MARKETING COORDINATOR (APAC)
Suchita P.
PR & MARKETING COORDINATOR
James H. Swati
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE
CREATIVE CONTENT EDITOR
Shalmali W.
CREATIVE DESIGN HEAD
Sankalp K.
Ashwini D. GRAPHIC DESIGNER
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Narendra S.
DIGITAL CIRCULATION MANAGER
Amanda V.
2024isshapinguptobeapivotalyearforlegalprofessionalsacrosstheAsia-Pacificregion.As globalizationcontinuestobreakdownbordersandtechnologicaladvancementsreshape industries,theroleoflawyershasneverbeenmorecritical.Theyarenotjustlegaladvisorsbut strategicpartners,navigatingcomplexregulatorylandscapes,advocatingforclients'interests, anddrivingimpactfulchangewithintheirsectors.
Thisspecialissue, shinesa “TheMostSuccessfulLawyerstoWatchin2024(APAC),” spotlightonthelegalluminarieswhoaresettingnewbenchmarksintheprofession.Theseare thetrailblazers,innovators,andthoughtleaderswhoareredefiningwhatitmeanstobe successfulinthelegalarena.Theyaretheonestowatch,notonlyfortheirlegalacumenbutfor theirvision,influence,andcommitmenttoexcellence.
Onthecoverofthisissue,wehavefeaturedVishalVijayraoKale,Founding&Managing PartneratKale&ShindeAssociates,adistinguishedsecond-generationDigambarJainlawyer withadynamic25-yearcareerspecializinginlitigationandarbitration.
Foryears,Kalehaschampionedtherightsoftheunderprivileged,dedicatinghimselftoprobono workthathasprofoundlyimpactedmanylives.Throughhisfreelegalservices,hehasbridged thegapbetweenthejudiciaryandeconomicallydisadvantagedindividuals,ensuringtheyhave accesstojustice.
Aswedelveintohisjourney,weuncoverthestrategiesthathavepropelledhimtotheforefront oftheirfield.Weexplorehowtheyareadaptingtotheevolvingregulatoryenvironment,and maintainingethicalstandardsinanincreasinglycompetitivemarketplace.Theirinsightsoffer valuablelessonsforanyoneinthebusinessworld,emphasizingtheimportanceofintegrity, innovation,andresilience.
Asyoureadthroughtheseprofiles,wehopeyougainadeeperappreciationfortheincredible workbeingdonebytheselegalprofessionals.Wealsohopeitinspiresyoutolead,innovate,and excelinyourleadershipendeavors!
Shalmali W. halmaliS
Forthecoverreadabout- Onthecoverofthisissue,wehavefeaturedVishalVijayraoKale, Founding&ManagingPartneratKale&ShindeAssociates,a distinguishedsecond-generationDigambarJainlawyerwitha dynamic25-yearcareerspecializinginlitigationandarbitration.
Foryears,Kalehaschampionedtherightsoftheunderprivileged, dedicatinghimselftoprobonoworkthathasprofoundlyimpacted manylives.Throughhisfreelegalservices,hehasbridgedthegap betweenthejudiciaryandeconomicallydisadvantagedindividuals, ensuringtheyhaveaccesstojustice.
VishalKaleexemplifiesthebestofthelegalprofession,combining hisprofessionalexpertisewithadeepcommitmenttosocialgood. Hehasbeenappointedasagovernmentarbitratorformulti-state cooperativesocietiesinthebankingsectorandasanarbitratorfor numerouscommercialdisputesbytheHonourableBombayHigh Court.
VishalKaleAdvocateasaCounselplayedakeyroleinarguingthe PublicInterestLitigationalongwithotherCounselswhichresulted inthecreationofrulesfortheMaharashtra(urbanareas)Prevention ofTreesAct,1975,andhiseffortsinPublicInterestLitigation(PIL) 93of2005wereappreciatedbyHonourableJusticeD.Y. Chandrachud,thenaJudgeattheBombayHighCourt.
Vishalisdedicatedtosocialcauses,servingasatrusteeat SAMPARCorphanageandactivelyparticipatinginenvironmental conservationthroughvariousPublicInterestLitigations(PILs)inthe NationalGreenTribunal.Thoughnotaffiliatedwithanypolitical party,heworksonsocialinitiativeslikerainwaterconservationand riverpollutionprevention.
Hecontinuesthelegacyofhisfather,Prof.VijayraoJ.Kale,andisa discipleofDr.SudhakarE.Avhad.Vishal’swife,PallaviKale,isa notarypublic,appointedbytheCentralGovernmentandpracticing familylaw.Hisfather-in-lawisaretiredjudgewhonowpractices criminallaw,andhismaternaluncleisalsointhejudiciary, highlightingafamilydeeplyinvolvedinlegalandjudicialservice.
