MAM
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.
Brands
Safex Group appoints Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer
Former Standard Chartered executive to steer finance
NEW DELHI: Safex Chemicals has appointed Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for the next phase of expansion in specialty chemicals and global agrochemicals.
In her new role, Malhotra will lead the group’s financial strategy, capital architecture and governance framework as Safex scales operations across multiple verticals including branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing.
A chartered accountant and graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Malhotra brings more than two decades of experience in business finance, strategic planning, corporate banking and client management.
Before joining Safex, she served as executive director, financial markets at Standard Chartered, where she led teams across India and Sri Lanka and worked closely with large corporates, global subsidiaries and commercial banking clients. Her expertise includes capital structuring, treasury operations, risk management and financial markets led financing solutions.
Safex Group promoter director and joint managing director Piyush Jindal, said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. “Safex stands at an inflection point as we build an integrated platform across branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing. Richa’s experience across global financial institutions will strengthen our financial discipline and help unlock value across the group,” he said.
Malhotra said she was looking forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth. “Safex has built a strong reputation over 35 years with its focus on integrity, innovation and agricultural insight. I am excited to be part of the organisation as it expands its footprint in India and global markets,” she said.
The appointment comes as Safex continues to strengthen its financial foundations and scale operations internationally, positioning itself for future growth milestones.
