Casual menswear brand Classic Polo, by Royal Classic Group (RCG), has opened its new outlet at Sri Kaleeswari mall at Sivakasi. It is the company’s first outlet in the city, taking the store count of the brand in Tamil Nadu to a total of 26.
Spread over 320 sq.ft., the outlet will retail the entire collection of Classic Polo t-shirts, shirts, trousers, denims, loungewear, and accessories.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Kheni, Senior Vice President Retail, Classic Polo, said: “The focus of the company is towards exclusive retail stores with focus on building consumer relationship and matching customers’ expectations. The brand now has 58 exclusive showrooms across India and most of the new showrooms will be located in malls. The group is now planning to add 15 more showrooms in Tamil Nadu this fiscal.”
Usha Periyasamy, Vice President Brands & Operations, Classic Polo, stated: “We are happy to serve the rising fashion needs of Sivakasi. We are sure that the old and young alike will welcome Royal Classic fashion in town.”
Classic Polo offers functional yet fashionably casual range for men catering to consumer preferences and targeting the 20-35 age group. The brand range today, comprises t-shirts, shirts, trousers, jackets, sweaters, denim, sportswear, lounge wear, innerwear, and accessories. Classic Polo is available at 58 exclusive stores, 4,500 MBOs and 75 large format stores such as Shoppers Stop, Central, Globus, Pantaloon, and Reliance.
-IndiaRetailing Bureau
source: http://www.indiaretailing.com / Home> India / June 13th, 2013
Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL) that provides telecom services under the MTS brand has announced the launch of its high-speed mobile broadband service, MBlaze in 37 new towns across Tamil Nadu – Neyveli, Sathyamangalam, Tindivanam, Viluppuram, Rasipuram, Pattukkottai, Tenkasi, Udumalaipettai, Oddanchatram, Periyakulam, Sivaganga, Kallakkurichi, Virudhachalam, Gobichettipalayam, Sankarankoil, Mayiladuthurai, Surandai, Arakonam, Omalur, Pallipalayam, Panruti, Andipatti Jakkampatti, Pavoor chatram, Avaniapuram, Batlagundu, Chinnalapatti, Keelakarai, Othakadai, Sokalampatti, Thirupuvanam, Thirupathur, Tiruvethipuram, Papanasam, Pattamadai, Perur-Chettipalayam, Nallur and Thirunageswaram. With this roll out, MTS has expanded its high speed data footprint to over 140 towns across Tamil Nadu.
According to Suresh S Kumar, Chief Operating Officer Tamil Nadu Circle, MTS India, “MTS is focused on expanding its high speed data network across the country. As a part of the same endeavor, I am proud to announce the launch of MBlaze services in 37 new towns in Tamil Nadu. This latest expansion will enable MTS data customers to experience state-of-the-art high speed data services including Live TV and Games-on-Demand”. Adding further, Suresh said, “MTS has over 1,75,000 data customers across Tamil Nadu and with further expansion in our HSD footprint in the state, we expect to add many more customers in the next few months”.
source: http://www.lightreading.in / Light Reading India / Home> News Wire Feed / June 20th, 2013
Toda embroidery dress displayed at a function in Udhagamandalam on Thursday. / Photo:.M.Sathyamoorthy / The Hindu
Toda tribal representatives on Thursday formally received a Geographical Indication certificate for their unique embroidery, which is known for its striking colours. District Collector Archana Patnaik handed over the certificate to the representatives at a function held here. The GI status was given in March by Chaitanya Prasad, Registrar of Geographical Indications. The recognition came after five years of effort by Toda Nalavaazhvu Sangham, Key Stone Foundation and Poompuhar (Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation).
The status not only ensures uniform pricing for Toda embroidery products but also insulates the art from being duplicated.
Of the nearly 1,600 tribal people in nearly 69 hamlets, a little more than 400 are said to be actively involved in embroidery. The product range has now widened from Pootkhulu (shawl) to wall hangings, table mat, shoulder bags and gents and ladies shopping bag.
GI is a name or a sign used on prized goods to indicate their specific geographical location or origin, says Mathew John, trustee, Keystone Foundation. The three organisations are the Registered Proprietors of the GI.