Vishal Kale Top 10 Strongest Currencies in the World 18
Dublin: A City of Culture, Craic, and Charm
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Hollister: From California Vibes to All-inclusive Global Fashion Brand
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5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Business Event
Vishal Kale Closing Divides in India's Social Justice System Kale & Shinde Associates Founder and Managing Partner
In India, pursuing social justice is fraught with challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, caste discrimination, and gender inequality. Lawyers play a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles by providing legal remedies to marginalised communities, advocating for fair laws, and ensuring justice is accessible to the poor and disadvantaged.
Many lawyers offer pro bono services to bridge the gap for those who cannot afford legal representation. They challenge discriminatory laws, le public interest litigations (PILs), and work to uphold the constitutional right to equality. By holding the state accountable and championing human rights, lawyers act as agents of social change.
Vishal Kale VishalVijayraoKale,Founding&ManagingPartneratKale&ShindeAssociatesisadistinguished second-generationDigambarJainlawyerwithadynamic25-yearcareerspecialisinginlitigationand arbitration.Foryears,Kalehaschampionedtherightsoftheunderprivileged,dedicatinghimselftoprobono workthathasprofoundlyimpactedmanylives.Throughhisfreelegalservices,hehasbridgedthegap betweenthejudiciaryandeconomicallydisadvantagedindividuals,ensuringtheyhaveaccesstojustice.
CreatingaLegacyofArbitrationandLitigation VishalKaleexemplifiesthebestofthelegalprofession,combininghisprofessionalexpertisewithadeep commitmenttosocialgood.Hehasbeenappointedasagovernmentarbitratorformulti-statecooperative societiesinthebankingsectorandasanarbitratorfornumerouscommercialdisputesbytheHonourable BombayHighCourt.
VishalKaleAdvocateasaCounselplayedakeyroleinarguingthePublicInterestLitigationalongwithother Counselswhichresultedintocreationof rulesfortheMaharashtra(urbanareas)PreventionofTreesAct, 1975,andhiseffortsinPublicInterestLitigation(PIL)93of2005wereappreciated byHonourableJustice D.Y.Chandrachud,thenaJudgeattheBombayHighCourt.
A Pillar of the Legal Community Inthehigh-profileEVMhackingcase,Vishal successfullyrepresentedaBhartiyaJantaParty candidate,bolsteringconfidenceinEVM machines—thiscasewasalandmarkjudgementand hisroleinthiscomplicatedEVMcasewaswell acknowledgedbyherLadyshipJusticeMrudula Bhatkar.
Currently,asaPartneratKaleandShinde Associates,aleadinglawfirmwithaPANIndia presence,Vishaladvisesprominentclientssuchas thePoonawallaGroup,MahindraandMahindra, AdaniGroup,ShapoorjiPallonji,Bankof Maharashtra,DeutscheBankandmanyother businesstycoons.HealsorepresentedthePune PoliceinHighcourtsandTribunals.
BeyondtheCourtroom Vishalisdedicatedtosocialcauses, servingasatrusteeatSAMPARC orphanageandactivelyparticipating inenvironmentalconservation throughvariousPublicInterest Litigations(PILs)intheNational GreenTribunal.Thoughnotaffiliated withanypoliticalparty,heworkson socialinitiativeslikerainwater conservationandriverpollution prevention.
Hecontinuesthelegacyofhisfather, Prof.VijayraoJ.Kale,andisa discipleofDr.SudhakarE.Avhad. Vishal’swife,PallaviKale,isa notarypublic,appointedbythe CentralGovernmentandpractising familylaw.Hisfather-in-lawisa retiredjudgewhonowpractises criminallaw,andhismaternaluncle isalsointhejudiciary,highlightinga familydeeplyinvolvedinlegaland judicialservice.
KnowledgeisPower Vishal’seffortsextendfarbeyond providinglegalrepresentation.He educatesimpoverishedcommunities abouttheirrights,empoweringthem toseekjusticeactively.This educationalapproachensuresthatthe beneficiariesarenotjustpassive recipientsbutengagedparticipantsin thelegalprocess.Inasocietywhere ignoranceofrightscanleadto exploitationandinjustice,this proactiveeducationalelementis crucial.Heregularlytakeslectures andpublicawarenessabouttherights oftheparties.
Inadditiontohislegaladvocacyand environmentalinitiatives,Vishalis dedicatedtocultivatingthenext generationoflegalprofessionals.He lecturesatmultiplecollegesand institutions,sharinghisextensive
knowledgeandpracticalexperience withaspiringlawyers.Throughhandsontrainingsessionsand comprehensivemodules,heprepares studentstonavigatetheintricaciesof thelegalfield.Everyyearmorethan 50internsand40juniorsaretrained underhim.
CommitmenttoEducation Kale'seducationaleffortsextend beyondtheory.Hehascrafted numeroustrainingmodulesthat incorporatereal-worldscenarios, ensuringpracticalandmeaningful learningexperiences.Impressively,he holdscopyrightsfor16ofthese trainingmaterials,underscoringhis innovativeapproachtolegaleducation. Hehasprovidedthesenotesfreeof costtoalllearnersandnewinlaw subjectsasatrainingmodule.
