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Fashion Network
02-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
New Balance holds Grey Days campaign event in Delhi
Footwear brand New Balance debuted its annual Grey Days campaign event in India with a fashion show at its exclusive brand outlet in Ambience Mall in New Delhi's Vasant Kunj. The event was designed to spotlight the label's signature shade and design philosophy and celebrate the enduring symbolism of grey in the brand's identity. 'Whether you're new to the brand or a longtime loyalist, grey embodies the promise of everything that sets New Balance apart,' said Brian Lynn, global vice president of lifestyle at New Balance, in a press release. 'Grey Days 2025 showcases its diverse appeal.' Originally adopted in the 1980s to differentiate from bright-coloured synthetic running shoes, grey became New Balance's visual signature. The design choice was designed to reflect the grit of urban road running and stand for craftsmanship, quality, and fearless independence. Grey Days 2025 presented grey as a symbol of limitless possibility, applied across a range of footwear and apparel, from archival looks to contemporary designs. The highlight of the Delhi event was a fashion show featuring key styles from the Grey Days collection. Artists, stylists, sneaker collectors, and fashion influencers were among the attendees, engaging in curated in-store experiences. 'Grey Days debuting in India marks a major milestone for New Balance," said New Balance's India country manager Radeshwer Davar. "We've more than doubled our retail footprint in the past year, and this momentum shows the brand's rising significance in the Indian market.'
Mint
28-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Inside India's first Lego store in Gurugram
I still remember the first time I held a Lego brick. It was in the mid-80s, and my father had brought back a police command base set from one of his trips abroad. It soon transformed into a suburban home, then a makeshift moon base as we added bricks and pieces from other sets over the years. Fast forward nearly 40 years, and life's come full circle as I travel the world and drop into Lego stores to pick up sets that I can build with my now 12-year-old. Yet, each visit to stores abroad, from New York to London, has always raised one question—when will it come to India? Well, that question has finally been put to rest as Lego threw open the doors to its first Lego Certified Store at Ambience Mall in Gurugram. Spanning 4,500 square feet, it is the brand's largest store in South Asia. Walking into it felt like stepping through a portal, with the scent of fresh plastic bricks, the multicoloured explosion of sets lining the shelves (everything from the Friends and Icons to the Technic and the Botanicals collections), fully built sets on display, play tables, and features that are essential to Lego stores, like a Pick-a-Brick Wall, Build-a-Minifigure Station and a rare Minifigure Factory. Then there are the uniquely Indian models and installations—a near-life-sized cricketer minifigure greeting fans as they enter the store, and a 13,589-piece mosaic of India Gate. The pièce de resistance is a scaled-down 76,000-piece model of the front of a typical Indian truck; fans can pop behind the wheel for a photo. Bhavana Mandon, country manager at Lego India, says the brand has been very mindful to deliver a rich Indian experience, and that little elements of Delhi and its cultural fabric will be visible across the store. John Seemon, a techie and a passionate Lego collector for over 25 years, acknowledges the tantalizing role that the built-up sets play in influencing his purchases: 'More than once, I've ended up buying a set that wasn't on my radar…something about seeing the finished build pulls you in…the kind of inspiration you don't get when shopping online". On launch day, the store was bursting at the seams. In between the squeals of children and adults posing for photographs with their purchases, I caught a quiet moment at the Build-a-Minifigure station where an eight-year-old girl outfitted a character to look like herself, and exclaimed, 'This is me, Mumma!" to her mother. In that moment, I was taken back 40 years, to the kid who first discovered his lifelong love for this 'highly sophisticated interlocking brick system' we know as Lego. If you're new to the brand, walking into a LEGO store can be a viscerally overwhelming experience, even as the stores are organized neatly into the various themes and categories (toddlers, adults) for most folks to walk right up to the shelves that most interest them. Close at hand are the LCS staff, all of whom are well trained to answer questions, offer recommendations, and assist with purchases, and many of them share that infectious love for building. For a brand that's been aspirational in India and sustained by generations of parents bringing back sets when they travelled abroad, the availability