The art of Toda embroidery, known as ‘pukhoor,’ has been passed on to generations. Organisations such as the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India have been facilitating training programmes.
The function was attended by Pratim Roy – director of Key Stone Foundation, Jailani of Win Lexis that supported the initiative for GI status, Prasanth from the Registry of Geographical Indications, Prem Kumar – Marketing Manager of Poompuhar, Geetha Srinivasan of INTACH, Dr. Tarun Chabra, patron of tribal community, and Kottradu Kuttan – Head of Toda Nalavaazhvu Sangham.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / by Special Correspondent / Udhagamandalam – June 14th, 2013
Groom India Salon & Spa Pvt Ltd, that owns the salon chain brand Naturals, has signed a pact with Indian Overseas Bank to promote women entrepreneurship in the country.
According to C.K. Kumaravelu, co-founder and CEO of Groom India Salon, the bank has come forward to fund up to Rs 25 crore under the ‘Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises’ scheme to roughly 100 women franchisees identified by the company.
Each salon will cost anywhere between Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh per salon, depending on the infrastructure and location of the outlet. While the franchisee would bring in 30 per cent of the required investment, the bank will fund up to 70 per cent without demanding any collateral, he explained.
“All these salons are expected to be up and running before the end of the current financial year,” he said.
Naturals currently has 240 salons predominantly in the South. Of this, 230 salons are franchised out and only 10 are owned and run by the company, says Kumaravelu.
To a question whether the Rs 180-crore company would take in any private equity player, Kumaravelu replied in the negative.
He said though a couple of PE players expressed interest to invest if it was prepared to change the model to a company-owned one.
“However, we have a strong feeling that the franchisee route is the best way to grow the business,” he said.
Naturals is targeting a Rs 350-crore turnover with 3,000 outlets pan-India by 2020. Asked if that isn’t that too ambitious a target, Kumaravelu says, “Five years ago, we had only 13 outlets,” came the reply.
source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Industry> Banking / ravikumar.r@thehindu.co.in / Chennai – June 18th, 2013
Water management firm Va Tech Wabag (Wabag) today said it has received Rs 115-crore order from Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewage Board for setting up of pumping stations and laying pipelines.
“The order comprises construction of pumping stations and pipeline works for providing comprehensive water supply and sewerage scheme for residents of Sholinganallur-Karapakkam on the Old Mahabalipuram Road in Chennai city under Chennai Mega City Development Mission Project,” Wabag said in a BSE filing.
The project is scheduled to be completed in 24 to 30 months, it said.
“The order is special to us since this is the largest order involving pumping stations and pipeline works for Wabag till date. This is also the first comprehensive water supply and sewerage project for the firm,” Abhijit Ray Chaudhuri, Wabag’s Head, Pumping System, said.
Shares of the company were trading at Rs 443.35 apiece towards the close of trading hours on the BSE.
source: http://www.articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> News by Industry> Int’l Goods-Svs / PTI / June 10th, 2013
Kurangani Hills near Bodinayakanur in Theni district is a perfect place for trekking fans as well as nature enthus. The 12 km walk from Kurangani village to Top Station through Central village is a journey to be cherished. Those who visit Munnar in Kerala can also enter the trekking route here by walking down the dense woods and plain grasslands of Kurangani Hills. By reaching Top Station, border of Theni district, from Munnar after 35 km travel, one can start trekking down the hills.
Although, Kurangani Hills is near the famous Munnar Hills and Kolukkumalai Hills — the highest hills for tea plantation in the world at an altitude close to 8,000 feet — the place is still not known in the tourism circuit. However, several foreign tourists do come here. Some nature lovers within the state also frequently visit Kurangani Hills. Film-makers too have been charmed by the nature here. Films Alagar Samiyin Kuthurai, Myna and Kumki were shot on the Hills. The best months to explore the Hills are between August to December.