Despitehissubstantialacademic contributions,Kalemaintainsalow profile,avoidingmediaattentionand publicpraise.Hisdecisiontostayout ofthespotlightreflectsasincere dedicationtothelegalprofessionand itsprogress,drivenmorebyservice thanbyseekingrecognitionandhence wehavetakenanoteofthisgentleman anddecidedtogivehimatokenof appreciation.
PlantingtheSeedsofChange WhileVishalKale'scommendable legalandeducationalendeavours deserverecognition,whattruly distinguisheshimishissimultaneous dedicationtoenvironmental sustainability.Forthepastfiveyears, Kalehasbeenastaunchadvocatefor treeplanting,makingsubstantial contributionstoecologicalharmony Withoutseekingpublicity,hehas personallyplantedover1500trees acrossdiverselocationssuchas schools,hospitals,andpublicparksin lastfiveyears.
Thisdualcommitmenttosocialand environmentalcauseshighlightsa comprehensiveapproachtojustice. Bypromotingenvironmental stewardship,Kaleacknowledgesthat justiceencompassesmorethanjust humaninteractions.
ExcellenceinLegalService KaleandShindeAssociatesisa registeredfull-servicelawfirmlocated neartheDistrictCourtinShivaji Nagar,Pune,havingitsbranchin MumbaiandDelhicommittedto providingpersonalisedandhighqualitylegalsupportandeffective advocacy.TheLawFirmhandles litigationmatterswithdedicationand expertise.
Renownedfortheirswiftandtopnotchservice,KaleandShinde Associatesupholdhighstandardsof efficiencyandqualityoutput.They specialiseinlitigation,ensuringquick resolutionsandflexibilityin scheduling,andoffercomprehensive legaladviceacrossvariousdomainsof law
ChampionsofChange Ineverysociety,thelegalprofession bearsaprofoundresponsibilityfor maintainingpeace,order,andjustice. InIndia,wheresocialcomplexities andinequalitiesarepronounced,the roleoflawyerstranscendsmere courtroomadvocacy.Theyserveas guardiansofjustice,championsfor theunderprivileged,anddefendersof theruleoflaw VishalKalestandsasa notableexampleofsuchdedicated service,embodyingadual commitmenttoadvancingsocial justiceandpromotingenvironmental conservation.Andhencewedecided toconferuponhimthetitleof“Most SuccessfulLawyerstoWatchin2024 (APAC).”
Did you know Dublin is the center of the oldest pub in Ireland, the Brazen Head? The city is worldwide known for its long literary traditions, its culture, and its friendly welcome. It promises to be an exciting venue for both conference activities and further excursions. If you haven’t visited Ireland before, Dublin is an ideal base where you can start exploring the cultural, historical, and natural attractions of the country.
Join us on a journey where we will learn about the rich and fascinating history of the city, some of its interesting facts, and a brief guide on how to explore the city.
Culture, Craic, & Charm Where is DUBLIN Located? The city is located in Leinster Province on the east coast of Ireland, at the mouth of the river Liffey. If you’re traveling west from England, it is the rst city you meet as you cross the Irish Sea.
Climate and Best Time To Visit TheidealtimetovisittheplaceisJulytoAugustwhentemperaturesarewarm(byIrishStandards)andthecityhostsmany festivals.Thisperiodisthemostexpensiveastheflightandhotelratesarehigh,anditcanbeverycrowded.Ifyouwantto savemoneyandavoidbigcrowds,considervisitinginthewinter(atlowseason)withyourheaviestcoat.
Dublin,thecapitaloftheRepublicof Ireland,wasfoundedbytheVikings inthe9thcentury Theliving conditionsoftheVikingswerefar fromideal.Theysimplyliveinhuts madeofwoodwiththatchedroofs.
Inthe11thcentury,Dublinbeganto builditstradinglinkswithvarious EnglishtownslikeChesterand Bristol.Thiswasthethrivingperiod ofthecityasitquicklybecamethe mostimportanttowninallofIreland, whichhadapopulationof approximately4000people.
Atragedystruckin1190whenalarge fireengulfedthecityinflames.As mostofthebuildingsweremadeof woodandthatch,thefirespread quicklyandcreatedsignificant damage.Theresidentsescapedtothe surroundinghillswherethey constructedtemporaryshelters. Duringthe13thcenturyEnglishKing tooksomebrilliantstepsconcerning protection.Theyreconstructeditwith
History Rich and Fascinating stones,includingthefortressandthesurrounding walls.
Attheendofthe13thcentury,thepopulationwas over8,000andthecitywasbenefitingasa prominenttradecenter.Itemssuchaspottery, wine,andironwerebeingimportedwhileexports includedpulses,grain,andhides.
Therewasalotofgrowthduringthe18thcentury, hospitals,parks,andbotanicalgardenswerebuilt.
