward. Like many industries, marketing and communications has historically presented challenges for women seeking leadership positions. Early in my career, I often found that women were encouraged to contribute creatively but were not always positioned as strategic decision makers. That dynamic is gradually changing as more women claim space at the leadership table and demonstrate the value of perspective driven thinking.
One of the most significant changes I have observed is the growing recognition that communications must be integrated with business strategy. PR is no longer just about media coverage, and marketing is no longer just about campaigns. Today’s brands require holistic communication frameworks that combine narrative building, digital amplification, influencer engagement, and reputation management.
Women leaders are increasingly driving this integrated approach. Many bring a collaborative leadership style that values insight, adaptability, and cross functional thinking. In an environment where consumer attention is fragmented and trust is fragile, this ability to balance creativity with strategic thinking is invaluable.
Another important dimension of women’s growing influence in marketing communications is the emphasis on authenticity. Audiences today are far more discerning than they were even five years ago. They can quickly identify messaging that feels performative or disconnected from reality. As communicators, we have a responsibility to ensure that brand narratives reflect genuine values rather than superficial positioning.
In my view, effective storytelling begins with listening. Before shaping a narrative, we must understand the audience, the cultural context, and the broader conversation taking place in society. Women leaders often bring a strong sense of empathy and contextual awareness to this process, allowing brands to communicate in ways that feel relevant and responsible.
At the same time, the expanding role of women in marketing communications also carries an important responsibility. As more women step into leadership positions, we have the opportunity to mentor emerging professionals and create environments where diverse voices can thrive. The next generation of communicators will shape how brands engage with audiences in an increasingly complex digital world, and it is essential that they feel empowered to bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Looking ahead, the future of marketing communications will be defined by agility, credibility, and meaningful storytelling. Brands will need to move faster, communicate more transparently, and adapt constantly to evolving consumer expectations. In this environment, strategic communicators who understand both narrative and business objectives will play a critical role in guiding organizations forward.
For women in the industry, this is an exciting time. The boundaries between marketing, media, and culture are becoming more fluid, creating new opportunities to influence how brands show up in the world. With the right combination of strategy, creativity, and leadership, women are not only shaping the future of communications, they are redefining what modern brand leadership looks like.
Ultimately, storytelling is about more than messaging. It is about impact. And when women lead with strategy, empathy, and vision, the stories they help build have the power to resonate far beyond the campaign itself.
