Black Friday 2024: Transforming Shopping Malls into Retail Havens

Black Friday 2024: Transforming Shopping Malls into Retail Havens

By Author

Published on November 30, 2024

As the biggest shopping event of the year, Black Friday 2024 is redefining the retail landscape, particularly in shopping malls across India. This global shopping phenomenon, known for massive discounts and limited-time offers, is more than just a sale—it’s a celebration of consumer excitement, brand engagement, and experiential shopping.

At Hospitalitynews, we delve into how shopping malls are stepping up their game, creating vibrant environments to attract visitors, offering them more than just discounts but a holistic shopping experience.

The Rise of Experiential Shopping

Unlike the isolated online experience, malls are leveraging Black Friday to offer interactive and immersive shopping experiences. From exclusive giveaways to extended sale hours and entertainment zones, malls are going beyond traditional shopping. The goal? To keep footfall high and make the shopping journey memorable.

Top Malls Leading the Charge

Gaur City Mall, Greater Noida West

Known for housing a blend of premium and budget-friendly brands, Gaur City Mall is offering flat 50%-60% discounts on over 60 renowned brands. Extended hours from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM ensure that shoppers don’t miss out on the best deals.

Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Nestled in the heritage-rich Chandni Chowk, Omaxe Chowk merges tradition with modern retail. Shoppers spending ₹1,00,000 or more are rewarded with ₹5,000 gift vouchers, while top spenders (₹3,00,000+) can win 24kt gold coins.

Vegas Mall, Dwarka, Delhi

This vibrant mall lives up to its name with its “Record-Tod Sale”, offering flat 50% off on premium brands like H&M, UNIQLO, and Bath & Body Works. For cinema enthusiasts, PVR INOX’s ₹99 movie tickets and unlimited popcorn refills add a touch of entertainment to retail therapy.

Urban Square Mall, Udaipur

Urban Square Mall combines shopping and leisure with its Cinema Lovers Day, allowing visitors to enjoy movies for just ₹99 on 29th November. PVR INOX Kotak Credit Card holders get an even sweeter deal with ticket prices slashed to ₹1.

Malls: A Hub for Hospitality and Retail Synergy

Malls are becoming spaces where retail meets hospitality, offering curated dining experiences, themed events, and personalized customer service. These efforts amplify footfall and create lasting impressions on shoppers, blending commerce with comfort.

How Black Friday Benefits the Hospitality Industry

The synergy between retail and hospitality industries is evident as Black Friday sales encourage increased dining, hotel bookings, and even tourist traffic to iconic shopping destinations. Malls like Omaxe Chowk, situated in cultural hubs, are seeing visitors turn shopping sprees into mini-getaways.

This Black Friday, malls are no longer just shopping centers; they are retail ecosystems, offering a unique combination of discounts, entertainment, and experiences. The evolving mall experience reflects how retail spaces are adapting to modern consumer demands, making Black Friday a pivotal moment for both retail and hospitality sectors.

Hospitalitynews celebrates these innovations and invites readers to explore the transformative world of Black Friday 2024. As the lines between shopping, leisure, and hospitality blur, it’s clear that malls are here to stay as the heart of modern retail.


Karanveer Singh and Pawan Mudgal of Amritara Hotels & Resorts Win Outstanding Leadership Awards 2025

Karanveer Singh and Pawan Mudgal of Amritara Hotels & Resorts Win Outstanding Leadership Awards 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2025

Amritara Hotels & Resorts’ leaders, Mr. Karanveer Singh and Mr. Pawan Mudgal, have been honored with the Outstanding Leadership Awards 2025 by MakeMyTrip. The event, hosted by MakeMyTrip in Gurgaon on 7th August 2025, recognized individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

The award celebrates visionary leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. Both leaders have played pivotal roles in driving Amritara Hotels & Resorts to new heights in customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and brand positioning.

Mr. Karanveer Singh, with his expertise in revenue management and strategic planning, has been instrumental in elevating the performance of Amritara properties, consistently ensuring top rankings in competitive markets. His innovative approach towards pricing, distribution, and customer engagement has set new benchmarks for the brand.

Mr. Pawan Mudgal, with his extensive leadership experience and sharp business acumen, has been a driving force in strengthening Amritara’s market presence. His ability to align teams with the brand’s vision and his relentless pursuit of operational excellence have contributed immensely to the group’s success.

Speaking on the recognition, the awardees expressed their gratitude to MakeMyTrip and dedicated the honor to the hard work and dedication of the Amritara Hotels & Resorts team.

"This award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective efforts of our incredible team at Amritara Hotels & Resorts. Together, we are committed to redefining hospitality with innovation, authenticity, and exceptional guest experiences," said Mr. Singh and Mr. Mudgal in a joint statement.