In1735,theIrishParliamentHousewasbuilt. Soon,transportlinesimprovedasstagecoaches begantravelingfromthecitytovarioustowns, suchasBelfast,Cork,andKilkenny
Today,Dublinisanincrediblypopulardestination. Itisrichinculture,withfriendlypeopleattracting visitorsfromallovertheworld.
FOOD to Tryto Try to Try BAXTY
Itisatraditionalheavymorningmeal consistingofeggs,potatoes,bacon, sausage,tomato,andblackandwhite pudding.Onceyoueatit,youwon’t askforalunch.
ItisanIrish-styledishthatincludes potatoes,cabbage,onions,andkale, blendedwithasolidsquirtofmilk andcream.
Itisatraditionalandbeloveddishof thecity,enjoyedonspecialoccasions. Thedishistypicallycuredandthen slow-roastedtoperfection,resulting inflavorfulmeatwithaslightlysalty taste.
It is a traditional Irish pancake consisting of nely grated and mashed potatoes, pan-fried with buttermilk, eggs, and our.
IRISH STEW It is considered the national dish of Ireland made with beef, garlic, stock, guinness, red wine, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Irish Breakfast
Colcannon
Roast gammon
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Thename‘Dublin’comesfromanoldIrishGaelicPhrase‘DubhLinn’whichmeans“BlackPool”when translatedintomodernEnglish.ThisnamewasinspiredbyalargelakethatformedaftertheRiverLiffeyand PoddleStreammerged.
DublinwasrecognizedasaUNESCOCityofLiteraturein2010.Itisthefourthcityintheworldtobe designatedwiththistitleshowcasingitsculturalprofileandinternationalstandingasacityofliterature excellence.
Itishometo750pubs:Ifyou’reseekingtraditionalIrishmusicsessions,cozyfiresidechats,orbustlingsocial hubs,itensuresthereissomethinguniquetodelighteveryvisitor
Dublin’sPhoenixParkisOneoftheLargestWalledCityParksinEurope,comprising1750acres.Itwasfirst openedtothepublicin1747asaplaceofenjoymentforthecitizensofDublin.Today,theparkisenjoyedby10 Millionvisitorsannually.
Dublin’sSpireisTallerthantheStatueofLiberty:TheSpireofDublin,alsoknownastheMonumentofLight, isa120-metertallstainlesssteelpin-likestructureonO’ConnellStreet.ItstandsontheformerNelson’spillarsite andwascompletedin2003.Todayitservesasoneofthecity’smostrecognizablelandmarks.
Believeitornot,Dublinerswillhappilyspend10minutesgivingyoudirections:TheIrisharethefriendliest fellowsontheplanetEarth.Theyarealwayshappytohelpyouwitheverything,theywillhelpyoutotake differentroutesforyourhotel,whichplacestostayawayfrom,andwhatfoodyoushouldtakethere.
Cigarettesarereallyexpensive:Ifyou’reasmoker,beexpectedtopayatleast€15forapackofcigarettes.Soif you’replanningtovisithereandhaveasmokinghabit,thenitwouldbebetterifyoucarryyourpackstoavoid yourexpenses.
TIPS FOR TRAVELERS Must-seesights:TrinityCollegeandtheBookofKells, GuinnessStorehouse,DublinCastle,St.Patrick’sCathedral, PhoenixPark,TempleBar,NationalMuseumofIreland,Dublin Zoo,Ha’pennyBridge,KilmainhamGaolarethefewincredible sitesinthecitythatyoushouldnevermiss.
Currency:ThecurrencyinDublinisEuro(€).CreditandDebit cardsarewidelyacceptedhere,butitwouldbebetterifyoucarry somecash.
Safety:Theplaceisgenerallysafebutbemindfultocarefor yourgoodsincrowdedareas.
Shopping:GraftonStreetisfamousforshoppingandstreet performances.YoucanalsovisitmarketplacesforGeorge’sStreet Arcadeforuniquefindsandlocalcrafts.
AirportTransport:Aircoach,DublinBus,andTaxisare availableasaservicethatconnectstheairporttothecitycenter andthesurroundingareas.
CONCLUSION Dublinstandsasavibrantcityinhistory,culture,and moderncharm.Fromitsancientorigins,itplaysa pivotalroleinliteratureandthearts.Whetheryou’re exploringhistoricsites,enjoyingtheatmosphereof pubs,ortastingcuisines,Dublinpromisesyouan unforgettableexperience.Planyournexttriptothis amazingdestination.
Haveyoueverwonderedwhichisthestrongest currencyintheworld?Ifyouthinkit’stheUS dollar,you’rewrong.Whileitisthemosttraded currencyontheglobalstage,itdoesn'tmeanitis thestrongest.Thereare9strongestcurrenciesin theworldthatareworthmorethanaUSdollar.
Inthisblog,wewillrunthroughthetop10listof thestrongestcurrenciesintheworldin2024.You Julybesurprisedtoseewhatcomesatthetop.
