Celebration of gifts and sentiments

If the name doesn't tell you all, the history will. Started in 1975, Giggles introduced Delhi to its first greeting cards and gifts shop at a time when the concept of greeting with cards didn't exist. In a way, the beginning of the shop was the beginning of a whole new culture in the city.

"We had this place in Connaught Place (CP) and the thought of a gift and cards shop just came to me and I acted upon it," recalls Harjit Singh Kochhar, founder and MD.

With a shop the size of a matchbox, Kochhar started rather small "" stocking products worth Rs 5,000 and expecting to sell only worth Rs 500 a day.

But business picked up soon and before he knew it, Giggles had crossed its target and exceeded its own expectations. And with a name like that, it's not surprising.

Located in the middle lane of CP, Giggles' tiny door leads into a shop that is still small by ordinary standards but makes up for lack of space through its simplicity and honesty.

For Kochhar the shop has been a fun experience, though he hopes that it was "more fun for the customers".

Even today he bumps into old customers who thank him for creating a medium for communication between lovers and friends.

"Some of my customers began and decorated their love affairs with cards and gifts from Giggles," he smiles.

But now the retail movement has created a gap in customers for the shop that sold posters to the likes of Archies.

Yet, as Kochhar prepares to hand the reigns to his son Gauravjit, he is certain that young blood will once again revive the magic of his creation.