Shopping Kolkata

How to get the best out of Online Shopping in India?

2014-09-16T08:45:00.001-07:00

The heat, claustrophobic markets, mad traffic and above all time constraint have pressed everyone of us to look up to the online shops. Be it clothes, Jewelry, gadgets, books or anything that you can imagine yourself holding you end up searching, 'carting' and comparing price and buying if you are completely satisfied. But amidst all the convenience of online shopping you may still yearn for a touch and feel shopping some good bargains and off course feel confidant about your purchases and deal. So to avail ultimate benefits of online shopping and get yourself maximum savings in online shopping you must do some plans.

Make a list.

Like you do in real shopping making list will help you stick to to your plan. Include everything that you want for a particular purpose or occasion. This will save you from straying from your focus and buying unnecessary items that will occupy your space. Suppose you are buying for upcoming Durga Puja occasion think of what you and your family would be wearing in these few days. Think of Accessories, shoes and home furnish material also.

Register your email.

To get notified about new arrivals, discounts and gift coupons you should register with your phone number and email ID to the particular site.

Think of Shipping Charge

When you buy one item each time you shop online, there are chances that you will be spending huge money as shipping charge. Shopping portals like Jabong generally charge for shipping when you one item only. Add two item and you will be saving your shipping charge. Some sites charge for Cash on Delivery as well. SO the product you choose may come at a higher price than it is displayed in the website catalog.

How to avail more discounts?

'Thoda aur' is our favourite Indian phenomenon. If you are not in a hurry then choose multiple products to your shopping cart after logging in the website. After adding minimum sopping value of at least Rs.1500 to 2000 log out without making final purchase. Then check your mail after two or three days you will get a 'pleasant surprise' in the form of a gift coupon of at least 10%-30% more discount on your purchase.

Make group shopping

If you have a sister, some friends or neighbours then make group purchase. Sure you will not be able to surprise your friends but it is worth a try since you could earn greater discount in bigger purchase.

Compare the product

Compare the product in different sites. Now is the high time of competitiveness of eCommerce giants in India. Amazon.in, Flipkart and Snapdeal are fighting tooth and nail to establish monopoly in Indian market. So competitive price is available for the same product. While purchasing shipping and alteration charge, coupons and other offers should be counted.

Conclusion
In Kolkata, although people start stacking up their Puja shopping from July onward still malls and markets remain crowded till before the last couple of days approaching puja. So don't give real shopping a complete miss. It is a great experience and fun to go out with friends and family. If the weather is beautiful and you have to spend a couple of spare time then head to the brick shops which could wait for you with amazing experience.

Saree shops in Kolkata: Ram Mandir saree shop guide, adress and contact details

2013-08-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

So far I have been writing about Saree shops in Kolkata that are catching fancy of the fashion conscious lots who like bring the element of designer or brand element to whatever they wear. But Saree, Indian Women's defining attire has always been celebrated with or without the desimger tags. Today we are going to write about the saree shops that have been favourite of shoppers and Women from entire Eastern region, and even have pan Indian clientele.

For the traditional Indian sarees like traditional Bengali Tant saree, Murshidabad Silk, Shantipuri Katha Stiched Saree etc it is good to visit the Burra Bazar shops. Actually I have already written about those shops a lot. Most people suggest to visit Burrabazar or Gariahat for reasonable and low price for buying sarees. But the point to note is it is very dfficult to locate authentic traditional sarees and even shops where you can find authentic or original sarees of any variety. The reputation of Burabazar saree shops have been marred by the dalal who will made your journey to your favourite saree shop a difficult like anything.

However today I am going to write about another destination for saree shops in Kolkata that is Ram Mandir saree shops or Saree shops in CR Avenue. When you take any bus to the Howrah you will easily be able to locate Ram Mandir saree shops at Ram Mandir area.

1. Laxmi Saree Shoppe
Address: 196 C Chitta Ranjan Avenue, Ram Mandir, Jorasanko, Kolkata
Phone: 03332060058.

2. Vishal Saree Centre 198/A Chittaranajan Avenue, Ram Mandir, CR Avenue,
Kolkata.
Phone number: 093 30 902660.
3. Kishori Saree Store
68, Muktaram Babu Street, Ram Mandir, Kolkata.
Phone: 093 31 224423.