1. Kuwaiti Dinar Symbol: 1 KWD
INR Value: INR 271.65
USD Value: $ 3.25
TheKuwaitiDinaristhenationalcurrencyofthe stateofKuwait.Itwasintroducedin1960,the sameyeartheKuwaitiCurrencyBoardwas created.Thecurrencyiswellknownforits exchangerate.Thevastquantityofoilthatis accessibleinthemarkethelpstomaintainthis rate.KuwaitiDinarbanknotesareprintedin denominationsof¼dinar,½dinar,1dinar,5 dinars,10dinars,and20dinars.
BahrainiDinarisonethesecondstrongestcurrenciesintheworld. Itisdividedinto1000smallercurrencyunitscalled“fils”.When tradingintheUSdollaryouwillreceive0.38Bahrainidinar
Before1965,BahrainwasusedinthePersianGulfrupeeasits currency.Bahrainidinarbegancirculationin1965andreplaced thePersianGulfrupeeataconversionrateofonedinarto10 rupees.After1973,thisresponsibilityfellunderthecontrolofthe BahrainMonetaryAgency
3. Omani Rial Symbol: 1 OMR
INR Value: INR 216.89
USD Value: $ 2.60
2. Bahraini Dinar Symbol: 1 BHD
INR Value: INR 221.50 USD Value: $ 2.65
OmaniRialisthenationalcurrencyoftheSultanateofOman.Itisoneof thethirdstrongestcurrenciesintheworld.Beginningin1970,theOMR wasknownastheRialSaidiandhadavalueequaltotheBritishPound.
ItbecamethecurrencyofOmanafterSultanQaboosbinSaidofficially changedthenameofthecountrytotheSultanateofOman.Themost notabledevelopmentinthehistoryoftheOmanirialtookplacein1970 whenSultanQaboosbinSaidassumedpowerafteroverthrowingand exilinghisfatherSultanSaidbinTaimur.Subsequently,heembarkedona programofeconomicandsocialreform.Hisreformsincludedthe establishmentoftheCentralBankofOmanin1974.TheCentralBank issuesandmanagestheOmaniRial.
4. Jordanian Dinar Symbol: 1 JOD
INR Value: INR 117.79
Value: $1.41
ThenationalcurrencyofJordanisthe JordaniandinarorJOD,whichearnedthe positionasoneofthefourthstrongest currenciesintheworldtoday.1USdollar istransferableforaround0.71Jordanian Dinar ThiscurrencybecameJordan’s officialcurrencyin1950afteritreplaced thePalestinianpound.
TheBritishPound,alsoknownasthesterlingBritishPound usedintheUnitedKingdom,isoneofthestrongest currenciesintheworld.Thepoundwasfirstintroducedin the1400s.Itisthefourthmosttradedcurrencyglobally, accountingforaround12.8%ofdailytradesintheforeign exchangemarket.ItistheofficialcurrencyofJersey, Guernsey,theIsleofMan,SouthGeorgia,theSouth SandwichIslands,theBritishAntarcticTerritory,and TristandaCunha.
6. Cayman Islands Dollar Symbol: 1 KYD
5. British Pound TheofficialcurrencyoftheCaymanIslandsis theCaymanIslandsDollar.Itisoneofthe sixthstrongestcurrenciesintheworld.This currencyisexclusivelyusedintheterritory andholdsafixedexchangeratewiththe UnitedStatesDollar Thefixedexchangerate ensuresstabilityinthecurrencyandfacilitates economictransactionswithintheislands.
7.Gibraltar Pound Symbol: 1 GIP
INR Value: INR 105.10
USD Value: $1.26
TheGibraltarpoundisoneoftheseventhstrongestcurrenciesinthe world.ItistheofficialcurrencyofGibraltar,aBritishOverseasTerritory locatedatthesoutherntipoftheIberianPeninsula.
TheGibraltarPoundissubdividedinto100smallerunitscalledpence. Theyareavailableincoinsandbanknotes.Coinsareissuedin denominationsof1,2,5,10,20and50pence,aswellas1and2-pound coins.Banknotesareavailableindenominationsof5,10,20and50pounds. GibraltarFinancialServicesCommissionmanagesthecurrency
TheofficialcurrencyofSwitzerlandand LiechtensteinisSwissFranc.Itis consideredoneofthestrongestcurrencies intheworldforbusinessesandinvestors. This,however,isnosurprisethat Switzerlandisoneofthemoststableand wealthycountriesintheworld.TheSwiss Francwasintroducedin1850andwas laterbrieflypeggedtotheeuro.
Symbol: 1 CHF
Value: INR 92.38 USD Value: $1.11
9. Euro Symbol: 1 EUR
INR Value: INR 90.06
USD Value: $1.08
Euroisthesecondlargestreservecurrencyandthesecondmosttraded currencyworldwide.Itisoneofthestrongestcurrenciesintheworld, holdingtheninthposition.
