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Small but Successful Markets in Chennai


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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