When you drive into a petrol station, you don’t just drive out with a full tank. There is coffee, burgers, flowers, jewellery and more to be bought, finds RESHMA KRISHANMURTHY SHARMA

Bite into that juicy burger as your car gets its share of fuel. Yes you read it right. Apart from filling fuel, Bangaloreans have slowly started accessing other services at many city fuel bunks. What was unimaginable a decade ago in India has become reality with fuel stations offering food, grocery, and even jewellery stores on their sites.

Shop for essentials, access ATMs, catch up with pals at a coffee joint, or munch on a burger, buy flowers or even diamonds. Obviously much has changed in the concept of a traditional petrol station. Non-fuel services are in demand as convenience takes centrestage.

Buy movie tickets too: Leveraging on existing space in fuel stations, companies are forging strategic alliances with various retailers; be it cafes or quick service restaurants.A.L Krishnan, Territory Manager, Retail, Bharat Petroleum, says: “We were the first to bring out the concept of allied retail businesses called ‘In & Out’ stores in our petrol stations. At select bunks, a customer can not only shop for daily needs but also use other services like booking railway or movie tickets. Now with outlets like Café Coffee Day or McDonalds, our customers will have more reasons to come over to our stations.”

“In addition, on highways, our Ghar Dhaba outlets at select petrol stations have offerings like restaurants, dormitory and grocery that are targeted at regular vehicle users and truckers” he added.

Talking about her experience on using non-fuel services at a city petrol station, interior designer, Vaishnavi P. says, “With time posing a major constraint, moving on to different locations to buy a few basic things for home becomes difficult. I like to finish a lot of my out-of-home chores at one place. Many a time, I combine the activity of withdrawing cash from ATM at my regular petrol bunk and fill fuel and this saves me an additional trip to the bank.”

Apart from utilising space strategically, fuel stations and alliance partners find support in the form of additional revenues through such services. With marketing gurus reiterating the fact that the customer is the king it has never been better for a vehicle user.

No dearth of takers: Amit Jatia, MD & JV partner McDonald’s India (West & South) says: “In today’s time customer convenience and service have become critical driving forces for any industry. With our partnership with Bharat Petroleum and HPCL at select stations in a few cities across southern and western India, we want to give consumers the option to enjoy our product offerings even when they are on the move. Also the response we have received at our quick service restaurants on Kasturba Road and in Channapatna has been encouraging”

Observer of marketing trends, author, CEO, brand-comm, Ramanujam Sridhar says: “Yes, this is a concept which is extremely popular in the east. However, more than cities, the idea has greater opportunities to succeed on highways as they have more time to shop.”

Whether we like to shop or eat at a petrol station or not, the concept is finding its patrons surely. So remember the next time your family coaxes you for that pending Sunday outing, save time and effort by just driving up to a chic petrol station that does a lot more than just care for your vehicle.

Bang for buck

Pick up your daily needs at a petrol bunk

Avoid traffic, save fuel; eat out at a drive in

Buy flowers or diamonds for your wife, there’s an ATM too, so no excuses

And yes, there’s petrol too!

Successfully fighting off challenges from platinum and diamonds, gold remains an all-time favourite, writes RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA

Driving across the city, one is bound to notice hoardings that insist that platinum is the metal of choice for the new-age woman. There is also the oft-repeated phrase of diamonds being a girl’s best friend. However, no amount advertising or promotional activities can change the fact that Indian women have a major soft spot for gold.

The precious metal has managed to attract patrons in all age groups fighting off strong competition from other metals. What is it about gold that explains its mass appeal? Is it looks or the perception of gold as an investment or the popular opinion that gold looks good on Indian skin that attracts buyers?

Dancer Vani Ganapathy, who loves jewellery believes the fascination of gold comes from history. “The concept of possessing gold jewellery is very strong in our country. It is something that is passed through generations. Mothers pass their jewellery to their daughters or in-laws share the family heirlooms with daughters-in law. Even historically and in myths, it is gold and not platinum or diamonds that play an important part.”

