Latest news with #luxurybrand
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Transforming Business Through Connectivity, Mobility And Innovation
Lori Thomas is Senior Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Transformation, MetTel. Today, businesses face a common challenge: knowing how to modernize their operations while maintaining agility, reliability and scalability. I've had the privilege of partnering with organizations in diverse industries to help them navigate these challenges. While each company's journey is unique, the lessons learned are universal, and they underscore the power of connectivity, mobility and strategic partnerships in driving business success. Challenges & Solutions Customer and employee expectations continue to evolve, demanding seamless experiences, real-time data and always-on connectivity. At the same time, businesses are grappling with increasingly complex environments. Legacy systems, fragmented networks and disparate technologies often hinder progress, creating inefficiencies and limiting growth. Here are some recent examples of specific challenges we've seen clients face, the solutions we worked on together and what any business leader can learn from each scenario. Challenge: An iconic global luxury brand was moving into a new state-of-the-art headquarters but felt its voice and communications systems did not reflect the same modern elegance and sophistication. Solution: The brand deployed a sleek and intuitive unified communications platform. Starting with a pilot program, the company quickly scaled the solution to include all users and employees. The adoption of the new technology was frictionless and overwhelmingly positive. The result was a modern workplace environment that enhanced collaboration across regions while preserving the brand's commitment to human connection. Challenge: An energy infrastructure giant faced the daunting task of managing tens of thousands of circuits, connections and IoT devices across remote and hard-to-reach locations. Solution: Ensuring uninterrupted service and data flow to the energy company's remote customer base was paramount, enabling them to reach new markets and expand their operational footprint. To address this, a comprehensive solution was needed that consolidated IoT vendors, streamlined device management and integrated satellite connectivity. Starlink technology (Full disclosure: Our company is an authorized Starlink reseller) proved invaluable, serving as both a reliable backup and, in many cases, the primary connectivity option where traditional networks were unavailable or unreliable. This ensured the client could consistently deliver essential services and data, even in the most challenging environments, unlocking new growth opportunities. Challenge: An international restaurant chain struggled with unreliable networks and outdated point-of-sale systems, which hampered its ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Solution: The restaurant chain overhauled its entire network infrastructure, implementing an SD-WAN and Cloud Firewall solution that enabled reliable connectivity, protection from cyberattacks and redundancy at every location. Upgraded guest Wi-Fi and robust access points created a welcoming environment for diners, while the improved network allowed the company to pivot seamlessly to online ordering during the Covid-19 pandemic. Challenge: A North American beverage company sought to streamline mobility for its delivery drivers while scaling IoT-enabled smart devices for customers. Solution: The client leveraged eSIM technology to simplify device activation and deployment for its fleet of delivery drivers. Break-fix processes were optimized to ensure replacements arrived within 48 hours, minimizing downtime. On the IoT side, single-SIM technology enabled the rapid scaling of smart water coolers, providing proactive service and improving customer satisfaction. While these challenges may seem distinct, they share a common thread: the need for technology solutions that are not only innovative but also practical, scalable and aligned with business goals. Takeaways • By streamlining processes and consolidating vendors, you can reduce complexity and focus on core operations. • Advanced technologies like SD-WAN and satellite connectivity help ensure uninterrupted service, even in challenging environments. • From IoT deployments to unified communications rollouts, solutions like these can provide the flexibility needed to adapt and grow. • Whether it was delivering clean water, enabling seamless collaboration or creating memorable dining experiences, these companies put people first, leveraging technology to enhance, rather than complicate, interactions. What Every Business Should Know These stories offer valuable insights for any organization looking to modernize its operations: 1. Start with the end goal in mind. Technology should align with your business objectives and cultural values. Whether it's creating a cohesive brand experience or ensuring operational continuity, clarity of purpose is key. 2. Embrace change incrementally. Pilot programs and phased rollouts can help ease transitions and build confidence among stakeholders. Listening to user feedback ensures smoother adoption and better outcomes. 3. Prioritize partnerships. No organization can tackle these challenges alone. Partnering with a trusted provider enables access to expertise, resources and tailored solutions that drive success. 4. Future-proof your investments. The pace of technological change is accelerating. Investing in scalable, flexible solutions ensures you're prepared for whatever comes next—whether it's a global pandemic, a natural disaster or the next wave of innovation. Building A Better Future With Technology I believe that technology should empower businesses to achieve their full potential. These four organizations—each a leader in their field—demonstrate what's possible when connectivity, mobility and innovation come together. From luxury retail to energy infrastructure, food service to consumer goods, the common thread is clear: The right technology, implemented thoughtfully, can transform challenges into opportunities. Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?