4. Manjushree
192, CR Avenue, Ram Mandir, Kolkata.
Phone: 033 224 11507.

5. Subham Saree
Address:
196 C CR Avenue, Ram MAndir, Joasanko, Kolkata
Phone number: 033 257 1753.

6. Shree Saree Kinj.
Ram Mandir.

Sri Oswal Saree Mandir.
Address 196B near Ram MAndir, Chitta Ranjan Avenue, Kolkata.

See more of Saree shopping in Kolkata and designer Sarees

How to get the best out of End of the season sale in Kolkata.

2013-07-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

Shoppers have a good many reasons to be happy as the monsoon arrives and most brands are ready to lure you all with mouth watering deals on your choicest of brands. Although the brand loyal lots prefer to shell big bucks on fresh fashion the end of the season sales not that avoidable, who like to incorporate variety, save money and keep renovating oneself.

But are all the end of the season sales good enough or trustworthy? Do you shop impulsively just at the sight of the ‘up to 20-70% discount’ signs. Do you get the best benefit of the goods at the ‘sales’? Or are they value for the money although they come at a cheaper rate? Yes, are serious questions and one need to address these issues before heading straight to the malls. Here we are discussing some tips to sort out these issues and help you to get the best of the upcoming sales season.

Tips for shopping from sale

Make a list of things you want to have in your wardrobe. Moreover, since the Durgapuja 2013 is just a couple of months away, you will definitely like to stock up your wardrobe with all variety outfits for the Puja days. You can take this chance to buy gifts and and buy apparels for every member of your family provided you apply a your discernment to pick the best pieces!!

Making a list and prioritize always helps as you already know. Here also making a list will save you from buying items that will fit nowhere in your wardrobe. Suppose you have a few kurta’s that does not match with any other leggings of accessories in your wardrobe than they will lie long without getting used. Eventually you may spend some extra bucks on leggings which were not your plan.

Search for long pending items which you have been planning to buy for a long times now. You can get good deals in Bags and accessories as well in this season sale.

Buy Classic items form the sale

Though you have been planning to buy some trendy and highly fashionable items better not to go for them at the end of the season sale. Because such items will look almost worn out in the next three or four months.

You are likely to find classy and classic items even in sales. Just keep an eye.

Don’t overdo the research

Most of us plan big and make it a point to watch out for different brands and places for getting better deals. But if you spend most of your time researching you will loss your valuable time and opportunity to become the early bird to grab the best pieces.

Moreover, you will spend lot of money and time hopping from here and there in search of better deals. Ultimately the discount will be meaningless for you.

Register yourself for Brand and store loyalty

Most brands offer membership benefits for their customers. While you may get tempted to get registered as member in all this will eventually keep you in an eternal ques to become their privileged/elite member. Because you keep on shopping in all brands so you have equal amount of points with all brands. See Some brands that keeps you informing.

But this too has some benefits. Firstly you know about all the brands and can avail the best in anyone.

Secondly, you have exclusive ‘Sale preview’ opportunity for the members which is given before the exact sale starts. So you can take a look at the offers before it is available for all and sundry. You will be intimated about the sale by email or sms well before time!

Choose better brands

It is better to be with with friends as they can give you the most important and necessary feedback on anything that you are choosing to buy. But what happens when both your friend and you are laying hands on the same item? I’m sure none of you would like to lose the opportunity. Think of it.

Always pay lots of attention to the wear-ability.

Most brands incorporate two-three year old merchandises along with the last season’s hot items. Sometimes some items are good but you are seeing it for a long time. Obviously you will not like to buy such items just for the sale of low price!

Also check the material for blemishes, stains, loose stitch etc.

Are all the end of the season sale offers worth availing

In places like Kolkata where winter is as short as two and a half months, it is better not to get carried away with Winter sales. Spend on exclusive and classic items, do not think much about the bucks instead of buying lots of everyday items in bulk.

