HE`s here to make give you an Independence Day gift. With a pack of goodies that include a 55 percent discount (for our 55th Independence Day) on apparel and gifts galore. With a special Independence Day quiz too. Your visit to Ebony on August 15 will certainly be special, says Rakesh Malhotra, Vice President (Buying & Merchandising Operations).

"And this is only the icing on the cake," he smiles, as he gives you a sneak preview. Ebony's also got gifts lined up for those born on August 15. The staff will be attried in the three colours of our flag too. "The entire store going to be festooned with tiny flags,"
smiles Malhotra, who's visiting Chandigarh just to ensure that nothing's amiss on the day.

A specialist in retail operations (he's a regular guest lecturer in retailing at NIFT, Fore School, Pearl Academy etc), Rakesh's already working on Ebony's winter collection. "We've got loads of new brands lined up," he grains, and remains tight-lipped on what's coming in. But what he promises is that it's definitely going to be just what the discerning Chandigarh customer wants.

When he's not 'retailing', this IIFT graduate chills out by globe-trotting. So far, he has notched up no less than 31 countries. "Essentially work related," he tells you, also making a subtle mention of how he likes to add to his qualifications. A diploma in PR and Corporate Communications, a specailised course in Shipping (whoops) from UNTAD, a course in French….. are just a few he's already picked up. "All in a days work," signs off Rakesh, as he checks out some Independence Day 'specials'.