has improved over the past five years, with big toy retailers and e-commerce platforms stepping in. The store adds a touch-and-feel experience for the growing Lego fandom in India, from the interactive play zones where children can sit and build—no screens, no instruction, just raw imagination at work—to the Pick-a-Brick wall, where serious builders can buy large quantities of specific bricks for their custom builds. Vimal Sasidharan, a Bengaluru-based commercial pilot and a collector with close to 100 sets, says he is 'always blown away by the seeing life-sized builds in stores, and the ability to interact with incredibly complex builds up close serves as a reminder of how playful and limitless creativity can be". Lego collectors and builders, this writer included, have often bemoaned the fact that India trailed global launches by months, and some sets never came to Indian stores. Seemon says he has sourced sets and parts from abroad in the past, and had to 'deal with international shipping, and pay customs. It's been a bit of a mission every time". The certified store is likely to address this gaping void, with near-same-day availability as the rest of the world. Dhara Mehta, a media professional turned education entrepreneur, who was introduced to Lego via her three-year-old's interest in the sets, runs an activity centre in Mumbai that aims to spark creativity and imagination through these bricks. As a learning tool for children, it improves fine motor skills, spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities while fostering creativity, patience and social skills, she says. 'This is not just a toy for kids but a superb hobby for adults to pick up as well," she adds. Ritam Bhatnagar, a media entrepreneur, is another adult super-fan who created a custom Lego mosaic for the launch. For AFOLs (adult fans of Lego) and long-term faithfuls, many of whom have kept the fandom alive despite the odds, the store is a place for community, to congregate with like-minded fans. Some, as Seemon describes it, see it as a pilgrimage, where fans of all ages are welcomed. And leave, likely with lighter wallets, happier. Fan's Glossary AFOL: Adult Fan of Lego MINIFIGURE/MINIFIG: Little Lego people included in most sets MOC: My Own Creation, anything built with Lego bricks without instructions BUILDER: Lego fan whose primary interest is building MOCs COLLECTOR: Lego fan whose primary interest is collecting official sets STUD/ANTI-STUD: The circular bumps on the pieces that fit inside the anti-studs below another piece to form Lego's interlocking system
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
The Lego Group launches first certified-store in India
MUMBAI: The Lego Group on Friday launched its first certified store in India at Ambience Mall, Gurugram, in collaboration with the Ample Group. The Gurugram store will be followed by a second launch at Bengaluru's Brigade Orion Mall in June, with more stores planned across the country in the coming years. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Spanning over 4,500 sq. ft., the store is now the largest Lego Certified Store in South Asia. 'India is one of our fastest-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region, and we see strong long-term potential here. For the last three, we have been growing at a strong double digit growth and expected to build on that growth momentum in the next five years as well. Our strategic focus is on building a deeper connection with Indian families through a robust retail and brand presence. The opening of our first Certified Store in Gurugram marks a key milestone in this journey. It is the first step in a phased expansion plan that will see us open more stores across key cities,' India is one of our fastest-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region, and we see strong long-term potential here. For the last three, we have been growing at a strong double digit growth and expected to build on that growth momentum in the next five years as well. Our strategic focus is on building a deeper connection with Indian families through a robust retail and brand presence. The opening of our first Certified Store in Gurugram marks a key milestone in this journey. It is the first step in a phased expansion plan that will see us open more stores across key cities,' Bhavana Mandon, Country Manager at LEGO India told TOI. The company is also contributing to the broader toy ecosystem through initiatives like its collaboration with The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to support the upskilling of toy designers and engineers in India. Alongside regular workshops and build sessions in-store, the firm aims to expand access to its global portfolio and create more locally relevant experiences. 'India has a strong foundation of curiosity and imagination, and we are committed to supporting it by growing our presence in a way that puts creativity, community and long-term value at the core,' Mandon said.