Srinivas, Branch Manager, Bhima Jewellers says: “Gold has always been seen as a safe investment. People believe that return on gold jewellery gives them better value than other jewellery be it pearls or precious stones. This combined with its use for once-in-a-lifetime occasions like marriage contributes to its popularity.”

Though silver jewellery or miniature studded stones are popular with the younger generation, gold is not left behind. For those who find gold too flashy or gaudy, the yellow metal has morphed with the times. Whether by entering into the branded jewellery segment or offering minimalist designs at affordable prices, gold has ensured its strong position across societal strata.

Actor Jennifer Kotwal, who is also the brand ambassador for a jewellery chain, comments: “Gold has been adapted to suit contemporary tastes with classier pieces. If one has a problem with heavy sets or the dilemma of wearing gold over western outfits, then one has the option of doing a mix and match like wearing a gold pendant with a diamond stud or going in for classy look depending on the occasion, and one’s own style.”

Whether as an investment, or for the intricate designs, gold will always be a must have in our jewel boxes.

The sari is the all-round favourite for celebrations, writes RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA

Ask any of a cosmopolitan woman on her outfit of choice for daily wear and you can be sure a sari will not feature among the different options given. Most urbanites perceive the sari to be best suited for occasional wear. The six-yard wonder, however, gets special attention even by non-regular users during a festival. The preference maybe due to the perceived difficulty in draping a sari or the fact that heavy, rich fabrics are best reserved for a special event.

Vinutha Suresh, an entertainment professional says: “It is highly unlikely that you will catch me in a sari on an everyday basis. However a festival gives me the opportunity to wear a sari. I can buy an expensive sari without feeling too guilty about it.”

Showrooms too are cashing on such opportunities. Whether it is by offering discounts, the latest designs and fabrics or creating eye-catching window dressing, stores and boutiques make sure that buying a sari is one of the must-dos during festivals.

Kalyan Annam, CEO, Kalamandir says: “A festival thankfully even now brings in the essential elements of tradition and one of the ways of celebrating is dressing in the right attire. Certainly saris are in demand during a festival as the occasion gives women the opportunity to indulge in richer and traditional fabrics.”

Shashikala, a designer says: “Comfort is a key issue for working professionals like me and the sari somehow is not associated with it. Yet the garment looks so beautiful on every woman, that it seems the natural choice for festivals. The wonder of the sari, so simple and so rich adds sparkle to a memorable day.” “Traditional clothes have a huge hand in signifying a celebration and a sari adds to the festive feeling,” says Saraswathi Murthy, a homemaker.

A sari as a garment has no doubt grown with the times and has a lot to offer to lure youngsters to trying them out. From unusual prints and designer cholis to rich, exotic fabrics there are many ways of getting the young hooked to this classy yet contemporary outfit. And a festival is the perfect time to unleash the sari on all the dudes and dudettes.

The tradition of carrying a lunch box to office seems to be going out of style thanks to tight schedules, writes RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA

If it is lunchtime, it is quite possible your colleague will suggest a new darshini or the same tried-and-tested eat out that takes care of your hunger pangs everyday. The concept of carrying a lunch box even though healthy, somehow seems just that bit obsolete with the growing, working population.

If one observes the increasing number of people at any Darshini at noontime, it seems like a natural transition in new-age lifestyle. Modern-day schedules, as well as the effort and inconvenience of carrying prepared meals from home are some of the reasons why people prefer to eat out, instead of taking tiffin boxes.

A majority suggest the transition is a reflection of increasing number of women entering into professional streams. Yet when probed, there appears to be more factors that are contributing to this shift. For some, they do not want to cause too much inconvenience at home. Others feel when hot meals are readily available, there seems to be no point in carrying lunch which would be cold by the time one eats it.

Gautam Halkurke, a senior software engineer working in Accenture says: “I do understand a meal from home is any day better than having something outside, but it is not practically possible. I generally have to leave at half-past seven in the morning. My mom has been packing my dad’s lunch box for years; I do not want to cause additional inconvenience by pressuring her to pack something early for me as well. Either I eat at the office canteen or a few colleagues get together and go to a nearby restaurant.”