Trial is must

The trial rooms will be full and you will be perennially in the ques. So pick as many items as you can at one go. take the number of items you are allowed to and take help of the trial room attendant to pass them to you.

Wear something easy to slip in and out so that you don’t have a tough time in changing into all the new clothes that you want to buy.

Stay away from buying cosmetics

There may be offers on cosmetics in bulk buying. Unless you are very very make up person and do not step outside without make up do not go for bulk buying. Also the shelf life of cosmetics like Lipsticks, eye-shadows, Foundation etc are really short.

Weekend Sale hubs in Kolkata for shoppers to avail monsoon discounts

2013-07-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

Looking for great discounts this weekend. Here is the list of shopping destinations where you can avail great discounts. I am taking help of my messaging system to avail these discounts in shopping Kolkata. Here are the details on the basis of updated information as on July 2013 and to help you to get the best out of the end of the season sale in Kolkata

Westside Sale

Westside is one one of my favorite brands. They are giving upto 60% discount off Sale which is going on now(started from a few days back). There is buy 1 get 1 offer in the store also.

Customers having Axis Bank Debit and credit card can avail 5% additional discount along with the discount when they make purchase of 4500 or above. Note that like most brands you can not avail exchange of bought garments from sale.

fbb sale at Big Bazar sale

Big Bazar is offering flat 50% discount on selected merchandises which will last till Sunday only. Discount is availale on Mens wear, Ladies wear and Kids wear.

Vero Moda is catching popularity in Kolkata. The newly opened brand has offered 50% discount in its outlets in Kolkata. Apart from its regular showroom at South City Mall(address Vero Moda Store, South City Mall, Prince Anwar Shah Road, and also in Forum Courtyard Mall at Elgin Road) it's merchandises are availale at Shoppers Stops stores in Kolkata. You can avail their discounts at Flipkart and Jabong online shopping portals. It is important to note that Vero Moda Flat 50% sale is available only on 20 and 21st July on special condition.

Brand Factory as the name goes are bringing eye popping discounts from all your favourite brands. For Ladies wear, Kids Wear and Mens wear you can get unconditional Flat 50% off to buy 1 get one. Flat 50% discount on Gini and Joni, buy at 99/- for clothes priced 1299. For kids wear they make great sense since you get durable and branded clothes at half the price and be assured that you kid will outgrow these clothes before they get worn and torn. Over 200 best brands can be purchased from this outlet. See address of Brand factory outlets.

Avani Riverside Mall Howrah stores, Food court and brands: An experience

2013-07-13T04:00:00.001-07:00

Avani Riverside Mall Howrah view

It has been almost two years since Avani Riverside mall was opened. Avani Riverside mall is the first mega mall at Howrah district and by far one of the most searched malls and good place to spend time. Ever since it was opened we were looking for an occasion to visit the mall but, it nowhere falls in our everyday direction, so the desire always took a backseat. There are so many new avenues in the north Kolkata nowadays that one does not even like to pull themselves to stretch to the central Kolkata, the original shopping destination.
You have two City Centers back to back in the Salt lake and Rajarhat New town, Axis mall, Mani Square and Spencer's Hyper Market along with innumerable other departmental stores to shop at. However the Avani Riverside mall clicked among the shoppers for its grandeur, publicity and of course for the food court to die for.

The location of Avani mall is not very friendly for the shoppers from the this side. From our side (Kolkata), we reached by crossing the Vidyasagar Setu. One can also reach it by ferry from Princep Ghat to the Mall also.

Inside the Avani Riverside Mall (image)

The Avanai Riverside Mall houses almost all brands under one roof. Big shopping brands like Pentaloon, Reliance Trends, exclusive stores of U.S Polo Association, Flying Machine, Allen Solly, United Colors of Benetton,Van Heusen, Loius Phillipe, Peter England, Derby Jeans, Levis, Provogue, Color plus, Reebok, Reid & Taylor, Big Bazar, Indian Terrain, etc. Lilliput, Little Shop, Gini and Joni, Fooba Wooba for kids, Prapti, B-Ethinic for women's wear etc. Lotto, bata, Magnet, etc for Footwear and E-zone(gadgets), Kool Toys, Office Link, Archies etc for

The most extravagant affair in Avani Riverside mall is the Treat, the food court of Avani Mall. It has almost all known food brands in Kolkata. The spacious seating arrangement and diverse tastes of regional food along with international fare it is exactly the treat. Subway, McDonald, Rajdhani, KFC, Cookie Jar, Flurys, Manchan, Pizza Hut, Mainland China, Cooki Man, Kwality Swirls and lots more. In a way you will be spoilt for choice.