Frequently changing weather, low-hanging clouds, chilly atmosphere and strong winds coupled with wide range of flora and fauna are the things to enjoy in the hills. It takes four to five hours to complete the trekking from Kurangani village, the foothills of the Hills to reach Top station, whereas two-and-a-half hours is enough for the return trip. Trekkers can find Samabalaru falls, the source of Kottakudi river which serves the drinking water needs of Bodinayakanur town, while wading through here. Central Village, with a population of 200 people and 50 houses, is four more kilometres from the Falls. A couple of cottages are available in here to provide accommodation for the visitors. Foreigners, who come prepared with tents, prefer to stay under the open sky. Guides can take you through unexplored thick woods.
The villagers say that tourists frequently spot Indian guars, barking deer, langurs, wild cats and. However, the villagers warn about the presence of leopards and tigers.
REACHING THERE
* Bodinayakanur is 16 km away from Theni, connected by frequent bus service
* 15 km road connecting Kurangani and Bodinayakanur
* Via Munnar one can reach 100 km distance Road facility connecting Bodinayakanur and Top Station- Around
* Buses, jeeps and autos available from Bodinayakanur
* 12 km — trekking distance between Kurangani village and Top Station
* Central village is the half-way point between Kurangani village and Top Station
* Best time to visit: August and December
* Lodges available in Top Station, Bodinayakanur and Munnar. Only two cottages available in Central Village
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai> Nature / by V. Devanathan, TNN / June 10th, 2013
India’s diverse artistic culture has now converged in one place, bringing the city the finest exquisite jewel works from the artisans of various states of this country at the Poompuhar – Artistic and Artificial jewel exhibition that was inaugurated here on Wednesday.
Like every year, the exhibition is slowly starting to make its mark by grabbing attention of the crowd, especially the ladies, who have been flocking to the exhibition since its inauguration. ‘We eagerly expect this exhibition every year as they have a huge collection,’ says Jayalakshmi, who had come along with her friend to purchase ornaments.
The exhibition has an assortment of every state’s artistic work to enchant the buyers of various age groups. From Impon jewellery, temple ornaments and antique jewellery to Jaipur’s stone jewellery, Hyderabad’s pearls and gold plated ornaments, the bling is fast disappearing. In addition, wooden jewels, tribal jewellery, jute-made ornaments, silver filigree, crystal chains, Rajasthani bangles and meenakari earrings seem to be the popular choices for the younger generation.
Just few days into the fair, the exhibition has already seen phenomenal sales with products worth between `50,000 – 60,000 being sold each day. And it is expected to increase in the days to come.
But it is not only the local crowd that is grabbing the bling – the exhibition has also caught the eye of foreigners. According to the Bose, manager trainee, Chennai’s foreigners are a huge fan of the jewellery. “They love the variety here, they feel the jewellery is very colorful and unique,” says Bose. This can be very well seen from the sight of a foreign visitor who carefully scans through all the stalls. ‘I totally love this place. I am seeing every variety that I can think of,’ says Ken Smith, a visitor from Canada.
The artisans from different places find this as a perfect platform to exhibit their works to people.
Sometimes they get huge orders after displaying their products here, while others feel quite disappointed to see people hesitating to buy original quality crystals and stones, instead opting for duplicate low quality crystals outside.
This is inspite of the huge profit margin they gain.
But the buzz is still on and the excitement is sure to go on for few more weeks, as the exhibition ends only on June 29. After all, there is no end for shopping in a city like Chennai.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / June 08th, 2013
Tussor Machine Tools Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spanish computer numerical-controlled (CNC) and flat-bed lathe machines maker Tussor SL Andorra, is planning to expand the manufacturing capacity at its Coimbatore facility with an investment of between Rs 35 crore and Rs 40 crore.
“In the face of the growing demand , we are planning to increase the volumes to 5,000 units per year by 2015,” Ganesh Parthasarathy, chief executive officer of Tussor Machine, told Business Standard on the sidelines of the first edition of the four-day Engineering Expo that kicked off in Hyderabad on Friday.
Tussor SL Andorra, which has the capacity to churn out 5,000 machines a year, established its manufacturing plant at Coimbatore in 2005 with an investment of Rs 100 crore. The 100% export-oriented unit (EOU) currently manufactures around 250 machines a month. It primarily exports its products to Africa, West Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America.