The Outstanding Leadership Award 2025 reinforces Amritara Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to excellence and further strengthens its position as one of India’s leading hospitality brands.


Akasa Secures ₹1,200 Crore Investment to Fuel Global Expansion Plans

Akasa Secures ₹1,200 Crore Investment to Fuel Global Expansion Plans

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2025

Akasa, India’s youngest airline, has successfully completed a fresh investment transaction of about ₹1,200 crore, welcoming new investors such as Premji Invest, 360 ONE Asset, and the investment office of Ranjan Pai. The Jhunjhunwala family, an existing investor, also infused additional capital into the airline.

The airline, which began operations three years ago, announced that the closure of this funding round followed the receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals. Despite facing losses like most startup airlines, Akasa has ambitious plans for expansion, with a fleet of 30 aircraft currently in service and 190 Boeing 737s on order.

Akasa termed this investment a “significant milestone” in its growth journey and shared its aspiration to be among the top 30 airlines in the world by the end of this decade. The funds will be directed toward expanding operations, enhancing customer experience, and investing in safety, reliability, and advanced technology.

Vinay Dube, founder and CEO of Akasa, expressed gratitude to both new and existing investors, saying, “We warmly welcome our new investors to the Akasian family and deeply appreciate their confidence in our team. Their support affirms our vision and strengthens our ability to scale sustainably while keeping customers and employees at the heart of our operations. We remain especially grateful to the Jhunjhunwala family for not just helping us take flight but for their continued belief in our dream to redefine air travel in India.”

Manoj Jaiswal of Premji Invest highlighted the growth potential of Indian aviation, stating, “We are excited to partner with Akasa, India's fastest growing airline, in its next phase of growth. We believe Indian aviation industry has strong growth potential, domestically and beyond. Team Akasa is brilliantly positioned to execute on this opportunity.”

Umesh Agrawal, fund manager of 360 ONE Asset, added, “We are elated to partner with Akasa Air at a time when India’s aviation sector is poised for tremendous growth. This investment will support Akasa Air’s mission to build a customer centric airline.”

Shyam Powar, chief investment officer at Claypond Capital, also expressed confidence, saying, “What excites us is not just the scale of the opportunity, but the passion and purpose with which the team is building this airline. We are proud to back Akasa and look forward to supporting them in their journey to build a world class airline from India.”

Currently, Akasa serves 23 domestic and six international cities, and has flown over two crore passengers since its inception.


Nouveau Design Group Revives 700-Year-Old Fort Barwara into Six Senses Resort

Nouveau Design Group Revives 700-Year-Old Fort Barwara into Six Senses Resort

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2025

Against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills, the 700-year-old Fort Barwara has found a new life as Six Senses Fort Barwara, thanks to an extraordinary restoration by Nouveau Design Group and Panika. Spearheaded by Principal Architect Manish Mehta, the project stands as a remarkable example of adaptive reuse, honouring the spirit of Rajasthan’s royal past while reimagining it for today’s world of sustainable luxury.

Originally built in the 14th century, the fort had weathered centuries of battles and time. For Mehta and his team, the mission was clear, to revive its essence, not just its structure. “The fort represented not just stone and mortar but the soul of Rajasthan’s architecture. Our responsibility was to revive its spirit”, says Mehta.

Staying true to the fort’s original character, the design preserves battlements, domes, arched walkways, and courtyards, weaving them into a modern hospitality experience. The Zanana Mahal (ladies’ quarters) now houses a serene Six Senses spa, while the Mardana Mahal (men’s quarters) has been reimagined as the lobby and bar. Across 48 suites, temples, and dining areas, guests encounter Mughal-style courtyards, jharokhas, and jalis that echo the fort’s architectural soul.

Every detail reflects authenticity, stone sourced from nearby quarries, Rajasthani marble, lime-washed walls, handmade carpets, and antique-finished fittings, all crafted to blend seamlessly with the fort’s heritage.

Sustainability anchors the project. Thick stone walls and passive cooling reduce energy needs, while rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and organic gardens align with Six Senses’ eco-conscious ethos. The resort is fully plastic-free, complemented by discreetly integrated modern comforts like fibre-optic connectivity and smart water systems.

Lighting design adds to the fort’s majesty, using warm tones to highlight its sculptural elements, while the central Mughal-style courtyard doubles as a stage for reflection and cultural performances.

“This fort was built to endure war and climate”, notes Mehta. “Our sustainability measures honour that resilience through future-ready design”.

Today, guests arrive not as conquerors but as participants in the fort’s ongoing story, a space where Rajput strength meets modern elegance. With its sensitive yet forward-thinking transformation, Six Senses Fort Barwara sets a benchmark in heritage conservation and sustainable luxury.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.