Business
Increased footfall signals quick uptick in consumer spending: fashion retailer
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Fashion conscious consumers who had to remain indoors for most of the past year due to the pandemic, are emerging as the major group influencing sales of clothing items and accessories in the run up to Aluth Avurudu season, Dinesh Ekanayake, an assistant general manager at Fashion Bug told The Island Financial Review on Saturday.
He said he could already see a full year of pent-up fashion consciousness and desire waiting to be unleashed, driving a higher footfall to their stores spurring a notable rebound in consumer spending.
“We also notice that the consumer behaviour when choosing products has become more discerning and sophisticated. So we have focused on how consumer requirements can be satisfied and we drew our attention to the development of more products and brands according to consumer needs and attitudes,” he said.
When asked about the differences between men’s and women’s shopping habits. Dinesh said,”Women tend to spend more time in the store while men are more likely settle for the first feasible item meeting their needs. And women buy more items than men do.”
Asked which gender spends more on clothes, he said,” That’s an easy question. Women spend more on clothes. But let me say this too. Women are more likely to walk around and compare the prices unlike men perhaps because they buy clothes more frequently.”
Responding to another question he said, “Yes, we are aware that consumers have to bear price pressure in the food market, so we have made a good arrangement at our stores to balance it out and make them feel at ease. We have done it by focusing on ‘value for money’ for our consumers, after considering the broader economics they have to deal with on a daily basis. With the new expansion and other measures, we are ready to cater to all segments of our consumers without leaving anyone behind.”
Dinesh made these comments when Fashion Bug introduced a new look to their Maharagama branch, opening the refurbished branch to the public in the area.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment was the chief guest at the event.
Dr. Jasinghe said,” My association with Fashion Bug goes back to 2001 when I used to take my daughter to Fashion Bug near British Council to do some shopping. Later we formed an official bond where Fashion Bug wanted to engage in corporate social responsibility activities in healthcare settings. They agreed to a proposal forwarded by me to make their CSR work more formal and sustainable over a period of five years at least. They accepted that concept and they have been adopting the model for maintaining the particular clinical ward at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital and a number of other hospital wards in the country today. We are glad to see that other companies also have embraced this model in their CSR work in the health sector to help out the patients”.
Shabier Subian – CEO of Fashion Bug said, “It’s no secret that due to unprecedented events, many of our clients seek something to add a little brightness and colour in their lives. Let Fashion Bug be your ‘silver lining’ with something new for everyone.”
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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