Padma Shri Mohanlal launches Ethnix and ERA jewellery brands for Malabar Gold

Malabar Gold also announced the opening of their 28th retail outlet at Lulu Hypermarket, Al Qusais, Dubai, as a part of its ambitious Dhs300m expansion plans for the Middle East region.

Padma Shri Mohanlal, India's leading actor and the brand ambassador of Malabar Gold, unveiled the two timeless designer collections - Ethnix and ERA.

Mr. Mohanlal, said:

"Malabar Gold upholds a unique commitment to customers - Beauty and Quality. The two new designer brands, Ethnix and ERA, underscore this brand philosophy and give customers an unparalleled jewellery experience. At the core of Ethnix and ERA, like all Malabar Gold jewellery, is unmatched craftsmanship, purity and design excellence."

He also announced that the new retail outlet of Malabar Group will be inaugurated by Padma Shri Yusuf Ali MA, Managing Director, EMKE Group, on June 28, 2009 at 5 pm at Lulu Hypermarket in Al Ghusais.

Ethnix is handcrafted designer jewellery that draws on the ethnic influences from India's rich cultural heritage. These design influences are given new interpretations in 22 karat gold necklaces, ear-rings and bangles.

ERA is a fusion of ageless Indian jewellery styles with modern trends. Exquisitely crafted in 22 karat gold, the ERA jewel pieces are studded with uncut diamonds and precious stones offering a truly resplendent appeal to jewellery lovers. Mr. Rajesh Nair, Brand Consultant to Malabar Gold, said the brands assure value for money for customers.

Highlighting Malabar Gold's commitment to the Middle East region, Mr. M. P. Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director - International Operations, said, "The Middle East is one of our key growth markets, and we have ambitious growth plans for the region. With our Dhs300m expansion plans, we target a turnover of over Dhs750m from the Middle East operations."

He added, "According to recent reports, UAE is leading the region in consumer confidence and in retail development. By drawing on this robust growth environment for gold and jewellery retail, Malabar Gold will strengthen our presence in the region. We are further building on our brand with the launch of Ethnix and ERA, which will appeal to all cross-sections of buyers."

On the activities of the group in India, Mr K. P. Abdul Salam, Director, Malabar Group, said the company plans to open ten new jewellery show rooms in India, which will power the Group's turnover target of $850m.

All outlets of Malabar Gold, including the new showroom in Al Ghusais, will showcase the two new trendy brands that celebrate timeless elegance. The new showroom is the fifth Malabar Gold outlet in the Middle East, a growth achieved in less than one year since the company's foray into the region.

Malabar Gold will open their sixth showroom in the UAE in Al Ain in Lulu Hypermarket followed by new outlets at the Al Nahda Lulu Hypermarket in August and another Malabar Gold showroom in Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi. In September, the company will mark its presence in the Al Khail Mall in Al Quoz. Malabar Gold also has strong growth plans for Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The Al Ghusais outlet of Malabar Gold will sport an elegant décor and will be managed by experienced sales professionals. It will feature a wide range of exquisite jewellery designs in gold, diamond, platinum and precious stones with designs from Italy, Singapore, Bahrain and India.