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PUMA offers green holiday shopping, introducing advanced store Air Quality solutions
Mumbai: In a pioneering move for the Indian retail industry, sports brand PUMA India has ushered in a new era of sustainable shopping experience for its customers this festive season. The brand has deployed an Internet of Things (IoT) solution across its stores to maintain improved indoor air quality (IAQ). Shoppers can now step into a PUMA India store anytime to breathe healthier, safer, more efficient indoor air.
PUMA’s pilot phase saw five stores receive Air Quality (AQ) certifications from the accredited Indian testing lab NABL (Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories), endorsing the program’s effectiveness. The selection criteria of these stores were solely based on AQ statistics, to ensure that the initiative’s benefits extend to diverse regions. An additional 80 stores are in the pipeline to receive IAQ certification, representing PUMA’s commitment to providing a great in-store experience for shoppers.
The innovative IoT solution of hardware and software connects the store’s electro-mechanical equipment to a central database, enabling real-time energy consumption and IAQ monitoring. The solution operates by continuously collecting and analysing data, controlling equipment operations and providing actionable insights that empower store managers to take actions to optimise energy usage and maintain improved air quality within their retail space. The transformative technology is not just about improving store operations; it’s also about the brand’s commitment to climate action.
“Our continued investment in technology is a reflection of our commitment to being at the forefront of operating smart and sustainable PUMA retail outlets in the country,” said PUMA India executive director retail Vishal Gupta. “As a brand, PUMA is constantly looking for opportunities to create new experiences for its customers. We are working with the best solutions available to deliver a state-of-the-art shopping experience and improved indoor air quality in the stores for customers this festive season,” he added.
PUMA is also the first brand in India to deploy this advanced technology across its stores, marking a significant milestone in the country’s retail landscape. As the retail industry grapples with its environmental footprint, PUMA has provided a roadmap towards a greener, cleaner and more responsible shopping environment for customers through this initiative.
The brand collaborated with EcoEnergy Insights to implement the IoT-enabled solution across the company’s flagship stores in India. EcoEnergy Insights, part of Carrier Global Corporation, is a leading provider of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IoT-enabled solutions and services. Currently, EcoEnergy Insights provides services to over 55,000 sites globally and in India, supporting its customers in managing energy consumption in their areas in over 600 cities.
“We are proud to provide IoT technology to PUMA to enhance the in-store experience while helping reduce the stores’ carbon footprint. This is a pioneering programme in sportswear retail in India and we are fully committed to enabling PUMA with the best IoT technology to drive additional value levers like efficient store design and reduced lifecycle asset costs,” said, EcoEnergy Insights general manager, sales, HAPS Dhillon.
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
