Viveat Susan Pinto &Amp; Samreen Ahmad

Stories by Viveat Susan Pinto &Amp; Samreen Ahmad

As Covid surge hits businesses, malls see rentals plunge

As Covid surge hits businesses, malls see rentals plunge

Rediff.com   14 May 2021

Consultants who help lease these properties say this is the steepest decline at least in a decade.

Covid-19 surge makes corporate India nervous about Q1

Covid-19 surge makes corporate India nervous about Q1

Rediff.com   13 May 2021

Since April, India has seen multiple strains of the coronanavirus sweep the nation, upending life and businesses alike. Out-of-home retail and discretionary categories such as durables, auto, fashion, lifestyle, hospitality, food services, travel, and tourism have been the worst-hit as Covid cases remain high, leaving state governments with no option but to curtail mobility and economic activity.

Mobile phone production down 50% amid Covid-19 surge

Mobile phone production down 50% amid Covid-19 surge

Rediff.com   12 May 2021

According to research firm IDC, a slowdown in smartphone shipments began showing up as early as late February, though companies insist that the March quarter was fine, albeit on a low base.

'Taming the virus is like fighting a war; all have to pitch in'

'Taming the virus is like fighting a war; all have to pitch in'

Rediff.com   11 May 2021

'I remain optimistic that 2021 will be better than 2020 because we have visibility of vaccinations this year.'

Home appliance cos seek place on essential items' list

Home appliance cos seek place on essential items' list

Rediff.com   3 May 2021

Some companies argue that the culture of staying, working and learning at home will persist for a while, altering lifestyle habits of consumers.

Localised lockdowns worry home appliance, auto firms

Localised lockdowns worry home appliance, auto firms

Rediff.com   24 Apr 2021

Durable goods companies and retailers say online sales won't compensate for the fall in offline sales.

April likely to be a washout for appliances as fresh Covid-19 curbs hit biz

April likely to be a washout for appliances as fresh Covid-19 curbs hit biz

Rediff.com   22 Apr 2021

Maharashtra, which contributes between 12 and 15 per cent of appliances sales, announced lockdown-like curbs, meaning there will be no business for the second half of the month as well from the state.

'Covid or not, show must go on'

'Covid or not, show must go on'

Rediff.com   19 Apr 2021

'Post-Covid world will be different from the pre-Covid world.'

Maha curfew: 50% factories may remain shut for next fortnight

Maha curfew: 50% factories may remain shut for next fortnight

Rediff.com   15 Apr 2021

According to the order, all factories producing essential goods and services will remain operational at full capacity.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to invest Rs 1,600 cr on 56 stores

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to invest Rs 1,600 cr on 56 stores

Rediff.com   26 Mar 2021

Gold and diamond retail chain Malabar Gold & Diamonds will be investing Rs 1,600 crore in FY22 to launch 56 stores globally with 40 across India and 16 internationally in FY22 to further boost its retail presence across the globe. The move is expected to generate over 1,700 jobs. In India, the expansion strategy is centred in states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala. Internationally, the expansion will be in markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and UAE.

As commodity prices rise, cars, home appliances to cost more

As commodity prices rise, cars, home appliances to cost more

Rediff.com   25 Mar 2021

Metal prices from copper to aluminum and tin have shot up by about 7-32 per cent in the past three months.

Koo is finally a true Indian company

Koo is finally a true Indian company

Rediff.com   18 Mar 2021

Koo has so far raised $4.1 mn in Series A funding from existing investors Accel, Kalaari Capital, Blume Ventures and 3one4 Capital.

How technology is changing fashion

How technology is changing fashion

Rediff.com   11 Mar 2021

From omnichannel to AI and 3D technology, the fashion industry is in the middle of a digital revolution.

Zostel claims win in 3-year legal battle against OYO, latter refutes

Zostel claims win in 3-year legal battle against OYO, latter refutes

Rediff.com   8 Mar 2021

Zostel could get upwards of $600 million if arbitration goes through.

India Inc opens up purse for employee retention

India Inc opens up purse for employee retention

Rediff.com   26 Feb 2021

Employees of some top Indian companies were in for a pleasant surprise when they received a mail from their HR team announcing a hike in salaries and bonuses. Led by IT firms and start-ups, HR managers say that while some have offered cash and stock options, others are in a wait-and-watch mode and add the trend will pick up in other sectors. For example, IT giant Cognizant - which had an attrition rate of 19 per cent in the December quarter - has established a $30-million employee retention fund in order to bring down the high attrition rate.

Edtech, logistics and gig-economy to drive jobs

Edtech, logistics and gig-economy to drive jobs

Rediff.com   25 Feb 2021

Fresher hiring is expected to more than double compared to last year.

Six years after Maggi controversy, Marico serves up instant noodles

Six years after Maggi controversy, Marico serves up instant noodles

Rediff.com   20 Feb 2021

The move is significant since it signals the growing importance of foods in Marico's overall strategy. It also comes six months after Marico stepped into honey, a Rs 1,500-crore category dominated by players such as Dabur.

Will IPL 2021 set a new record for Star Sports?

Will IPL 2021 set a new record for Star Sports?

Rediff.com   18 Feb 2021

IPL 2020 was the first sports tournament to surpass 400 billion viewing minutes.

'There is pent-up demand for good films'

'There is pent-up demand for good films'

Rediff.com   10 Feb 2021

Increase in occupancy will pave way for Hindi blockbusters to release, say multiplex operators.

FMCG firms start seeing growth in urban India after months of Covid grief

FMCG firms start seeing growth in urban India after months of Covid grief

Rediff.com   8 Feb 2021

60-65 per cent of the FMCG industry's overall sales come from urban areas; 35-40 per cent from rural areas.