MAM
Lifebuoy launches series of initiatives to help India fight COVID-19
MUMBAI: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), handwashing with soap and water, when done correctly, is the most effective way to fight the novel coronavirus. Taking the cause of preserving health and preventing the further spread of the disease, Lifebuoy, a brand that was invented by William Hesketh Lever in 1894 with the noble mission of Saving Lives in Cholera-affected Victorian England, has launched a nationwide public awareness campaign educating people on the importance of and steps to hand sanitization, urging citizens to use any soap at their disposal.
The campaign kicked off across print, television, and digital platforms with a simple message that placed emphasis on the importance of handwashing while also boldly naming its competitors and urging consumers to use any soap that is available to them.
Hindustan Unilever VP — skin cleansing Srirup Mitra said, “Until a cure is found, a simple act of handwashing, when done correctly, can effectively contribute towards reducing the spread of this deadly virus. We at HUL have ramped our production capacities to ensure that Lifebuoy hygiene products are available to consumers and continue our commitment to support the nation and its citizens in this fight against corona virus.”
Emphasising on the importance of handwashing bollywood star and Lifebuoy Brand Advocate Kajol said, "While I’ve always spoken in favour of Lifebuoy, in challenging times like these, both, Lifebuoy and I know that it’s no longer about which soap you choose to use, as long as you use one. Washing your hands with soap when done correctly, is the most effective way to fight against the virus. It’s my humblest request to everyone to exercise necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.”
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6hZ714VT0U
Further, to engage millennial masses, Lifebuoy partnered with Indian rapper and singer, Badshah, to launch a rap version to its iconic jingle ‘tandrusti ki raksha’ on TikTok. The catchy tune gives handwashing a fresh spin, while driving home the message of its importance.
Having initiated the Lifebuoy Handwashing challenge on TikTok, Indian Rapper Badshah said, “I am so glad to partner with Lifebuoy & to give their iconic jingle ‘tandrusti ki raksha’ an entertaining spin while driving home the importance of hand washing, especially at a challenging time like this for our country. While the hashtag has garnered over 20 Bn views, I urge everyone who is taking up the challenge to also understand how simple yet effective the act is, and I hope we can all put this difficult time behind us, soon”.
Additionally, with the ambition of serving the most vulnerable sections of the society, Lifebuoy came in a triangular partnership with other big brands, Paytm and former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s foundation YouWeCan and encouraged consumers to donate through Paytm app, collection of which is being used to mobilize necessary hygiene requirements to the needy, marginalized or less privileged population like orphanages, old age homes.
Commenting on the partnership with Lifebuoy and Paytm, Former Indian Cricketer Yuvraj Singh said, “This is the time for India to unite and do their bit and support the Government in the fight against Covid – 19. To everyone out there, let’s take this pledge together and curb the spread of this pandemic. I am doing my bit by partnering with Lifebuoy India and Paytm to provide hygiene products to those at high risk of exposure, hope you are doing yours.”
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also partnered with Lifebuoy, in a first of a kind government and corporate tie-up to educate citizens about necessary precautions while serving frontline workers with hygiene kits to ensure they and their families are protected from the spread of the virus.
MAM
Shoppers Stop elevates Biju Kassim as GSS Beauty CEO
Move comes as GSS Beauty scales global brand partnerships in India.
MUMBAI: From store shelves to global shelves, the beauty game is getting a sharper makeover. Shoppers Stop has elevated Biju Kassim as managing director and chief executive officer of Global SS Beauty Brands Limited (GSSBB), signalling a stronger push into the premium beauty segment. The move builds on Kassim’s role in setting up GSSBB, a wholly owned subsidiary that has quickly positioned itself as a fast-growing distribution platform for global beauty brands in India. The unit has been central to Shoppers Stop’s ambition of expanding its footprint in the high-margin beauty and luxury categories.
Chairman Nirvik Singh noted that Kassim’s experience across the beauty ecosystem and his understanding of premium and luxury consumers would help steer the next phase of growth. The focus, he indicated, will be on sharpening the company’s beauty portfolio and scaling partnerships with international brands.
Kassim, for his part, steps into the role at a time when India’s premium beauty market is undergoing rapid evolution, driven by rising consumer aspirations and increased access to global labels. He highlighted that GSSBB will remain a key strategic pillar, with an emphasis on expanding brand partnerships, enhancing consumer experiences and driving growth across markets.
As global beauty brands continue to eye India as a high-growth destination, Shoppers Stop’s bet is clear: owning not just the shelf, but the entire beauty ecosystem behind it.