Ramachandra, cashier at Nisarga restaurant on Infantry Road says, “It’s a matter of convenience. There are many reasons why the working population comes here at noontime. We have found out a lot of companies nearby, even though they have a canteen facility, order tiffin boxes for their employees. People prefer having a meal in a vegetarian restaurant rather than from a tiffin box that comes with vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.”

It is not just working women who have the time constraint; even homemakers find this a convenient option, as packing lunch in the prime rush hour seems a tedious task.

Says Roopa P., a wealth manager in a bank, “I guess packing lunch for my little one at school is a matter of concern and that is why most mothers do it. I have found many of my colleagues have just enough time to get ready and come to office in the morning with breakfast and lunch at office, and have just about enough time to prepare one meal in the evening. This is of course until children come on the scene.”

For Vikas S., a content manager, who also runs a business: “I am generally on the move. So it is a matter of convenience to eat at a restaurant. In addition, sometimes I have to leave as early as 8.30 a.m., so where is the question of expecting people at home to give me packed boxes when there is barely enough time to prepare breakfast?”

If people are thronging Darshinis and other small restaurants between 12 and 2 p.m., fine dining restaurants also find many takers for their executive lunch buffets.

Talking about pros and cons of eating out versus packed lunch boxes, nutritionist and dietician at Manipal Specialty Hospital Sreemathy Venkataraman says: “One should be careful about hygiene as most people are prone to burning sensation or food poisoning which could be due to rice cooked with soda or oil that is not fresh. However, one can make an outside lunch a healthy one, provided you are eating at the right place. Cleanliness cannot be overlooked and try and see if you can order a fruit bowl or salad and have a light meal with lassi. As most people are hard pressed for time, they can at least make an effort of carrying a fruit like a banana or an apple to office.”

Venkatraman adds: “Food taken from home is always according to one’s taste. One can, however, try and minimise the ill effects of eating out by choosing the right food.”

It’s not that people are not aware of healthy eating habits, but convenience seems to have an upper hand in comparison to everyday, healthy eating options.

Hope the day of modern lifestyle does not dictate all three meals at restaurants.

Hot options

Time is a major constraint

Carrying a packed lunch can be a messy affair and it would be cold by the time of eating as opposed to hot food at a restaurant

Eating out is all right as long as you watch out for hygiene and make healthy choices

Women frequent upmarket spas and salons for some pampering and quality me-time, writes RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA

Looking good has been a priority since forever. Didn’t Cleopatra bathe in ass milk and drink pearls to look a knockout? And didn’t Hamlet rudely tell his mum to paint an inch thick but yet come to poor Yorrick’s state?

The trend, however, to pamper oneself at an upmarket salon or spa, is relatively new.

Be it a homemaker or a working professional most people are heading for branded up market salons rather than the smaller ones in the neighbourhood. Whether it is unisex parlours, or a salon that also doubles up as a spa, beauty studios are pulling all stops to have the millennial woman destress and pamper herself.

Plush interiors, exotic and soothing aromas, well-mannered staff, soft lights, the latest magazines make all the difference. Such pampering comes with a price, but customers believe it is worth their while.

Manjul Gupta, who owns Body Craft says: “At our salon we give importance to personal attention. Hard work pays. The feedback we receive proves that clients want to quality and we believe that we are offering what every customer wants. We have specialised staff for each area like hair or skin, which also translates to value addition for the clients.”

Anita Mithra, a marketing consultant, a regular at a swanky salon says: “It is not that I do not visit smaller salons, but it is limited for mundane stuff like a quick manicure or change of nail polish. For something like hair or a facial I need to be sure of quality as well. Lighter on the pocket, could also mean lighter on service.”

There is a belief that a branded parlour comes with the inbuilt parameters of ambience, hygiene, well trained staff and skilled professionals who are certified from authentic sources and will not be running a shoddy outlet.