Stating that the growth in heavy industries was fueling machine tools demand, Parthasarathy said the company had in 2011 changed the status from EOU to the Export Promotion Capital Goods ( EPCG ) Scheme to cater to the domestic market also.
“We have already established around 40 dealers across the country,” he said, adding that Tussor Machine Tools garnered revenues of Rs 65 crore last financial year and was aiming at touching the Rs 200-crore mark by 2015.
source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Companies> News / byu K. Rajani Kanth / Hyderabad – May 31st, 2013
Organic vegetables on display./ Photo: A. Shaikmohideen / The Hindu
Good food is not just a privilege of the rich. As people are discovering what a powerful impact food has on health, they’re realising how important it is to ask where your food comes from, and how it is grown. Over the last ten years the market has responded to this change in different ways. The most interesting response has been a feisty wave of idealistic, energetic small businesses. All run by people who’re fuelled more by ethics than economics. Hopefully this is just the beginning. Organic food may not be mainstream yet in Chennai, but thanks to businesses such as these, it’s more accessible, affordable and attractive than ever before. Shonali Muthalaly and Anusha Parthasarathy track the trend.
Organically grown vegetables offer a better taste./ Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy / The Hindu
Vaer
After working on it for a year, Kayalvizhi Raja and Shriram Narayanan launched Chennai’s first organic vegetable website on April 1, inspired by an organic farmer in Tenkasi. “He told us how he had major health issues, all of which were resolved when he converted his farm into organic,” says Kayalvizhi.
They find farmers via the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. “Lots of farmers take courses and register with them. So, if we want grapes, for example, then we find people who grow them, and directly buy from their farms.”
Kayalvizhi says, “We want to make organic food affordable. Our greens are Rs. 20 a bunch. Which is the same as the regular market price. And delivery is free.”
Their stock changes ever day. “My only marketing source is Facebook… So if I get something new I put it up there. It’s usually sold out by the next day!”
Vaer encourages people to try new varieties of fruits and vegetables. “We offer a mixed box of mangoes. Even if people order just one variety, we try and send a couple of different types along with their order, complimentary.”
The biggest challenge, she says, is educating customers. “Yes. Organic food doesn’t stay fresh for long. But that’s a good thing. It means it’s chemical-free.”
Vaer focusses on local foods in their ‘Country Special’ section, such as coconut palm sugar, karuppu kavuni rice and ragi pappads.
Address: www.vaerorganic.com
Phone: 094446-67070
Organic Green Store
Cramped, chaotic and bristling with a fascinating range of goodies, from fragrant cold-pressed oils to jars of nutty ghee, the Organic Green Store has fans across the city. Hemalatha, who started it in 2009, says she got interested in organic food after she had a baby. “I wanted to give my child food that was healthy and safe,” she says.
Today, they buy from about 20 farmers across the State. Her customers, who come from as far as Vellore, are loyalists thanks to the quality of her vegetables, many of which arrive in packages bearing the names of the farms on which they were grown. “People love our papaya, which comes from Mettupalayam,” she says.
The Organic Green Store is also known for its cold-pressed oils: coconut, sesame and groundnut. “The oil comes from different sources, depending on the season,” says Hemalatha. “Groundnut, for example, is sometimes from Udumalpet, sometimes Coimbatore.”
With two outlets, one in Anna Nagar and one in Periyar Nagar, they deliver vegetables on Saturdays.
Started in 2008, ReStore is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers. Radhika Rammohan, one of the founders, says the idea was to “connect with the sources of our food. To know where it’s coming from. To support local organic farmer.” She adds that they decided to work as volunteers to encourage more people to get involved, and bring down the cost of the products.
They work with 25 individual farmers and about 10 organisations that help farmers. In addition, they support around eight businesses that make organic value-added products. Around 70 per cent of their food comes from within Tamil Nadu, and the rest from the neigbouring states in an attempt to reduce food miles.
Specialising in traditional grains, they offer a range of millets. Their ‘multigrain kanji mix’ made with red rice, millets, thinai, samai, samba wheat, etc. is one of their signature products. Besides vegetables, they stock foods such as organic jaggery, handmade peanut butter and freshly made sambar powder.
