Luxury insider

HYDERABAD: The latest Tag Heur watch, a work of art by Amritraj Koban, a private yacht party or a golf holiday in Scotland- gifting has become original and deliciously easy, thanks to online platforms and the latest, Excluzen, promises all of the above at one address. Claiming to be India’s first luxury website, the four-month-old Excluzen pushes the envelope with lifestyle, be it related to travel, nightlife, spa therapy, gadgets or parties. There are adventure activities like deep sea diving in Goa, jet parties in Mumbai and helicopter tours. They also bring wine tasting dinners to the comfort of your home. “The website is a reflection of the founder’s own interests,” smiles Urvashi Bahuguna Sahay, co-founder, whose husband and founder of Excluzen, Anupam Sahay, is a certified wine specialist. The luxury portal has its headquarters in New Delhi and Singapore. Spreading the word “Most of the websites in India are mass market-based. Moreover, when people like us (NRIs and expats) want to gift something, we have to rely on word of mouth,” she adds, highlighting that gifting forms a big part of Excluzen’s profile. Products and services can be gifted and shipped anywhere in the world. The couple invested USD 100-1,50,000 into the website and they say it has caught on with luxury shoppers. “In the last three months, we have had close to 500 transactions,” confides Urvashi, who relocated to Singapore two years ago, from London, and is presently working with telecom company, SingTel. For the corporateThe portal offers products and services from brands like Apple, Tag Heuer, Omega, The Oberoi, and Satya Paul at discounts ranging from 20 to 40 per cent. “You will get products and services from the finest brands under one roof,” claims Urvashi, who takes care of the sales and operations. Every product comes with an offer, which can be redeemed within an assigned period. “What differentiates us from other portals is that we are backed by offline support. We  offer custom made holidays to Hawaii, Scotland, anywhere,” she adds, shuttling between Delhi and Singapore every month. Plus, corporates have exotic getaways and more available, with current clients like The Leela, Kimaya and Versace. What to expectThe portal has tied up with 200 partners and is growing. “Right now, the ratio of Indian to international brands is 80 to 20, and I hope to change that ratio to 60:40, with partners like Cartier, Gucci and Burberry,” Urvashi says. When we add that Chennai is missing from their party section, she is quick to assure us that a team is being set up in the city in June to cover top night clubs, bars and restaurants.Products start from Rs 970. Payment can made through credit or debit cards, online banking and Cash on Delivery (COD). Shipping is free and delivery takes a minimum of 20 days. Details: excluzen.com