Bloomberg
23-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Prada Scandal Proves the Power of India's Troll Army
Retailing for as little as $10, India's beloved Kolhapuri sandals are a staple in wardrobes across the sub-continent. So when luxury brand Prada SpA debuted a new type of footwear at Milan Fashion Week that bore a stark resemblance to them, it didn't take long for the fury to build online. The saga underscores how much power the South Asian giant's digital tribe holds, where online outrage regularly influences public debate — especially when citizens perceive their heritage is under attack. International firms eyeing one of the world's fastest-growing markets should weigh the risks of these cultural missteps.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Aussies exposed in Louis Vuitton data leak as hackers gain access to passport details, home addresses and phone numbers
Louis Vuitton has suffered a major data breach with customers' personal information such as home addresses and passport numbers compromised. The French luxury brand was subject to a breach by an unauthorised third party on July 2 and, on Tuesday, it was confirmed Australian customers had been affected. Customers in South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Italy and Sweden had previously been revealed as being impacted. While on Monday it was revealed Hong Kong had also been hit with more than 419,000 customers affected. Louis Vuitton confirmed clients' first and last name, gender, country, phone number, email address, postal address and date of birth had been exposed in the breach, in a client email seen by Customers' purchases and preferences data, along with passport numbers were also exposed in the breach. The high-end luxury brand, best known for its infamous monogram handbags, told affected clients that no financial information had been stolen. 'Dear Client, We regret to inform you that an unauthorised third party temporarily accessed our system and obtained some of your information,' the email read. 'On July 2, 2025, we became aware of a personal data breach resulting from the exfiltration of certain personal data of some of our clients following an unauthorised access to our system. The fashion brand assured customers that 'cybersecurity teams have taken care of the incident with the utmost diligence and attention.' Louis Vuitton confirmed measures were taken immediately to 'contain the incident' and blocked the unauthorised third party from accessing further data. The high-end label also warned those who had provided their details to be wary of any suspicious communication. Clients should remain vigilant of any unsolicited emails, phone calls or text messages. Louis Vuitton has told its customers there is currently no evidence their data has been misused, but warned fraud attempts may occur in the future. The email warned clients from revealing their Louis Vuitton password to anyone and clarified the company 'will never ask you to disclose it'. Louis Vuitton falls under the banner of French conglomerate LVMH. The luxury brand is one of several companies in the conglomerate, which also includes high-end labels Dior and Tiffany & Co. Both Dior and Tiffany & Co have been subject to similar data breaches in recent months.
