Reportedly in kerala, monsoon showers are almost synonymous with Popy and John’s, the two umbrella brands which the state is obsessed with. Meanwhile for over 2 decades now, the two umbrella manufacturers have been able to entice their buyers and carve a huge market for themselves in the state. However, what many don’t know is that the fierce rivals go way back and are part of the same family.
Furthermore way before the birth of Popy and John’s was the St George’s Umbrella mart, which was founded by Thayyil Abraham Varghese, the original umbrella tycoon of Alapuzha. Reportedly when Abraham Varghese passed away, he left no succession plan and his two sons continued the umbrella business until they parted ways in 1995.
Moreover Today John’s is headed by Joseph Thayyil, and Popy by his cousin Davis Thayyil. Both are grandsons of Thayyil Abraham Varghese. Hence over the years, both have managed to outdo each other with their umbrellas, in terms of quality and creativity and Popy released their Mazha Mazha Kuda Kuda jingle which became a monster hit. John’s also experimented with product based campaigns and Popy released several memorable ads including Ayyappante Amma, Ente Mazhekku Ente Popy etc.
