MAM
APAC shows highest growth in ad spends over mobile web: Smaato report
MUMBAI: Real-time advertising platform Smaato recently released its Global Trends in Mobile Programmatic report, by analysing data from billions of mobile ad impressions served on its exchange during the first half of 2015. As per the report, Asia Pacific countries recorded the highest growth during the first half of 2015 with India growing by 279 per cent followed by Singapore 225 per cent, Indonesia, 142 per cent and Malaysia 126 per cent.
“Asia Pacific (APAC) showed the most growth during the first half of 2015 vs. the first six months of 2014, with China delivering an astounding 315 per cent increase in growth, India showing a 279 per cent increase in growth and Singapore growing by 225 per cent. More disposable income means bigger and more powerful smartphones; this in turn drives both the publisher/app developer and mobile advertiser ecosystems that rely on Smaato’s platform,” reads the report.
When it comes to Smaato exchange, the report suggests India takes the second rank in top 10 countries list by supply and ranks third by spending.
“Rich media and larger ad sizes are becoming increasingly popular in the Asia-Pacific as marketers use more creative and engaging content to get their messages across,” said Smaato Asia Pacific vice president and general manager Malcolm Wong.
“The average individual would have about 27 applications on their smartphone (Nielsen 2014), and with a voracious appetite for mobile applications observed in the Asia-Pacific, more advertising budgets could be expected to shift to mobile in future,” added Wong.
Social apps like Facebook and Twitter could be the driving force behind this surge in mobile web usage. According to a recent report from IAB, 52 per cent of smartphone owners say they tap links in mobile apps that take them to web articles they want to read.
“The shift to mobile began with the mobile web – and then apps took over,” said Smaato CEO Ragnar Kruse. “Although we can’t say for sure whether we’re looking at a huge comeback of the medium, the fact remains that publishers and advertisers can’t afford to ignore the mobile web. Mobile ad strategies -whether it be the size of ads or the use of rich media – must be created with both app and mobile web usage in mind,” he added.
Brands
Malaika Arora launches Maejoy accessories brand with Myntra partnership
New label debuts with 250 plus handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery.
MUMBAI: When style meets sparkle, a new brand is ready to take centre stage. Actor and entrepreneur Malaika Arora has launched a lifestyle accessories label called Maejoy, developed in collaboration with Exceed Entertainment and Myntra Jabong India Private Limited (MJIPL), the B2B wholesale arm of Myntra. The brand enters the market with a debut collection of more than 250 styles spanning handbags and lab grown diamond jewellery, two categories that continue to define everyday personal style for modern consumers.
The handbag lineup includes crossbody bags, structured shoulder bags, bucket bags, totes, backpacks, clutches and workwear inspired designs. The pieces are crafted using materials such as synthetic leather, raffia, braids, satin, rhinestones and metallic finishes.
Alongside the bags, Maejoy has introduced a jewellery range featuring lab grown diamond rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and tennis bracelets. The pieces are set in 925 sterling silver bases with gold, silver and rose gold tones, and include diamonds certified by IGI and GCI.
Positioned as a premium yet accessible accessories label, Maejoy is built around the philosophy “The Joy of Being Me”, aiming to blend aspirational fashion with everyday usability. The brand’s positioning centres on three pillars: authenticity, empowerment and accessibility.
Arora described the venture as a natural extension of her long association with fashion and personal style.
“Maejoy is a labour of love. Throughout my career, whether on screen, in business or through personal style, I have always believed fashion should feel empowering yet effortless. The Joy of Being Me celebrates individuality while making global fashion trends more accessible,” she said.
MJIPL, CXO and head of house of brands Suman Saha said the brand brings together Arora’s style perspective with a strong opportunity in the accessible premium accessories segment.
“Maejoy combines Malaika Arora’s distinctive style sensibility with fashion forward designs that we believe will resonate strongly with consumers looking for elevated yet wearable accessories,” he said.
Exceed Entertainment CEO Afsar Zaidi added that building celebrity led brands requires balancing authenticity with market viability.
“Malaika commands respect both as a fashion icon and a businesswoman. Bringing her creative vision together with Myntra’s brand building expertise creates a strong foundation for Maejoy,” he said.
The collection is available exclusively on Myntra through its website and mobile app, making the brand accessible to millions of shoppers across India as it steps into the competitive lifestyle accessories space.