ReStore also organises a vegetable and fruit bazaar on Tuesday and Saturday between 12 noon and 7 p.m.
Address: ReStore Adyar Centre, No 27/ 10, 2nd Main Road, Kasturba Nagar, Adyar, Chennai-600020
Phone: 044-24430093
Dhanyam
Dhanyam began in 2010 with the idea of becoming a one-stop shop for organic goodies. It offers a range of groceries, vegetables and fresh fruits, all organic. “I was always interested in organic food and found that there weren’t many outlets in the city. And even the ones that were there were dark, dingy and not professionally run. That’s when the idea for Dhanyam originated,” says co-founder Madhusoodhanan K. The store gets fruits and vegetables twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday) from farms in Kodaikanal, Tirunelveli, Erode, Gummudipoondi and Coonoor. Some fruits such as grapes and pomegranates come from farms in Karnataka and Maharashtra. “We have seasonal fruits which means we’re selling a lot of mangoes now. But on an average, papayas and bananas sell well because they’re available year round,” he says. While Madhusoodhanan agrees that the price is higher when compared to the regular fare, he points out that it isn’t a deterrent. “People come for different reasons — health, environment and better taste. When you are sure about this lifestyle, the changes in price doesn’t matter.”
Address: Dhanyam is located at No.24, North Boag Road, T.Nagar
Phone: 28157654
Sunday Shandy
P. B. Murali (along with his friend Ranganathan) has been an organic farmer for the last 22 years and has spent the last 10 years selling organic fruits, vegetables and produce at Luz Church Road, under the banner ‘Sunday Shandy’. “We had the market on Sunday initially but since it interfered with my farm activities, it has now been shifted to Friday. The other days, I sell packaged organic products,” he says. Pineapples from Nagaland, apples from Himachal Pradesh and sweet lime from Krishnagiri… Murali sources his organic products from all over the country. “Once people get used to the taste of organic fruits, especially, it’s hard to go back to the regular ones,” explains Murali, “I specialise in organic mangoes and grow mostly Alphonso, Banganapalli and Imampasand varieties on my farm.” Murali also sells unprocessed milk every Wednesday.
Murali’s shandy is held every Friday between 3 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.
Address: No.177, Luz Church Road, Mylapore
Phone: 93806-91203
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus / by Shonali Muthalaly and Anusha Parthasarthy / May 26th, 2013
Gearing up for a colour co-ordinated wedding retinue, courtesy Rangeela | P RAVIKUMAR
Want to wear customised designer clothes for your wedding, but don’t know where to find them? Rangeela, a designer studio at T Nagar offers ready-to-order bridal sarees and lehengas for that special occasion.
Rangeela, launched earlier this month, offers a line of sparkling designer wear in a wide variety of colours, intricately designed on smooth and silky fabrics with utmost care. “Every sari or lehenga will take at least 30 days to make, with 4 to 5 people working on it. We bring the design on paper and accordingly instruct the workers, who have come from other states. Most of the bridal attire is made from satin or velvet fabric,” explained Rajesh Jain, one of the owners of the store.
Apart from the conventional saris and lehengas, one can even opt for a lehanga that can be draped as a saree. This could cost anywhere between Rs 7,000 to Rs 70,000. Lehengas are priced from Rs 5,000 onwards while bridal sarees could range anywhere between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2 lakh.
But what makes the store unique is their one-stop shopping concept where both the bride and the groom could look for colour co-ordinated outfits for their special day. They also have matching wear for the family members of the couple. A sherwani set that includes safa (head gear) and juti (footwear), designed with simple beads and stones, could cost Rs 0,000 while, an Indo-Western wear for the groom starts from Rs 10,000.
“Everything is ready-made here. We adjust the fittings accordingly, apart from the customized orders we take,” said Rajesh’s partner, Rajendra Kumar Kankaria. In addition to their designer wear, Rangeela offers bridal make-up and hairstyling. “These days we find more South Indians opting for designer wear for their weddings. We have a huge variety to suit their preferences,” Rajesh smiled.
(Rangeela is located at City Centre Complex, 66, Thirumalai Pillai Road, T Nagar)
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service – Chennai / May 16th, 2013