Says Prarthna Pradutt of Peaches, “People are aware of global trends and they want the person running the salon not to be just anyone who is there to manage cash but someone who is thoroughly skilled in all facets of the beauty business. People look to the person running the parlour for efficiency of the person to offer the right solutions and products as after all they are paying for it.”

Undeniably the rise of disposable income is also contributing to the choice.

This factor with the awareness and pressure to be well groomed is making urbanites spend on beauty services either as a necessity, a stress buster or as an affordable indulgence.

With a daily bombardment from all kinds of media, younger and younger people are visiting salons and spas for a feel good experience.

Nandini Hirianniah, an entrepreneur with Morpheus Ventures says: “I go to Spratt Studio. It works marvellously well as my three-hour getaway. Apart from the perfect ambience and being looked after by experts, little things like clean floors and towels make this a perfect choice for me.”

Call it a fad or a need the modern women is leaving no stone unturned to look good and have fun while getting it done.

Why would you choose

• Plush interiors, exotic and soothing aromas, well-mannered and highly-trained staff
• Cleanliness and hygiene
• The extra cost is worth it
• A visit to the spa is a perfect stress buster
• Increase in disposable income is a factor as well

People are experimenting with bright colours for the exteriors of their homes, writes RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA

The last couple of years have seen a riot of colours when it comes to painting homes. Each home is getting bolder with colours and vibrancy is the key. Bright hues for exteriors are also catching on with homes daring to sport bright tinges that stand out from the rest of the neighbourhood.

Earlier, sober and neutral wall colours were the preferred option and they were believed to soothe the senses. However all has changed and people are flaunting their vibrant personality on the walls as well.

While it is important to ensure colours do not overpower architectural details; yet going by the shocking blues, bright oranges or overstated mauves, it seems like the trend is here to stay.

With websites of paint companies sharing information for people thinking of painting a their homes, the possibilities are endless. Whether it is as a contrast or as solo bright tinges, one can be exploratory, imaginative and adventurous. Daring to go in for a rather in-the-face bright yellow, Indu Sridhar, a home maker says: “We got our home repainted for my son’s wedding a few months ago. Initially I had reservations of using such a bright colour on the exteriors, today I am more comfortable with it. It was by husband’s idea to use a colour that would make our home stand out. We are receiving varied feedback.”

Krishna Kumar, an interior designer who owns Design Euphoria says: “Whether it is clothes or lifestyle, people are getting lively and experimental. One reading could be bold colours reflects a youthful mind.

Even if people do not go in for a bright shade on all the walls, the trend of using a bright shade on one wall is increasing.

This is called a feature wall and it brings out a home’s aesthetic element.

Like any other industry, paint companies regularly conduct research on emerging colour trends. This year after India-specific research, Asian Paints has unveiled colours like Shocking Pink, Emerald Gold, Hot Shot amongst an array of neutral colours. Colour trends and preferences are cutting across a range of products like clothing, wall paints and automobiles.

What goes on clothes also goes on walls and home furnishings with practically no time lag.

Srikanth S.K., Group Brand Manager, Asian Paints says: “With changing lifestyle, people today are far more exposed to décor trends and are aware of the happening colours thanks to dedicated interior décor magazines. Also we find many Indian home owners have a strong reason to believe that their home should stand out from the rest and the home should look attractive at least for four to five years.

“One more critical reason is that young people now have more money. They can afford to invest in homes and that reflects in the colours they choose.”

While colours on walls take the imagination of the home owner and reflects an attitude that may shock or surprise others for a using a bright tinge, yet the increasing number of homes that are going in for bright colours speaks of new-age preferences. However, one should be cautious think the idea through about whether one would be comfortable with the colour in the long term.

If until now bedrooms or living rooms started the trend of a vivid colour on one wall, today it is the turn of the exteriors to sport bright, cheery colours to liven up the urban landscape.

Technicolour dream houses

• Bold colours reflects a youthful mind
• Using a bright shade for one wall, is called a feature wall and it brings out a home’s aesthetic element
• Colour trends and preferences are cutting across products
• What goes on clothes is soon seen on walls and home furnishings