Brands
Newme lets Splitsvilla fans shop outfits while watching
BANGALORE: Newme, India’s Gen Z-focused fashion-tech brand, has teamed up with JioHotstar to give MTV Splitsvilla 16 fans a first-of-its-kind shopping experience. The brand’s new ‘Shop the Look’ feature lets viewers buy contestants’ outfits instantly, without leaving the screen.
Returning as the show’s official fashion sponsor for a second year, Newme is moving beyond logos and billboards into tech-led fashion innovation. With Splitsvilla continuing to shape youth culture and trends, the show provides the perfect backdrop to turn inspiration into instant action.
For the first time on an Indian reality show, fans can tap on the ‘Shop Now’ button under looks worn by female contestants, from casual athleisure to date-night and party wear, and complete the purchase within JioHotstar itself. The platform handles everything from product discovery to payment and delivery, making fashion discovery as seamless as scrolling through an episode.
“Gen Z is wired for action. They don’t want to screenshot, search, and switch apps. They want to shop now, and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered,” said Newme co-founder and CEO Sumit Jasoria.
JioStar head of entertainment sales Mahesh Shetty added, “Splitsvilla reflects how young India thinks and dresses. This integration is a natural way for fans to take inspiration straight from the screen to their wardrobe.”
Newme has also launched an exclusive Splitsvilla collection inspired by the show’s style moments, designed to appeal to Gen Z’s bold and trend-forward tastes. Fans using the in-stream shopping feature will enjoy launch discounts and free delivery, adding an extra nudge to shop on the spot.
With this initiative, Newme is proving it understands Gen Z behaviour, meeting young audiences inside the content they love and redefining how fashion, culture, and commerce intersect.
Brands
Funskool India crosses US$40 million turnover in FY 2025-26
Toy manufacturer posts steady growth despite global headwinds.
MUMBAI: Funskool India has played its cards well turning challenges into steady growth while keeping the fun alive in the toy business. The country’s leading toy manufacturer has reported a turnover of $40 million in FY 2025-26, demonstrating resilience in a difficult global environment. The company recorded an average growth of 14 per cent over the past two years, with exports growing at a healthy 19% year-on-year.
While domestic business grew at a modest single-digit pace, Funskool saw encouraging traction in key categories such as Fundough (dough) and Handycrafts (arts & crafts).
Funskool India Ltd. CEO K.A. Shabir said, “We successfully navigated the challenges posed by US tariffs last year and continued to grow both our export and domestic businesses. Given the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia, we are currently working with a moderate growth outlook of 12–15 per cent, with plans to revisit our targets after Q1 once the situation stabilises.”
He highlighted strengthened partnerships with global companies including Spin Master (Canada), Moose Toys (Australia), Melissa & Doug (USA), Asmodee (France), Learning Resources (USA), and Buffalo Games (USA). The expansion of the company’s Goa plant is progressing and is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Looking ahead, Funskool expects a significant shift in domestic growth momentum for FY 2026-27, driven by new categories such as friction vehicles under the brand “BlazeTrix”, remote-control cars under “VoltRush”, and the addition of popular licences like Paw Patrol.
In an industry where playtime never stops, Funskool has shown that even in turbulent times, a smart strategy and strong partnerships can keep the business ticking along nicely. As it gears up for the next financial year, the company appears well-positioned to build on its solid foundation and bring even more joy to children worldwide.