You have Avani PVR and have the opportunity to watch stars from Mumbai Film industry as well as our very own Tollywood. Promos of Regional TV shows go on in the floors to attract live audience. General Mall timing is 11 AM to 10 PM although Cinema and Restaurant times vary.

Spencer's Hyper Stores New Town Square Rajarhat Kolkata Review

2013-06-02T03:13:00.001-07:00

Latest Spencer's Hyper Stores New Town Square Rajarhat shopping experience

For a few days Spencers New Town Square has been talked about as the newest mall in the block in the New Town Area of Rajarhat. So utimately gave at a try in a Saturday evening. It's easily accessible for all the people surrounding the airport area, and certainly gave a good alternative shopping experience after City Centre 2. It is a few steps away from the Capital Electronics at Chinnar Park and City Centre 2 mall. For the record, Spencers Hyper is still under construction, especially it's parking area is not given finishing touch yet.

So, what I saw was a three storied Kolkata mall,
the 1st floor, home needs, home appliances, Gadgets, electronics, cookware, apparels(men,women,kids) and foot-ware, lifestyles, Home decor and cosmetics, Stationery etc. While the Ground floor was dedicated to food items along with a fully functional food court including confectionery and snacks. The obnoxiously large, spacious food floor just made me happy about this Spencer. It has a fresh meat section which seems to be a popular one with shoppers with huge stock of all kinds of meats and fish, sausage et all. And this will surely be a hit with the shoppers.

Verdict: To woo the shoppers the Spencer's Hyper New Town Square has taken some good initiatives, eg., waived the car parking charge for the first two hours when you shop for 500/. and above. There are other discounts and rebates and if you choose wisely you can strike better deals.

But what I disliked was the terribly slow billing process. I could see perhaps almost 10 counters but the guys in the counters are not helping to make it a happy ending. Anyway, a Spencer's Store at a walking distance from home is really good to have and we can have some patience as well as long as we get better deals!!

The location is already stated above and you will be definitely find it out easily with screaming signboards and advertorials all over, but still giving the Spencers Hyper address here in case you need,

Spencer Retail Ltd,
New Town Square, Rajarhart, New Town Sqaure
Block A New Town,
PS Rajarhat,
Kolkata-700136.

Contact Number;03340277939.

Brand Factory Chaitra Sale in Men's clothing

2013-04-08T19:53:00.001-07:00

Get latest discount listBrand Factory here for monsoon , updated on July 2013)
Clothes Maketh a man. And this clothes must be branded for men and women at this age! The summer heat is here and if you want to give yourself a branded makeover than what better time to shop than Chaitra Sale. To the brand-lovers of Kolkata Brand Factory Outlets in Kolkata have brought 200 top brands and amazing discounts to be availed on the occasion of Chaitra sale.

Amidst this years Chaitra sale offers I liked the Brand factory sale. Discounts ranging from buy one Get one free to upto 75% discounts offers are there in good brands like Provogue, Drop, Jealous 21, Honey, Bare Leissure, Peter England, Turtle, Denizen, Park Avenue, Pepe Jeans, John Millar, Adidas ( maximum70%), Statusquo, Sport(buy to get 40%), Puma, Reebok, Converse. etc. Brand Factory is in a way the discount outlet of branded Jeans as many love to put it!

A word of caution before you jump the Chaitra sale bandwagon. VAT is applicable on all the merchandise.

Brand Factory outlet address and locations:

24 Fort Lee II, Near Forum Mall,
Leed Road, Elgin, Kolkata 700020

Phone: 033 3051 4700

Beliaghata Crossing, Opposite Salt Lake Stadium,
Near Mani Karn Mall, Phone23633350.

