The commerce industry is attracting skilled Indian women who don't want to work regular office jobs.
A growing number of female graduates in the world's second-most populous country are passing up full-time positions at banks and other corporations to work gigs that require less time and energy, Bloomberg reports.
Bavleen Sawhney, 22, works independently in New Delhi as a liaison between rich people and luxury retailers. She's a personal shopper for wealthy clients who have an affinity for Jimmy Choo shoes and Bottega Veneta bags. "A nine-to-five job doesn't suit me," Sawhney told Bloomberg.
The opportunities to work part-time retail and merchandising jobs are making commerce an attractive field for Indian women still in school. The number of women studying for commerce-related degrees at Indian universities for every 100 men nearly quadrupled to 63 between 1980 and 2002, according to Bloomberg.
Some of India's biggest and most successful companies, such as Procter & Gamble India, are taking extra steps to recruit and retain female graduates. Some of the companies are offering additional maternity leave, while others are offering paid-for training and educational programs. (Bloomberg)
Sales Buzz
Retail Job Hoppers Rising (FINS)
Employee turnover in the retail industry is picking up as stores and e-commerce sites report solid first-quarter sales and boost their hiring. As a result, retailers are putting a greater focus on retention through improved training and expanded career opportunities.
Cost Plus Acquisition (WSJ)
The domestic merchandise retailer Bed Bath & Beyond is acquiring the department store operator Cost Plus for about $494 million. The deal will give Bed Bath & Beyond control over nearly 260 Cost Plus stores.
Green Mountain Demotions (WSJ)
Coffee company Green Mountain Coffee Roasters demoted its founder and chairman, Robert Stiller, along with its lead director, William Davis, due to margin-call stock sales. The executives won't be paid until the board determines otherwise.
P&G Separation Offers (AP)
Procter & Gamble is asking its nonmanufacturing employees in the U.S. to raise their hands if they would like to take a voluntary separation package. The consumer goods giant is looking to restructure its business and cut about 5,700 jobs by June 2013.
Marketing Buzz
Star of the Show (Retailing Today)
Sam Martin, A&P's chief executive, will star in the supermarket chain's new integrated marketing campaign promoting its aim to be the best neighborhood food and drug store.
Co-Chief Creative (Ad Age)
Aaron Griffiths, former creative director of Omnicom Group's TBWA/Chiat/Day, is joining the New York office of Havas' Arnold agency as co-chief creative officer. Griffiths will team up with Arnold's current CCO, John Staffen.
Trading Desk Fears (Ad Age)
Client-side marketers are skeptical of trading desks--automated platforms that allow agencies and media firms to buy and sell digital ad space--due to issues related to transparency, kickbacks from digital media companies and "double dipping" in which clients are forced to pay twice.
Buzz Around the Office
A tribute to the late Adam Yauch (MCA of the Beastie Boys)
List of the Day: Overcoming Your Fears
Here some tips to help you boost your confidence at the office.
1. When you're called into the boss's office, channel your nervous energy into excitement.
2. If your plea for a raise or promotion is rejected, don't let it puncture your self-worth.
3. Be prepared for meetings or presentations so nothing will catch you off guard.
(Source: The Daily Muse)
