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.


Thomas Cook India Partners with Ministry of Tourism to Elevate Destination Experiences

Thomas Cook India Partners with Ministry of Tourism to Elevate Destination Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 1, 2025

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India, in a strategic initiative to transform the country’s tourism landscape. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Ms. Seema Jain, Director, Destination Development Division, Ministry of Tourism, and Mr. Romil Pant, Executive Vice President & Head – Holidays, Thomas Cook (India) Limited. The event took place in the presence of key dignitaries, including Mr. Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Mr. Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, and Mr. Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism.

The collaboration focuses on gathering direct and verified traveller feedback to assess India’s best-performing tourism destinations while identifying areas that need improvement. By leveraging its strong physical and digital presence, Thomas Cook India will integrate a co-branded feedback form, standardised by the Ministry, across its platforms. These insights will capture visitor opinions on cleanliness, safety, accessibility, service standards, and overall experiences.

This MoU, valid for three years, underscores a shared commitment to enhancing domestic tourism through transparency and data-driven decision-making. The anonymised, aggregated data will be shared with the Ministry of Tourism to support interventions aimed at improving infrastructure and services at destinations across India.

Mr. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General Ministry of Tourism, said, “We are extremely delighted to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with Thomas Cook India. The idea behind this collaboration is to see how the Ministry of Tourism can collect real-time feedback from users at key destinations across the country. Our aim is to use this data as a foundation to identify and promote destinations that are able to provide great experiences. This marks the first step in a long journey ahead, and we hope this partnership proves fruitful for both of us.”

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, VisaThomas Cook (India) Limited, added, “We are delighted to partner with the Ministry of Tourism on this transformative initiative. With our extensive reach and deep understanding of Indian travellers, Thomas Cook India is uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights on destination performance. Our collaboration will focus on gathering authentic feedback from our customers to empower the Ministry’s efforts in enhancing the quality, safety, and sustainability of India’s tourism offerings.”


Pune Gas and Alister Equipments Host ‘Culinary Futures’ to Redefine India’s HoReCa Landscape

Pune Gas and Alister Equipments Host ‘Culinary Futures’ to Redefine India’s HoReCa Landscape

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 1, 2025

Pune Gas, in association with Alister Kitchen Equipments, successfully hosted Culinary Futures, a three-day immersive event curated for India’s hospitality and commercial kitchen consultants. Held in Pune from 12th to 14th September, the event brought together consultants from across the country to explore future-ready solutions for the HoReCa sector through innovation, collaboration, and cultural experiences.

The event began with a grand welcome at Shaniwar Wada, followed by a heritage food walk through Pune’s old city, giving participants a taste of the city’s authentic sights, sounds, and culinary delights.

Day two became the highlight, as consultants toured the Pune Gas manufacturing facility. The visit offered deep insights into best practices for gas safety, efficiency, and system design, areas often overlooked despite fuel being a critical resource for hospitality businesses. Pune Gas showcased innovations such as the LPGenius Smart LPG System, LeakCheck Gas Leak Detection System, and other advanced technologies, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted solutions provider.

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Participants also visited customer sites powered by Pune Gas systems, gaining firsthand exposure to its efficient installations. A standout moment was the demonstration of an all gas-fired generator at a Pune bakery, which impressed attendees with its reliability and practical application. The day concluded with a cocktail dinner and networking mixer, celebrating collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The third day featured live demonstrations at Alister Equipments’ factory, including the launch of a new product that showcased the brand’s commitment to building next-generation commercial kitchens.

Jesal Sampat, Executive Director at Pune Gas, shared, “Collaboration with consultants is crucial in designing world-class kitchens. With over four decades of innovation, Pune Gas continues to prioritize safety and efficiency while shaping the future of HoReCa.”

Kitchen consultant P. Sravan Kumar from Hyderabad remarked, “Pune Gas innovations are helping HoReCa businesses achieve higher efficiency while reducing operational costs. The exposure to their manufacturing process and interaction with their team reinforced our trust in them as a reliable partner.”

The event reinforced the growing role of kitchen consultants as key enablers in designing safe, efficient, and sustainable kitchens, while also highlighting the shared vision of empowering India’s HoReCa industry.

Culinary Futures was not just about products but also about partnerships and the prosperity of an industry that feeds millions every day.


The 2nd Edition Of Sudha Reddy’s Pink Power Run Witnesses Over 20,000 Participants With Leander Paes, Julia Morley, Opal Suchata Chuangsri In Attendance

The 2nd Edition Of Sudha Reddy’s Pink Power Run Witnesses Over 20,000 Participants With Leander Paes, Julia Morley, Opal Suchata Chuangsri In Attendance

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 1, 2025

The second edition of the Pink Power Run 2025, a flagship initiative by the Sudha Reddy Foundation, saw an overwhelming participation of more than 20,000 people at Necklace Road in Hyderabad, uniting to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

The event began in the early hours and was inaugurated by philanthropist Sudha Reddy, alongside Krishna Reddy, Managing Director of MEIL, Julia Morley, Chairperson of the Miss World Organization, and tennis legend Leander Paes. Reigning Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, also joined, highlighting the global significance of the cause through her charitable project, Opal for Her.

Themed Stride & Shine, this year’s edition brought together an inspiring mix of participants, including celebrities, influencers, elite international runners, students, senior citizens, corporate leaders, underprivileged women, and dignitaries. Delegates from the Miss World Organization, including continental winners and Miss India World Nandini Gupta, added to the star-studded line-up. Pre-event activities such as fitness workshops, survivor stories, and social media campaigns deepened engagement with the cause.

The run featured 10 km, 5 km, and 3 km categories, culminating in an energetic awards ceremony. The 10 km race winners received ₹3.5 lakh, ₹2.5 lakh, and ₹1.5 lakh, while the 5 km race winners received ₹2 lakh, ₹1.5 lakh, and ₹1 lakh. Julia Morley was honoured with the Excellence in Mentorship Award 2025 for her remarkable leadership and lifelong dedication to empowerment.

Remarkable performances were witnessed across categories. In the men’s 10K division, Ankit Gupta secured first place at 30:52, followed by Kamlakar Deshmukh and Shubham Sindhu. In the women’s 10K, Seema Seema finished first at 34:44, with Bharti Nain and Sonika Sonika close behind. In the 5K, Harmanjot Singh topped the men’s category at 14:25, while Ankita Ankita led the women’s with 16:52.

Sharing her thoughts, Julia Morley said, “Our collective efforts can create a powerful movement for breast cancer awareness. Early detection can save countless lives, and the Pink Power Run empowers individuals with the knowledge to take charge of their health.”

Leander Paes added, “This initiative combines fitness with awareness, inspiring hope and proving that every step contributes to a larger movement for change.”

Sudha Reddy expressed, “Pink Power Run is a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity in the fight against breast cancer. With Pink Power Run, Beyond Borders launching in 2026, we are taking this mission global to unite millions across 140 countries.”

The upcoming Pink Power Run, Beyond Borders will debut in 2026 with a 24-hour continental relay and participation from Miss World’s seven continental queens, coinciding with the Miss World Organization’s 75th anniversary.

The Pink Power Run continues to be a beacon of awareness, honouring survivors, supporting fighters, remembering loved ones, and promoting the power of prevention and early detection.

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