Brands
Shoppers Stop doubles down on luxury beauty gamble
MUMBAI: Shoppers Stop is betting big on lipstick and mascara. The Mumbai-based department store chain disclosed on 25 November that it has pumped an additional Rs 10 crore into Global SS Beauty Brands, its wholly-owned beauty subsidiary, bringing total investment in the venture to Rs 105 crore.
The infusion, completed through a rights issue of preference shares, marks the fourth tranche of funding since April when Shoppers Stop’s board approved investing up to Rs 50 crore in the beauty operation. The company has now exceeded that ceiling, signalling confidence in a subsidiary that has grown explosively—turnover surged from Rs 14 crore in FY 2022-23 to Rs 220 crore in FY 2024-25.
Global SS Beauty Brands operates speciality beauty stores and distributes cosmetics, positioning itself as the “partner-of-choice for leading international brands” in India’s luxury beauty market. The subsidiary is in expansion mode, using the fresh capital for new stores and working capital as it chases market share in a sector where affluent Indian consumers are increasingly trading up to premium products.
The timing is shrewd. India’s beauty and personal care market is booming, driven by rising incomes and social media-fuelled demand for international brands. Shoppers Stop, facing pressure in its core department store business, is hedging its bets by building out a dedicated beauty platform.
Whether Indians will buy enough Chanel and Dior to justify a Rs 105 crore wager remains to be seen. But Shoppers Stop is clearly convinced the future smells of expensive perfume.
Brands
Thermocool brings cool factor to Vande Bharat and Anand Vihar
Home appliance giant makes a splash with train and station branding campaign
NEW DELHI: Thermocool Home Appliances Ltd is turning heads and catching eyes with a unique branding push on the Vande Bharat Express running between New Delhi and Katra, alongside a striking presence at Anand Vihar Railway Station.
By pairing its name with India’s fastest and most stylish train, Thermocool is sending a clear message: innovation, comfort, and reliability are at the heart of its brand. The Vande Bharat Express, celebrated for its speed and sleek design, mirrors the qualities Thermocool promises in every home appliance. Meanwhile, the eye-catching displays at Anand Vihar station connect with thousands of daily commuters and tourists, making the brand impossible to miss.
Thermocool director of operations Tushar Gupta said, “Innovation, comfort, and customer focus have always driven Thermocool. Our collaboration with Vande Bharat Express and Anand Vihar gives us a fantastic stage to share this message with millions of Indians.”
Founded by Rajeev Kumar Gupta, Thermocool champions quality and trust, with Hindi cinema star Saif Ali Khan adding charisma as the brand ambassador. His pan-India appeal perfectly captures Thermocool’s vision of modern, aspirational living.
Thermocool director of sales & marketing Tanuj Gupta added, “Teaming up with one of India’s most iconic train services lets us showcase Thermocool to a wide audience. With Saif Ali Khan on board, we are confident this campaign will strengthen our presence in both urban and rural markets, reminding everyone that Thermocool means quality, innovation, and reliability.”
The campaign blends high-profile branding, influencer engagement, and experiential marketing, ensuring travellers notice and remember the Thermocool experience. From speeding trains to busy railway platforms, the brand is reaching consumers where they move, proving that keeping cool is always in style.