TheEuroistheofficialcurrencyoftheeuro-zone,encompassing19of27 EuropeanUnionmemberstates.ThesenationsincludeAustria,Belgium, Cyprus,Estonia,Finland,France,Germany,Greece,Ireland,Italy,Latvia, Lithuania,Luxembourg,Malta,theNetherlands,Portugal,Slovakia, Slovenia,andSpain.Itsstrengthandstabilityaredrivenbyfactorslikea strongeconomy,politicalstability,andconsistentlylowinterestrates comparedtoothernations.
ThecurrencyoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaisUSDorUSDollars.Itis the10thstrongestcurrencyintheworld.Allotherunitsofcurrencyacross theglobeareworthlessthanUSdollars.Becauseofwidespreadadoption, theUSdollaralsoaccountsforaround88.3%ofdailytradesintheforeign exchangemarket.Asoneofthestrongestcurrenciesintheworld,theUS dollarplaysanimportantroleintradeandfinance.
Almosteverycentralbankandcommercialbankholdsitastheworld’s primaryreservecurrency.Itissaidthatnocurrencywilleverreplacethe USdollarasthemosttradedcurrency
Conclusion Itbecomesimportanttounderstandthestrongestcurrenciesintheworld. Thesepowerfulcurrenciesnotonlyshowthestrengthoftheircountriesbut alsotheirinvestmentsandglobaltrade.Ifyou’reinterestedininvestments, knowingaboutthesetopcurrenciescanhelpyoumakebetterdecisions.
10. US Dollar Symbol: 1 USD
INR Value: INR 83.50
USD Value: $1.00
FROM CALIFORNIA VIBES TO ALL- INCLUSIVE GLOBAL FASHION BRAND Since sustainable and conscious fashion was
introduced in the fashion industry, many brands have taken the initiative to develop conscious fashion lines. While we see a lot of brands complying with this, there have been brands that have been in controversy regarding their nonsustainable products. One of those brands has been Hollister, a fast fashion retail brand that is known for its California vibes. In this article, we will learn more about the retail brand, its history, global presence, and marketing strategies.
TheFictionalBeginning Hollister,oftenknownasHCo.isaretailbrandownedbyAbercrombie&FitchCo.Itsellsapparel,accessories, andfragrances.ItopeneditsfirststoreonJuly27,2000,attheEastonTownCenterinColumbus,Ohio. Abercrombie&FitchlaunchedHollistertotargetayoungerdemographic,specificallyconsumersaged14-18, withitsSoCal-inspiredimageandcasualwear.Despiteitstargetagegroup,theappealofthebrandextends beyondteenagersandhasgainedpopularityamongawideraudience.
MikeJeffries,theformerCEOofAbercrombie&Fitch,createdafictionalbackgroundstorytoformtheconcept ofHollisterandprovideauniqueatmosphereforitsshoppers.Accordingtothefictionalstory-J.M.Hollister foundedthebrandin1922asaPacificmerchantshopinSouthernCalifornia.Thisfictionalbackstorywas designedtoattractconsumersandcreatealifestylebrandthatconsumerscouldengagewith.
Thebrandquicklygainedpopularityandexpandeditspresenceglobally.By2013,therewere587stores worldwide,generatingovertwobilliondollarsinsales.Thebrand'ssuccesscanbeattributedtoAbercrombie& Fitch'seffectivebrandpenetrationstrategies.
IsHollisterSustainable&Ethical? Hollisterhasbeeninquestionaboutitsethicalpracticesbecauseofitsfabricchoices.Itusesfabricslikemixed polyester,wool,down,leather,andotheranimal-basedmaterials.Ithasreceivedaratingof‘notgoodenough’in termsofsustainabilityon‘GoodOnYou’,aplatformthatevaluatesbrandsbasedontheirsustainabilitypractices.
Onitswebsite,thebrandhasmentionedthatitpracticessustainability,butthereisnoevidencethatitistaking meaningfulaction.Neithertoreduceoreliminatehazardouschemicalsinitsmanufacturingprocessesnortoprotect biodiversityinitssupplychain.Itreceivedalowratingfromexpertsforitslackofsupplychaintransparencyand useofsustainablematerials.Peoplehavecriticizedthebrandfornotbeingtransparentaboutworkingconditionsin itssupplychain.
Itfallsshortwhenitcomestotakingcareofitsworkers.Noneofitssupplychainiscertifiedtoensureworkerhealth, safety,andlaborrights.Accordingtothe2023FashionTransparencyIndex,Hollisterreceivedascoreof31-40%, whichisaslightimprovementfrombefore,butthere'sstillalongwaytogo.There'snoproofthatthebrand promotesdiversityandinclusioninitssupplychain.Italsousesfewlower-impactmaterials,andwhileitaimsto source25%ofitscottonsustainablyby2025,thisisstillasmallpercentageofitsoverallcottonusage.Despitethis, thebrandhasshownintentionsofintroducingmoresustainablematerials.
Hollister Challenges Faced by Hollister Hollister has faced several challenges, be it legal issues or controversies. Here are some challenges the brand went through.
