MAM
MEC bags media mandate of Bluestone.com
MUMBAI: Online store for jewellery and accessories, Bluestone.com has awarded its media duties to MEC India.
MEC will service the account from its Bangalore office. MEC India MD T Gangadhar said, “There is no better way to begin 2013 than this. We are excited about partnering BlueStone on their ambitious vision – a vision that could completely transform the jewellery retail landscape in India”.
Founded by Gaurav Singh Kushwaha, BlueStone.com is funded by blue-chip investors, Accel Partners.
Kushwaha said, “We are excited about taking BlueStone across a much wider canvas and are delighted to partner with MEC in this regard. MEC’s sound understanding of the digital space and their track record on e-commerce brands made our choice of agency easy. We look forward to a mutually rewarding partnership”.
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.
