Christmas @ brand promotion!

The festive spirit of Christmas with  lights, bells,huge beautifully decorated Christmas trees and kids dressed in cute little Santa attires could be  seen everywhere in the city which was bustling with joy and celebrations.  When Santa was busy showering and spreading  happiness and cheer everywhere  let’s see how brands celebrated Christmas this year offering huge discounts and initiatives to their customers. 

This Christmas, little eyes were sparkling with joy at ‘Life Abundant Assemblies’, an orphanage in the lanes of Oshiwara, Goregaon as they danced around to the tunes of Christmas carols and received loads of gifts from Bluebytes, a news research and analysis agency. The kids aged 3-12 years old received goodies ranging from clothes, books, toys and stationery to utility items like rice, dals, sugars, toothpaste, tea, biscuits, etc. These were collected in little decorated Christmas boxes from 7 different communications companies across the city over the advent season.
On this humble initiative, Rakesh Pillai, Regional Sales Manager, Blue Bytes News Pvt Ltd. commented, “This festive season, we wanted to make a difference not just through our words, but also through our activities. What better way than to bring the communication industry together to celebrate a more meaningful Christmas. We are elated with the support received from each and every individual and we will continue to initiate such activities in the future.”

Known for its American specialties, this Christmas, Windmills Craftworks offered a delightful Christmas spread. It was set to the backdrop of one of India’s top guitarists Alwyn Fernandes and pianist Beth Tsuzu. The menu included some lip smacking dishes including Turkey in Cranberry sauce, Roast lamb in red wine sauce, Whole stuffed chicken, Roast beef, Baked chicken casserole, Cold cut platter, Baked potatoes, Vegetarian lasagna, Vegetarian au gratin, Chicken & pork blanket sausages, Mulled wine and variety of salads and deserts to chose from.
Red Mango, which is the no.1 Zagat rated frozen yogurt and smoothie brand, believes in introducing healthy eating to calorie conscious  foodies. Some of their flavoured offerings include all-natural frozen yogurt, fresh fruit smoothies, yogurt parfaits and pro-biotic iced teas. It redefined healthy eating with its range of health foods which included scrumptious Plum Cakes and delectable Chocolate Desserts and made this Christmas all the more healthilicious. Partake a dab of Choco Mist, or enjoy a sweet helping of Choco Trio, while digging a succulent spread of Tiramisu and one can be rest assured that they will not pile up on calories inspite of indulging on such delicacies!

Christmas, however, is incomplete without Christmas savories like Marshmallows, Plum cakes, Marzipans, Date Rolls, Chocolate toffees, Milk cream etc. and of course the traditional decoration of the Christmas Trees. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai brought an exciting activity to add more cheer to your Christmas celebrations! Chef Hemant Oberoi along with his team designed edible Christmas trees that are available at La Patisserie. These Christmas trees like Christmas miracle, Caramel Christmas and Winter Wonderland were auctioned up to December 24, 2012 at La Patisserie, bid starting from Rs. 6000 each.

Shangri-La Hotel Mumbai offered a day-long Christmas festivities which was open to all from Monday, 24th December to Tuesday, 25th December 2012 at Seven, the all day dining restaurant. For the Christmas brunches and special dinner at Seven, guests who were in need of holiday pampering could treat themselves to a variety of foods ranging from cold cuts, steamed dim sums, seafood platter and salads to some mouth watering dessert with options such as macaroons, chocolate cake and their signature chocolate fountain. A customized kids menu was also available, thus making the experience memorable for the entire family.

In addition to the gastronomic delights, guests were serenaded on 25th December, 2012 by Sapphire Moon, a live band comprising of lead vocalist Emma and Charishma Marie. Their music included a variety of musical styles such as, Latin, Pop, Reggae, Rock n’ Roll, Ballads and Blues.   

Godrej Nature’s Basket celebrated this Christmas with a difference. The gourmet chain hosted a series of ‘Joy of Gifting’ Christmas workshops for the aspiring little Masterchefs across Bangalore, Mumbai & Delhi on the 18th, 19th and 21st of December respectively. The Mumbai leg of this initiative surely spread the joy of gifting and lived up to its theme as the junior chefs participating in this unique culinary extravaganza had a fun filled and exciting session with popular television anchor, Chef Aditya Bal. What’s more, they were also part of a very noble cause! Mohit Khattar, Managing Director, Godrej Nature’s Basket, said, “We are delighted to further the Good and Green initiative of the Godrej group. It gives us immense pleasure to put together an initiative that brings joy and cheer as well as learning for our little consumers and also does a word of good for the underprivileged.”