The Trademark Battle
An article from the Los Angeles Times in April 2009 mentioned that Abercrombie & Fitch issued threats to the people of Hollister, California, who wanted to use the name "Hollister" on their clothing. It also shared a story from 2006 when Stacey Crummett, the CEO of Rag City Blues, added the word "Hollister" to the label of her vintage blue jeans. When Crummett applied to register this trademark, Abercrombie & Fitch's lawyers sent her a letter claiming she was infringing on their trademark and threatened to sue her. As a result, Crummett withdrew her application.
Morrisvs.Abercrombie&FitchCo.
In2007,therewasalawsuitcalledMorrisvs.Abercrombie&FitchCo.,anditwaseventuallysettled.Abercrombie&Fitch Co.admittedthattheymadeamistakebyaskingtheircustomersinCaliforniaforpersonalidentificationinformationwhen theyweregettingrefundsusingtheircreditcards.CustomerswhowereaskedforthisinformationbetweenJuly9,2005,and May31,2007,wereeligibletoreceivegiftcardsascompensation.Sincethesettlement,Abercrombie&FitchCo.stores havestoppedaskingforthisinformationwhencustomersreturnitemstheyboughtwithacreditcard.
WheelchairAccessibility InAugust2011,ajudgenamedWileyDanielruledthattwoHollisterstoresinColoradowerenotfollowingtheAmericans withDisabilitiesAct(ADA).Thiswasbecausethestoreshadentranceswithsteps,makingitdifficultforcustomersin wheelchairstoenter.Instead,theyhadtouseautomaticsidedoors.Thecaseexpandedintoanationwideclass-actionlawsuit in2012.InMarch2013,JudgeDanielruledinfavorofthepeoplewhofiledthelawsuit.Hefoundthatoutof483stores acrossthecountry,248ofthemhadentrancesthatviolatedtheADA.Itcametolightthatallofthesestoreswerebuiltafter theADAwasestablished.InAugust2013,ajudgeinColoradoruledthatHollisterCo.anditsparentcompany,Abercrombie &Fitch,hadtoredesign248storeswiththe"porchentrance"tomakethemwheelchairaccessible.
Religious Discrimination Claims A&Ffacedchargesofdiscriminationagainstan employeeataHollisterCo.storeinCalifornia.The employeeclaimedthattheywerecriticizedforwearing ahijabwhileworkingthere.Theemployeehadworn thehijabduringtheinterviewandwashiredthatway Duringtheconversation,theinterviewermentionedthat thehijabcouldonlybewornincertaincolors,likegray, navy,andwhite.However,aDistrictManagerlatertold theemployeetoremovethehijabwhileworking.
OnFebruary23,theCouncilonAmerican-IslamicRelations filedacomplaintagainstAbercrombie&Fitchwiththe federalEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommission.This wasnotthefirsttimeA&Ffacedsuchacomplaint.They hadreceivedasimilarcomplaintinSeptember2009, involvingasimilarcircumstanceinOklahoma.
MarketingStrategiesForSuccess Hollisterisknownforitslaid-back,California-inspiredstyle andstrongmarketingstrategiesthathelpeditreachsuccess. Hereareafewstrategiesitincorporatedtomakeaglobal name.
FocusedTargetAudienceReach ThetargetaudienceofHollisterprimarilyconsistsof teenagersandyoungadultswhoareinterestedinsurfing, skateboarding,andotheroutdooractivities.Itsfashionline appealstothetargetcustomer’sloveforcasual, comfortable,andfunctionalattire.Toeffectivelyreachand connectwithitsintendedaudience,thebrandusesdifferent marketingstrategies.
Itpartnerswithpopularsocialmediainfluencersand supportseventsandactivitiesthatmatchtheirbrandimage. Thiscreatesexcitementaroundthebrandandgivesvaluable insightsintowhatcustomerslike.Recently,thebrandmade changestobecomemoreinclusive.Theyintroducedaplussizerangeandexpandedtheirsizeoptionsforbothmenand women.
SocialMediaMarketing Hollisterusessocialmediaalottoengagewithits customers.TheyhaveaccountsonInstagram,Facebook, Snapchat,Twitter,TikTok,LinkedIn,andGlassdoortoreach awiderangeofpeople.Itpostsshortvideoseverydayto keepupwiththelatesttrendsonsocialmediaandhasrealtimeconversationswithitsfollowers.Thishelpsthebrand connectwithdifferenttypesofpeoplewhohavedifferent interests.
Oneimportantpartofitssocialmediastrategyisworking withinfluencers.Theyformlong-termpartnershipswith popularcontentcreatorsliketheD'Ameliosisterson TikTok.Thishelpsincreasethebrand'svisibilityandbuild trust,especiallyamonghighschoolstudentswhoarethe maintargetaudienceforHollister.
ExperimentalMarketing Thebrandbelievesincreatingmemorableand engagingexperiencesforitsaudiencethrough experientialmarketing.Itsmainaimistotransport customersintotheCalifornialifestyle,givingthema tasteoftheWestCoast.Itsstoresaredesignedto resemblecozybeachhouses,completewithwooden boardwalks,beach-themeddecorations,andeven lifeguardstands.Thebrandalsoorganizesin-store eventslikeconcerts,movienights,andsurfboard demonstrations.