Brand Factory,
76 A, AJC Bose Road, Opposite Jaora Girja, Moulali,
phone: 40269898.

More Exciting Mall experience in Kolkata

Kolkata Book Fair 2013 unique aspects

2013-02-23T03:01:00.001-08:00

Kolkata Book Fair 2013 was a 10 day affair with books apparently. But everyone who is a regular at Kolkata Book fair will agree that Kolkata Boi Mela or Kolkata Book Fair is not about books only. It is a Mahakumbh or all the passionate souls who love to gather over a book, a cup of Cha(Tea), art, Paintings and crafts as well.
I could have mustered enough courage to visit the Book Fair in two Sundays, because there was no off in the other days. And yes, you need to be brave if you visit Kolkata Book Fair in Sundays, especially with kids along.

Book lovers were spoilt for choice when it came to choosing latest publications in Hindi. National players in the field of book publishing and marketing like Penguin, Harper Collins, Rupa, Oxford University press, Times, Family Book Store, Orient and Marketing giants like Starmark, Crossword etc lured young age buyers of books. There were no dearth of Local publishers and Booksellers as well. Anand Bazar, Star Anand, Saibya etc to name a few. It was noticed that publishers of kids books took the cake this time too.

This time at Kolkata Book Fair, halls were named after noted Literary personalities who left us in the last year. Halls were named after Sunil Gangopadhyay, Humayun Ahmed, Syed Mustafa Chiraj, Dr Bhupen Hazarika etc. I also loved one dedicated store for all the novels of Neel Lohit, a pen name Sunil Gangopadhyay has used.

Kolkata Book Fair 2013

This is one aspect I must appreciate. Kolkata Book Fair food partner was Sumangal and the arrangement was worth appreciating. They maintained cleanliness, service and also Tastes! There are other famous restaurant stalls like Hindustan Sweets, Alibaba and The Sana etc. And all of them served more or less good platters.

Kolkata Book Fair Committee has played a nice Googly in terms of Timing. Those who were unaware of the changed time gathered at 10 AM in the morning at the gates of Book Fair 2013, to avail the maximum of a Sunday had to wait till sharp 12 PM to get the gates open. A huge crowd entered the Book Fair only to make the crowd incredible at the favourite stalls.

Artisans (seen in this picture) from Santinikatan added to the beauty of the Book fair 2013. Paintings(of course not originals), art works and crafts were huge hit with mela goers.

In all, Kolkata Book Fair 2013 was a nice soul lifting experience for us.

Kolkata Book Fair 2012 pictures

2013-02-01T02:26:00.002-08:00

Kolkata Boi mela pictures

A recent sunday at Kolkata book fair re-instated the love of people for books in Kolkata. It was a Mahakumbh of book lovers across the city and far-away places.

From the Science city bus stop it took half an hour to reach the book fair destination when I visited the Boi mela last Sunday on 29th Jan.

Kolkata book fair photos

I had my kids along and had to plan a quick exit from the Boi mela because it seemed to getting congested every passing minute. The pleasant January weather lightly warm afternoon and the excitement of kids have made the Kolkata Book fair 2012 a very memorable day for everyone. According to booksellers There were huge sell in the kids section of every stall that sold kids books. National Book Trust, NCERT etc experience a good sale on that day on the students' section.

Kolkata book fair stalls pictures

The Italy tourism stall collected huge number of visitors for the beautiful pictures. People are seen clicking themselves on the nice background of beautiful pictures from Italy.

I could spot visitors from other countries as well in the book fair who are seen petrified by the smell of the nearby drain that cross the entrance of Kolkata Book fair.

