Thursday, May 20, 2010

Shopping Malls killing Marketplaces



I read one interesting article today which talks about mall culture and how its killing local marketplaces. Not so long ago, we have seen places like South Ex, PVR Saket complex and PVR Priya complex (Basant Lok) is fully crowded during weekends.These were considered as posh markets with lots of international brands setting their stores in these markets. Rents of these shops went skyrocket in the early phases.

But now in the last year or so, these places are empty. Nobody wants to shop here. These markets are now fighting for their identity crisis. The main reason of this is probably the opening up of 4-6 new shopping malls in South Delhi. These new malls are fully equipped with all the modern facilities. Moreover, people don't want to go to these congested places anymore, where parking is the biggest problem. There is no proper parking facilities whereas in shopping malls there are 2-3 underground floors for parking. The shops in markets were blowing hot air from gen-sets and air-conditioners. On the other hand shopping malls provide fully air-conditioned shopping experience.

The government should do something to renovate these markets, maintenance is required in these shopping complexes. MCD should pitch in to provide cleanliness and good parking facilities. Otherwise these markets will only be the thing of past.

2 comments:

CutePriya said...

I agree with you on the same. No matter what open-air markets are still preferred by a considerable population and should be taken care of.

Varun said...

exactly...moreover in summers these places have a deserted look...