In the age of shopping malls and organised retail, the traditional markets continue to attract shoppers in Lucknow.
Attractions of the traditional markets are vicinity location, personal interaction of shopkeepers and credit sale to old and regular customers which has kept the cash registers ringing.
The current marriage season is witnessing the usual crowd of shoppers looking for the best deals in apparels, home appliances, jewellery, cosmetics, furniture etc.
Some popular traditional markets in Lucknow are Aminabad, Hazratganj, Bhoothnath, Nishatganj, Chowk and Alambagh.
“With marriage season on, we hardly have time to take lunch breaks. We are dealing with the customers round the clock and attending them personally,” said Satpal Singh of Sardarjee Sareewale in Aminabad market.
“Our business has not been affected by big malls in Lucknow,” he added.
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The crowded and serpentine lanes notwithstanding, such markets are much sought after for clothes as they offer a wide range at competitive prices.
“It’s pleasure, shopping in Aminabad during night. The colourful lightings and decorated shops combined with Lucknow politeness makes shopping a unique experience,” said Meeta a housewife.
“Our business has picked up with entry of big malls. Now, people can compare prices between our shops and malls,” said a salesman at Garha Bhandar, reputed for clothes and textiles.
“With arrival of festive and marriage season our sales have increased by 25 per cent. The kind of atmosphere and personal attention we provide our customers; cannot be found at malls…we always get repeat customers,” he informed.
“A cut of almost 30 per cent in the prices can be made while shopping in these markets,” added a college student, who is a regular visitor of Aminabad.
A housewife claimed of saving a substantial amount from household budget by shopping in near by markets when compared to retail store in a mall.
“India’s retail sector is the fastest growing sector in the Indian economy. In a city like Lucknow where the bulk of population belongs to middle income group, the craze for branded and premium-end brands is limited,” an industry expert said.
To match the steps with the big retail groups, traditional markets are transforming themselves in supermarkets and specialty stores.
A kirana store in Nishatganj has renovated itself into a two storied air conditioned shopping centre and introducing credit card facility at the store.
Rajeev of Shri Raghav general merchant store informs, “Customers were intially attracted to these big names and shops but eventually they came back. Both quality and prices forced them to do so.”
The jam packed traditional markets is a testimony of the fact that they are here to stay.