Toenhancetheshoppingexperience,ithasalso introducedaugmentedreality(AR)features.This allowscustomerstovirtuallytryclothesonandsee howtheywouldlookindifferentsettings.Theyhave alsoimplementedinteractivefittingrooms,where customerscanrequestdifferentsizesandcolorsof clotheswithoutleavingthedressingroom.
RetailPartnerships Hollisterhasformedasignificantpartnershipwith GillyHicks,asubsidiaryofAbercrombie&Fitch.This collaborationallowsthebrandtoofferawiderrangeof productsandreachalargeraudiencebysharinga brandidentity Tomaintainastrongconnectionwithits targetaudience,ithasestablishedthe‘HollisterCreator Collective’.Thiscollectiveconsistsofmanymid-sized influencerswhocollaboratewiththebrandthroughout theyear.Byworkingwithadiversegroupof influencers,itensuresaconsistentpresenceand connectionwithitsaudience.
LatestSalesRevenue In2023,Hollistermadeanetsaleofovertwobillion U.S.dollars.AfteritsrebrandingandaTikTok campaign,ithasseenagrowthinitsin-storetrafficand revenue.InFebruaryandMarch,itsengagementrates weremorethan136%highercomparedtothesummer of2022,reachingall-timehighs.Inthefourthquarter oflastyear,itssalesgrewby9%,reaching$698 million.Thismarksthethirdconsecutivequarterof growthforthebrandandshowsthattheyare successfullyreconnectingwiththeirteenage customers.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Business Event Planningabusinesseventcanbebothanexcitingand dauntingexperience.Whiletheresultsareoftenwell worthit,thereisalsoalotatstake.Fromyourbrand reputationtonetworkingopportunities,it’scrucialto getitright.Thankfully,thereisasimplewaytoensure overallsuccess.Byknowingwhattostayclearofand doingyourresearch,youcanreducethechancesof anymishapsalongtheway.Interestedinlearning more?
Belowwearegoingtodiscussfivemistakesthat youmustavoidwhenplanningabusinessevent:
1.Neglectingtodefineclearobjectives
Withoutclearobjectives,youreventcanlackdirection andpurpose.ThisJulythencauseyoutowaste resourcesandpotentiallymissvaluableopportunities. Startbyaskingyourselfwhatyouwanttoachieve.Are youlookingtobuildbrandawareness?Orfoster industryrelationships?Onceyou’vedefinedyour objectives,youcantailortheeventtomeetthese goals.Ifyou’restillunsurewheretogetstarted,click here.Thearticletalksaboutcustomercentricityand howitworksbackwardswithintheeventproduction industry
2.Underestimatingbudgetrequirements
Budgetingisoneofthemostcriticalaspectsofevent planning.Underestimatingcostscanresultinfinancial strainandpotentiallycompromisethequalityofyour event.It’svitalthatyoucreateadetailedbudgetthat outlinesallofyourexpenses,suchascatering, marketing,venue,andacontingencyfund.Itshould alsobereviewedandadjustedregularlytoensurethat youstayontherighttrack.
3.Ignoringmarketingandpromotion
Eventhebest-plannedeventwillfallflatwithouteffective marketing.Failingtopromotetheoccasioncanleadtolow attendanceandlimitedengagement.Whenplanningabusiness event,besuretodevelopacomprehensivemarketingplanthat includessocialmedia,emailcampaigns,andpartnershipswith industryinfluencers.Ontopofthis,startpromotingwellin advancetokeepthemomentumgoinguntilthedayarrives.
4.Notunderstandingtechnicalrequirements
Fromsoundandlightingtoonlineregistrationsystems,technical glitchescancompletelyderailyourevent.Underestimatingor notunderstandingtheseAVrequirementscancontributetoa poorattendeeexperienceandlast-minutescrambles.Conducta techauditandtestequipmenttoensurethatitworkscorrectly Ideally,youshouldhireaneventproductioncompanyorhave techsupportstaffonhandtoassistwiththis.Theyhavethe correctknowledgetoensurethateverythingrunssmoothly
5.Failingtoengagetheaudience
Finally,amistakeyoucertainlydon’twanttomakeisfailingto engagetheaudience.Forgettingtoincludethemoftenresultsin apooratmosphereandcanpotentiallydamageyourreputation. Includeinteractiveelementsthroughouttheeventtokeep everybodyinterested.Thiscouldbethingslikeworkshops,live shows,Q&Asessions,andmore.Youcouldevenoffersomefun activitiestomakethedaytrulymemorable.
FinalWords Planningabusinesseventforyourbusinessrequirescareful attentiontodetail.Byavoidingthesecommonmistakes,youcan createanoccasionthatnotonlymeetsbutexceedsyour objectives.Goodluck!