Arabian Business
22-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Indian jewellers Titan to buy 67% stake in Dubai's Damas
Titan Company, part of Indian conglomerate Tata Group, will take a major step in its international growth plan after announcing that it was buying a majority 67 per cent stake in Dubai-based luxury brand Damas from Qatar's Mannai Corporation. The deal, based on an enterprise value of AED 1,038 million (US$282.6 million), makes Titan one of the largest jewellery businesses in the Middle East. Titan is completing the deal through its wholly owned subsidiary, Titan Holdings International FZCO. The completion of the deal is subject to closing conditions and mandatory regulatory approvals. Titan entered the UAE market in October 2020 and already has a significant presence in the country through its seven Tanishq jewellery stores. The new deal gives it access to Damas' 146 stores across the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. Titan acquires majority stake in Damas Titan expected the deal to be complete by January 31, 2026. The company also has the right to acquire the remaining 33 per cent stake in Damas after December 31, 2029. CK Venkataraman, Managing Director of Titan, commented: 'After successfully establishing Tanishq in the GCC countries and the USA, our ambitions for a global jewellery play is moving to the next stage. 'With the Damas acquisition, Titan Company is stepping out from its diaspora focus into other nationalities and ethnicities. Damas is a prestigious brand revered in the GCC markets for its product innovation, quality and customer experience. The brand's rich legacy and strong presence in the GCC region align perfectly with our vision to deliver exceptional value to customers through iconic, consumer-focused businesses. 'The acquisition not only creates a significant new global opportunity for Titan but also enhances the company's overall position in the jewellery market in the GCC countries and brings in multiple synergy benefits in talent, retail networks and supply chain.' While there is a huge Indian expat population in the Middle East which is a ready market for Titan, the company was also lured by 'the region exhibiting robust economic growth creating a demand for differentiated, high-quality offerings rooted in Arabian aesthetic and appealing to sophisticated clientele seeking unique, culturally resonant designs.' Founded in 1907, Damas Jewellery is headquartered in Dubai. It was previously listed on Nasdaq Dubai, before being taken over by Mannai and Egyptian investment bank EFG Hermes in 2012 for US$445 million. EFG Hermes sold its entire 19 per cent stake in the jeweller in 2014 to Mannai. Mannai said it will use the proceeds of the deal to strengthen its resources in support of further expansion of its core trade and IT services businesses in addition to reducing the Group Debt. Alekh Grewal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mannai Corporation, added: 'Mannai Corporation is focused in the B2B segment based on trade and IT services. Damas became a subsidiary of Mannai in 2012, and the time has come for investment in the next phase of its expansion in the region. 'So, we are delighted that Titan is taking the opportunity to invest in the future of Damas. Both Titan and Damas share the same values in terms of passion for beautiful jewellery, innovative design and dedicated customer service, and we are confident that the combination will drive Damas in the next chapter of its growth trajectory in the GCC.'
News.com.au
22-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Louis Vuitton reveals major data breach impacting Australian customers
Louis Vuitton Australia has confirmed a data breach that exposed a wide range of customer information, including names, birthdates, contact details, purchase history and personal preferences. In an email sent to affected clients on Monday, the luxury brand revealed an 'unauthorised third party' had accessed its internal systems, taking personal information from a client database. According to the company, the data involved includes first and last names, gender, country, phone number, email address, postal address, date of birth, as well as purchase and preferences data. 'We regret to inform you that an unauthorised third party temporarily accessed our system and obtained some of your information,' the email stated. While no passwords, credit card details or bank information were compromised, Louis Vuitton has urged customers to be wary of suspicious messages or contact attempts. 'Given the nature of the data involved, we warmly recommend that you remain vigilant against any unsolicited communication or other suspicious correspondence, including emails, phone calls or text messages,' the company said. 'While we have no evidence that your data has been misused to date, phishing attempts, fraud attempts, or unauthorised use of your information may occur.' The breach was first detected on July 2, and Louis Vuitton claims it acted immediately to block the hacker's access and contain the incident. 'Technical measures were immediately taken to contain the incident after its occurrence, notably by blocking the unauthorised access,' the company wrote. 'Louis Vuitton teams are mobilised to cooperate with the competent authorities.' The company added that it had notified authorities and engaged cybersecurity experts to investigate. 'We would like to reassure you that no password nor financial information — such as credit card information, bank details, or other financial accounts, was contained in the database accessed,' the email said. The luxury fashion retailer stressed that the breach has been contained and apologised for the incident. 'We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this situation may cause you,' it said. Louis Vuitton Australia has been asked how many people are impacted and why it took 20 days to alert customers. It comes amid a wave of data breaches on large Australian companies, which have led experts to advocate for the right to force companies to remove personal details from databases. A move they argue would help combat the growing impact of mass data theft. More than 25 million customer accounts have been exposed in just three cyber attacks involving major companies Qantas, Optus and Medibank. University of Queensland cybersecurity expert Ryan Ko told ABC that Australians exposed to cybercrime risk are 'basically just a sitting duck' when their data is leaked.
