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
Goafest 2026 set for 20–22 May in Goa
South Asia’s marquee advertising festival returns with ABBY Awards powered by One Show and promises bigger conversations on creativity and innovation
GOA: The advertising industry’s annual pilgrimage is locked in. The 19th edition of Goafest will take place in Goa from 20 to 22 May 2026, bringing together the biggest names in advertising, media and marketing for three days of ideas, networking and celebration.
Announced jointly by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), the festival will once again host the ABBY Awards powered by One Show 2026 — widely regarded as the region’s most coveted creative honours — recognising outstanding work across advertising and media.
Launched in 2006, Goafest has evolved into the industry’s marquee gathering, drawing more than 2,000 professionals each year. Beyond the awards, the event has become a forum for big debates, future-facing ideas and the occasional industry soul-searching.
Srinivasan K Swamy, president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India, said the festival remains a crucible for industry thought and collaboration. “Goafest has always been a melting pot of ideas, creativity and camaraderie. We aim to spark new conversations, fresh perspectives and fuel the future of advertising and marketing. It is an occasion for the industry to come together, celebrate excellence and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our craft.”
Dheeraj Sinha, president of The Advertising Club, underlined the legacy of the ABBY Awards, now in their 57th year. “Goafest has always been synonymous with creativity, collaboration and industry excellence. The ABBY Awards powered by One Club continue to push boundaries and set new creative benchmarks year after year. In its 57th year, the awards continue to raise the bar, and this year’s edition will be even more inspiring, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry.”
For organisers, the festival has grown beyond a calendar event. Jaideep Gandhi, vice president of AAAI and chairman of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and founder of Another Idea, said the property has become a legacy for the industry. “In its 19th year, Goafest is no longer just an event — it is a legacy we are privileged to carry forward. It is a unifying force that brings together the various industry associations across advertising and marketing under one roof. I am deeply grateful to the stalwarts who envisioned this remarkable property, and it is heartening that some of them continue to be actively involved in its journey.”
The organisers promise that the upcoming edition will dial things up a notch. Mohit Joshi, co-chair of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and chief executive officer of Havas Media India, said the festival is gearing up for a bigger, more immersive format. “Over the past 18 editions, Goafest has evolved into a premier platform that celebrates creativity, innovation and the dynamic transformation of our industry. This year Goafest will be more impactful than ever. It will introduce new formats, immersive engagements and high-calibre discussions that have never been done before.”
“With a larger scale, an inspiring line-up of speakers and a focus on cutting-edge ideas,” Joshi added, “Goafest 2026 is set to redefine the way our industry comes together to learn, collaborate and celebrate.”
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, the festival continues to position itself as South Asia’s premier advertising gathering — where ideas collide, creativity gets crowned and the industry takes a long, hard look at where it is headed next.
