New shoes
The Bajra Group has opened a showroom of the Malaysian multinational footwear brand Blay at the United World Trade Centre in Tripureswor. Bajra Group, which was established in 1985, is Blay's 15th franchise and holds a five year contract to market their products. The product line includes outdoor classic, occupational, and fashion footwear.

Lucky 13
Bank of Kathmandu recently celebrated its 13th anniversary. BoK already has 13 branches and five counters and plans to open three new branches in the coming year. The bank assists marginalised or underprivileged groups, including female public transport drivers, by providing low interest loans. BoK's other social welfare programs including help for HIV/AIDS patients and the handicapped. The bank has more than 80,000 customers.

Doing good
On the 14th anniversary of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa's ascent of Chomolungma, Yeti Airlines is offering a 30 percent discount to all female passengers from 3 May. Yeti Airlines, which has the largest domestic air network, also has an active corporate social responsibility program. Over the past six months, Yeti has collected Rs 222,000 by contributing Rs 4 for every passenger for Maiti Nepal, Nepal Leprosy Relief Fund, the Organisation for Community, Child and Environment Development, and TEWA.

Carwash
Customers at Bluebird Mall can have their cars washed and detailed while they shop. Hansraj Hulaschand's Easy Car Wash is open from 10AM-8PM, seven days a week. The carwash also offers membership for quick cleaning at subsidised rates. Hansraj Hulaschand has been in the automobile business for 30 years and imports vehicles from Daihatsu, Ssangyong, and Proton Motors.

Summer scheme
Gorkha Brewery's new summer scheme, Jolly Summer Bonanza, offers a free pack of Shakalaka Boom noodles with every Jolly Shandy or Jolly Lemonade. Jolly Shandy is a beer and lemonade combination with one percent alcohol.

New account
Machhapuchchhre Bank has launched its new Pewa Savings Account. Special features include a minimum balance of just Rs 500, 4 percent interest, free ATM/ debit card, 50 percent discount on locker rental, and free mobile banking services. Account holders with a balance higher than Rs 15,000 will be entered into a monthly lottery with a refrigerator, a microwave oven, and a vacuum cleaner as prizes. Machhapuchchhre Bank has 12 branches around the country.

New showroom
Morang Auto Works, official distributors of Yamaha bikes, is opening a new showroom at Chuchepati, Chabahil. The showroom will display Yamaha bikes and offer genuine spare parts and servicing. Inaugural offers until 14 May include gift hampers, 50 percent off on servicing and lube, and five percent off on spare parts.

Second showroom
Koutons Retail India, a leading menswear brand, has opened a second showroom, in Putalisadak. The brand has over 650 outlets across India and is offering inaugural discounts of up to 30 percent for the Nepali market. Koutons is distributed by Nishant Enterprises.

Watch offer
Philips is offering a Tag Heuer watch worth over Rs 100,000 with every purchase of a Philips Plasma or LCD television, or home theatre system. All plasma and LCD sets come with a five-year warranty. Syakar Company is the authorised distributor of Philips products.

Book celebration
British Council will be exhibiting 200 new fiction titles for children and adults from 23-25 April to mark World Book Day on 23 April. There will also be a bookmark painting competition for children from grades 4-10 in three different categories. The three winners in each category will receive free membership to the library for a year and book gift vouchers of Rs 3,000, Rs 2,000, and Rs 1,000. The winners will be announced on 1 May, and the exhibited books will be available for checkout from that day.

NEW PRODUCTS:
AVEO U-VA: Vijaya Motors is introducing the new Chevrolet Aveo U-VA. The U-VA has a modern Italian design and roomy interiors, and improves upon the older Chevrolet Aveo with ground clearance increased to 188mm, reinforced suspension, improved air-conditioning, and full chrome headlamps. The hatchback is produced by General Motors India and comes with a warranty of 6,000km or six months, whichever comes first.