The Print
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Haryana conducts mock drills across all 22 districts
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier asked all states to conduct mock drills on Wednesday due to the 'new and complex threats' that have emerged amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. As part of the exercise, a 'blackout' was enacted for 10 minutes from 7.50 pm to 8 pm, with the switching off all household lights. Chandigarh, May 7 (PTI) Haryana on Wednesday carried out a civil defence mock drill under Operation Abhyaas as part of a nationwide exercise simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, multiple fire emergencies and search and rescue operations. The drill also aimed 'to enhance public awareness and train citizens in emergency protocols and response measures in the event of war or similar crises,' the state government said. The exercise was carried out in coordination with police, fire and emergency services, health department, civic authorities, and disaster management authorities. Such drills were carried out in Gurugram, Faridabad, Panchkula, Ambala, Rohtak and other places. In Gurugram, a drill was conducted at places such as Ambience Mall, a government school in Sector 47, Salwan School in Sector 15, Hero MotoCorp premises, and Garhi Bazidpur. Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar, who is also the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, said the exercise was seamlessly carried out. Gurugram Police Commissioner Vikas Kumar Arora and DCP Headquarters Arpit Jain were part of the exercise. People volunteered to become mock injured being taken on stretchers to ambulances, fire being doused, and people rushing to safer places as part of the drill. They were briefed on key precautions to take before a blackout, the government statement said. 'These included keeping mobile phones and power banks fully charged, ensuring the availability of essential supplies, and preparing flashlights, solar or battery-powered torches, radios, and glow sticks. 'People were also advised to keep a valid ID and assemble a family emergency kit, comprising water, dry food, and basic medicines,' it said. People were guided to identify a safe inner room or basement as a designated shelter and were encouraged to train all members and rehearse emergency movements, such as switching off all lights and gathering in a secure area within 1-2 minutes. The statement said that the exercise began with the activation of air raid warning sirens at 4 pm, followed by simulation activities at key locations, such mini secretariats, government offices, public sector undertakings, and shopping malls. The final air raid alert was sounded at 7.50 pm, triggering a complete 10-minute blackout. Motorists also complied with the blackout guidelines by parking their vehicles and switching off headlights. The exercise excluded medical establishments, though they too voluntarily participated by covering their windows with thick curtains. Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department) Sumita Misra said the drill was mandated for 11 districts, but to strengthen preparedness, it was decided to be conducted in all 22 districts. Misra monitored the drill from the control room set up in Panchkula. She said Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini directed that the drill be now carried out on May 7 every year 'to ensure — Preparation, Precaution and No Panic.' PTI SUN VN VN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Operation Abhyas: Gurugram carries out drill to test air raid preparedness
Gurugram: A large-scale civil defence drill was conducted across Gurugram on Wednesday, to raise public awareness and test emergency preparedness in case of an air raid. At exactly 4pm, a siren echoed through the city, signalling the start of the exercise. People across five key locations—Ambience Mall, Sector 4/7 Government School, Salwan Public School in Sector 15 Part 2, Hero MotoCorp at Hero Honda Chowk, and the Power Grid in Garhi Bajidpur— responded to the simulated alert with coordinated efforts. Firefighters, police personnel and NCC cadets during Operation Abhyas in Salwan Public School at Sector 15 Part 2 near Civil Lines police station in Gurugram on Wednesday. (HT PHOTO) Gurugram deputy commissioner Ajay Kumar, who led the initiative, monitored the entire drill from a central control room set up at the Mini Secretariat. The Tau Devi Lal Stadium served as the command staging area, from where five task forces led by senior officers were deployed. Each team carried out rescue operations, coordinated with police, civil defence, and fire services and simulated real-time evacuation and medical aid. At many sites, civilians trapped on upper floors were successfully rescued using mock emergency protocols. Kumar said that the exercise, conducted under the Ministry of Home Affairs' nationwide civil defence directive, aimed to test and strengthen Gurugram's emergency response system. 'This drill teaches citizens how to act swiftly and responsibly during an air raid. Knowing where to shelter, how to blackout a home, and how to assist others can save lives,' he said. A scheduled blackout from 7.50pm to 8pm was also observed across urban and rural Gurugram. Residents actively participated, turning off lights and cooperating with officials, signalling strong community support. Civil defence teams, Red Cross volunteers, SDRF, and multiple departments jointly executed the drill, overseen by Gurugram Police commissioner Vikas Arora and senior administrative officers. Officials reiterated that the drill was not only a test of infrastructure but also a means to mentally and physically prepare citizens for real emergencies. The DC urged the public to report any suspicious activities and reminded them that the state government has officially implemented the Incident Response System (IRS) under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 to streamline emergency protocols. The evening concluded with a review meeting at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, where task force leaders briefed the DC and the police chief on the drill's outcomes, successes, and areas of improvement.
