Whenever we go to new place we
see something unseen before. Every city has some popular trends. In Chennai I
observed many things which are less common in Pune or Maharashtra. I am not
writing to judge which is better way. Two things that are at the top of my
mind now are mini markets or bazaars and coffee shops. I will write about
coffee at some other time. It deserves a separate post. So…shopping is now
inseparable part of our life. This is consumers’ economy thanks to treaty
signed by earlier government back in 1991.
In last seven years, my shopping
experience in Pune may it be day today needs, groceries, clothes, shoes,
electronic equipment or any special shopping; it mostly revolved around the
Malls or Big markets. When not shopping, it is place for spending time in the
evening. In today’s fast life it gave pleasure to spend time among people with
friends or even alone. It is the place where you get to know about new brands,
new products, and new technologies. On many weekends we use to roam around nearby
natural places as well. These markets are generally easily
accessible. Although, it has its own problems too. Parking is the biggest
trouble. These places are the soft targets for anti social elements. Also I
observed one more issue which others might have ignored. In the shopping malls
not everybody is welcomed. Those who have money and dressed well can enter but
poor people can only see from outside. Also product’s prices are high which
they cannot afford.
In Chennai I have somewhat
different observation. There are all big malls here. All the national and
international brands have presence in the market. But even then many small
markets or mini markets flourished everywhere in Chennai. There are some chains
of mini markets as well. These markets fulfill all the daily needs of people. These markets have proved themselves. They are running with good
number of customers. These are like small replica of all the biggies. I
am always amazed to see how so much of goods is arranged in so less space. They
have chain in various areas of city. There are many players in this filed due to
which a healthy competition is maintained. This is beneficial to customers.
These markets are located in the interim areas of city in various colonies so
it does not affect regular traffic. They need less space. Therefore its running
cost is low. And since these are, though
small, but are replica of big markets, therefore customer gets the feel of
shopping as well. Although, these does not give feel of mixing with people, elite
environment which big malls offer.
These kind of small market are
not very successful in Pune. People prefer visiting big markets. I guess this
is due to difference in nature of cities. It is due to difference of lifestyle
of people in the city. Both models are good and both have some benefits and
limitations. So which kind of model you prefer?
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