MAM
Citizen launches Kareena Kapoor inspired collection; to expand retail presence
MUMBAI: Citizen has roped in Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor for the launch of Kareena Diamond Collection and Kareena Fashion Collection of watches.
Citizen also plans to expand its retail presence in India, increasing the number of retail outlets to 100 from 37 and have a presence in more than 500 MBO’s by end of this year.
Speaking on the company’s plans Citizen Watches (I) Pvt. Ltd managing director Hideaki Nakazaki said, “We currently have 37 First Citizens (Citizen’s Exclusive Showrooms) and more than 300 Citizen Corners (Multi-Brand outlets) across the country. As a part of our retail expansion, we plan to extend the number of First Citizen’s to 100 by end of 2008 and to have presence in more than 500 MBO’s by end of this year. Our next immediate First Citizen launches will in cities like Varanasi, Hyderabad, Agra and Lucknow amongst many others.”
Forever Diamonds is an exclusive diamond collection with a stylish and ethnic look and priced in the range of Rs. 7290 – Rs. 24,680. While The Kareena Fashion Collection is a range of chic and futuristic watches for the teenage girl moving into womanhood and will be available in various designs and styles with gold finish, bracelet styles, metallic, solid coloured and lush leather straps. This collection will be priced between Rs. 4,690 to Rs, 13,500.
Citizen entered India in 1998 with the Eco – Drive light powered watches and since then, it has grown from unit sales of 100,000 and sales value of Rs. 220 million in 2003-2004, to an estimated 240,000 and Rs. 600 million in 2006-2007, a 172 per cent value growth in the last three years. They plan to invest heavily to ensure an annual growth rate of 30 – 40 per cent, in the forthcoming years.
MAM
BLR Airport Launches ‘Connections’ Service to Ease Transit Travel
New initiative targets smoother transfers as Bengaluru hub traffic rises 30 per cent.
MUMBAI: Missed connections may be a traveller’s nightmare but Bengaluru is trying to make them a thing of the past. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has rolled out ‘Connections by BLR’, a new transfer programme designed to take the friction out of connecting journeys. Built around three pillars ease, efficiency and experience,the initiative aims to simplify what is often the most stressful leg of air travel.
The move comes as transfer traffic at BLR Airport climbs sharply, up more than 30 per cent year-on-year. Transfers currently account for around 15 per cent of total passenger traffic and are projected to touch 20 per cent by 2026, signalling a clear shift in how the airport is positioning itself within airline networks.
At its core, the programme focuses on making navigation intuitive and downtime more comfortable. Dedicated transfer desks have been set up across terminals, supported by colour-coded wayfinding blue and yellow signage designed for quick recognition. Inter-terminal movement is being streamlined through complimentary shuttle services with predictable wait times, while designated transfer zones aim to reduce passenger confusion.
Beyond logistics, the airport is leaning into experience. Travellers in transit now have access to a wider choice of lounges, curated retail and food and beverage options, as well as sleeping pods for short stays. For longer layovers, transit hotels in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer boutique in-terminal accommodation, an increasingly sought-after feature as global travel patterns evolve.
The timing is strategic. BLR Airport now connects to 114 passenger destinations 80 domestic and 34 international with key routes spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune domestically, and Singapore, London Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur internationally. Recent additions such as Hindon, Bidar and Silchar within India, alongside Dammam, Hanoi and Riyadh overseas, are further expanding its reach.
Infrastructure is also catching up with ambition. Developments including the West Cross Taxiway, Terminal 1 refurbishment and Terminal 2 expansion are laying the groundwork for higher capacity and smoother operations critical for any airport aiming to become a serious transfer hub.
Bangalore International Airport Limited chief operating officer Girish Nair framed the initiative as both a response to demand and a forward-looking play. He pointed to the growing depth of the airport’s network and the opportunity to build a more reliable transfer ecosystem that benefits both passengers and airline partners.
In an era where travel is as much about transitions as destinations, BLR Airport is betting that a seamless connection might just be the journey’s most important upgrade.
