MAM
Raymond to increase brand-specific stores
BANGALORE: As part of its strategy to open exclusive Park Avenue stores in the country, Park Avenue launched its first exclusive store in Bangalore.
Located at Brigade Road, the Park Avenue store was inaugurated by Raymond Group president Pradeep Bhandari.
Speaking on the launch, Bhandari said, “This launch marks our entry in Southern India with this exclusive branded store from Raymond Apparel Ltd. The first Park Avenue store, launched in January 2005 in Mumbai, has received an overwhelming response. We plan to open around 15 more Park Avenue stores in the next 12 to 18 months all over India.”
“We plan to bring in more brand exclusive outlets. We’ve around 290 Raymond outlets, 20 of them owned or managed by Raymond which retail only all our brands. As has been the norm we shall continue growing at the rate of 25-30 new outlets every year, besides, we’ve also invested around Rs 1 billion across three apparel manufacturing plants in and around Bangalore,” added Bhandari.
Raymond has four brands, three through their 100 per cent subsidiary Raymond Apparel Ltd (RAL). RAL has in its folio three highly regarded men’s wear brands including Park Avenue, Parx and Manzoni.
Park Avenue registers counter sales of around RS 1.5 billion (RS 1.1 billion ex-factory) annually, while all the brands bring in around RS 3.6 billion. Bhandari expects the two Park Avenue stores in Mumbai and Bangalore to rake in around RS 35-37 million during this fiscal. The turnover for the Raymond group, which had exited their cement business some time ago by hiving it off to a French cement major, is RS 18 billion.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