Commenting on the initiative, Jitin Nedumala, Chief Executive Officer, Make a Difference, said, “Christmas, as a time of the year, is so much about children, and their spirit. The children that we work with who live in orphanages, street shelters and poor homes, don't usually have a Christmas like this. Make A Difference, as an organization, has always been focused on taking them out of the confines they grow up in, and give them better experiences, and hope for the future. And we're glad to have been able to deliver a little bit of that this Christmas."
Godrej Nature’s Basket offered X’mas gift hampers to choose from this festive season . There was Santa's Mini Treat Hamper - Festive Gift Hampers priced at Rs 985/- which included El

Almendro Choco Almond Crocanti Turron 75g, Christmas Fruit Cake Small 350g, Ginger Bread Cookies Small 130g, Mars Miniatures 150 G and Hamper Basket/ Tray / Box and Packing; Santa’s Treat Hamper priced Rs 2,483/- containing Italo's Baked Potato Chips 75 G, Delaviuda Milk Chocolate Truffles 150g, El Almendro Choco Almond Crocanti Turron 75g, Christmas Fruit Cake Small 350g, Ginger Bread Cookies Small 130g, For Display: EVA Non Alchohol Fruit Drink 750 Ml, Dry Fruit Box, X'mas candle and Hamper Basket/ Tray / Box and Packing.
CHERUBS, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, one-of-its-kind multi-brand outlet has brought in three international brands from the fashion capital of the world, Italy – Il Gufo, Harmont & Blaine and

Monnalisa; besides the much acclaimed Tartine et Chocolat from France, Paul Smith Junior from UK and Kissy Kissy from USA. Il gufo a leading Italian luxury clothing brand for children at CHERUBS offer a wide range of Christmas dresses from frilly and princess-inspired, to rocker-chick along with down jackets, coats, baby pumps, caps, bags and other lovely accessories for kids to choose from. This holiday season little girls have a wide range of beautiful dresses from CHERUBS to choose from.

From Santa’s ghetto to Christmas Carols to miniature Christmas trees, Nokia also dripped in the Christmas spirit and the festive cheer. They have come out with some exciting gadgets in vibrant colors to multiply  happiness in the lives of your loved ones. The models that were made a part of the initiative were Nokia Asha 205, Nokia Asha 311, Nokia Asha 305, Nokia Asha 308 , Nokia Purity Stereo Headset by Monster WH-920- , Nokia BH-221 Bluetooth Stereo Headset, Nokia Universal Portable USB Charger DC-16.

A time for endless shopping! CupoNation offered heavy discounts on Christmas dresses. Amalya, the lifestyle boutique at The Leela brought out three delectable gift hampers this Christmas season. From traditional breads and plum puddings to pralines, mince pies and fine wine, you are sure to find a hamper you wish to gift to your loved ones. Sony cherished its customers this Christmas season by offering some discounts on innovative range of compact and power-packed products. This Christmas, Sony’s innovative product range made gifting a joyous occasion for your loved ones. Enjoy indulging this holiday season while staying connected, capturing every special moment on the go.

With Christmas and New Year around the corner, there is festivity in the atmosphere. People are in a mood to shop and with the flexi EMI options, shopping decisions are further facilitated.    The minimum order value to avail an EMI payment option is INR 2500. This EMI payment option will be available throughout the year and not only on special occasions. HomeShop18.com already offers a wide variety of payment options to its users like Cash-On-Delivery, Net banking, Debit and Credit cards, Demand Drafts and many more. Now for credit card users, the leading e-retailer is introducing yet another convenient payment option - flexi EMIs ranging from 3 to 12 months.   EMI option blurs the line between ‘affordable’ and ‘out-of-reach’ by splitting the payments into parts. The scheme can be availed for 3/6/9/12 months durations across most major banks’ credit cards namely – HSBC, Kotak Mahindra, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank and ICICI Bank.

Introducing this offer, Narasimha Jayakumar, COO – Ecommerce, HomeShop18.com said, “With our valued customers now purchasing various high value items like gadgets and consumer durables, we felt the need to give them the option of EMIs because paying entire amount in one go can sometimes be a shopping deterrent.  Through this flexible payment option we want to empower the consumers further and offer them an easy and stress free payment solution. All products that are available on our website can now easily be put in the shopping cart and ordered to be delivered at the doorstep without having to worry about the payments. HomeShop18.com is making shopping online even more enjoyable.”

Also Kingfisher introduced a unique concept this Christmas. Brewdolph the Good Times Reinbeer was in town to bring oodles of beer to all those in need. Brewdolph the Reinbeer is a digital mascot who spreads cheer and beer to the needy.

Tradus.com, India’s finest online shopping portal offered the best deals on apparels, home décor, kitchenware etc. in time for the festive season. This Christmas shopper’s could get hold of various exciting gifts at discounted prices delivered to their doorstep.During the joyful Christmas season, shopping becomes top priority on everyone’s list.  Buyers look for the very best they can get within their budget. For its precious customers, Tradus.com unveils fantastic Christmas deals on fashion products. Now you can get 85% off on fashion apparels and accessories, home décor, beauty and kitchenware and more. Also customers could use the Gift Voucher "SANTA" and get a Flat 25% discount on all products under the Clothing, Travel backpacks and Home decor category.

Last but not the least Reliance Foundation also brought smiles on many faces. Visually impaired children from all over Mumbai and Children from NGO Akansha were in for a big surprise this Christmas Eve. Mrs. Nita Ambani – Chairperson, Reliance Foundation invited these special kids to unique celebrations at Hamleys store in Lower Parel. The group that included underprivileged and visually impaired children spent a fun filled afternoon with Mrs. Nita Ambani playing hostess for the day. About 45 kids arrived at the store around noon and were treated to a host of activities and games such as identifying songs & actors from popular Bollywood movies, creating shapes using play doh, storytelling etc. Over the period of next 3 days more than 200 underprivileged kids are expected to be a part of similar celebrations.

One  could not ask for a better Christmas than this given all the goodies that were in store for them this festive season! | By Aanchal Kohli [aanchal@adgully.com]