What to buy at Bidhananagr Mela festival

2013-01-26T19:03:00.005-08:00

Top attractions of Bidhannagar Mela Utsav 2013

This is the most importnat question? What to buy at Bidhannagar Mella Utsav. From my experience of visiting Bidhannagar mela 2013 which I enjoyed thoroughly a few days before, I have a very comprehensive answer to the question. Let's take a look,

The Bidhannagar Mela will make leave spoilt for choice in terms of sarees and dress materials from different places. You can buy Murshidabad silk known as pure silk too from a price staring from Rs.1100. Murshidabad silk, Mutka silk, dhanekhali, Phuliar saree, Rajshahi silk, Dhakai Jamdani saree etc are the variety of sarees offered by different stores in Bidhanagar mela. Dhakai Jamdani saree range starts from 3000/ in the mela. If you are interested in expertise of local karigars you can buy Kurtas in Shantinekan work appliqued, pure silk salwar dress materials, pure cotton wrap arrounds etc.

To add to that, you can have designer boutiques offering designer Sarees, blouses, cholis, halternecks etc to complement your saree. If you are into brands and want good sale price you can visit some stores which give good sale price at noted brands like 'no code', 'hello kitty' etc. To be frank I have stolen some awesome deals in terms of inner-wears and tees.

A store from Lucknow, a very small one offers wide range of Chikonkari work in salwars, suits, patiala pajamas which will be a good choice.

Stalls from Kashmere at Bidhannagar Mela 2013 offers very good range of Shawls of different varieties, Kurtas with Kasmiri work, bags, pouches, touts, kushion covers etc. By the way you have great choice of household decoration and home upholstry in the entire mela.

Stalls from Egypt is quite a rage for their unique collection of decorative lights. Egyptian lights like Chandeliers, pendant lights, lanterns beaming from the store was a sight to behold in mela. Huge range of artefacts, masks, decorative furnitures are also a hit in the mela. You can buy the smallest of Chandeliers at the price of 2000/ and the price goes up with styling and size. The pendants starts from Rs.100 here.There are good choice for decorative lights and table lamps in other stalls too.

Onyx items from Pakistan which was an attraction for mela goers. There are other store from Karachi offering dress materials with good embroidery work.

A store from Ludhiana brings Mojris at a price starting from Rs.250. You can buy cute mojris to your little one too and the mojris have no right or left distinction.You have other small stores for shoes and sandals too. Smalls stores also offer very beautiful range of costume jewelry and you have have a very beautiful collection of costume/fashion jewellery at a street price.

Kitchen wares and other household products like cleaning products are offered in a wide range in Bidhannagar mela. You have Gas stove exchange offer, window mosquito nets, cleaning products you see the TV advertorials, faucets, steel cookwares and crockery, Melamine sets from Bangladesh, Bed-covers and bed sheets in different price and quality etc.

For those who are food lover the Mela offers a lots of provisions to satisfy your taste-buds. From Bengali Patisapta to Prawn Pakoras, Dahi Kachiri you can have everything. Also, you can buy lots of achar(pickles) and preserved items from lots of places.

Bidhannagar mela for kids

Bidhan nagar mela does may not offer high tech games but those evergreen old world games are very much there. From giant wheels to roller coaster rides kids(along with parents) can have a lot of fun. Lots of stores are there also for buying kids toys. You can buy lots of kids clothes from the mela. I liked the 'Lighting Tee/Hairy boy Tees' for boys which can be machine washed.

You can enjoy eveing function at Bidhannagar mela after the sundown. Artistes perform different activities like song dance etc. Sometimes fashion shows are organized by local designers and if you keep a track you may be lucky to have watched shows of noted designers too.

My experience
A day a Bidhannagar Mela means a complete experience of shopping. Even if you are not into buying you can interact with other buyers and sellers know about fashions and trends. If you have only one day at hand to visit the mela, I would say that do not hesitate to buy what comes your way at a good price. If you can afford two days you can take a good look one day and survey it and buy then.

Bidhannagar Mela Utsav(festival) 2013 a detailed experience

2013-01-26T18:16:00.003-08:00

Bidhannagar Mela Kolkata 2013

Bidhannagar Mela is one of the most awaited festival for the residents of Salt lake and the nearing area like New Town, Dumdum and for the entire Kolkata. Both buyers as well as sellers enjoy a whale of time in this unique and enjoyable festival of shopping. A friend of mine, a regular at Bidhan Nagar festival insists that she does not miss the mela each year and she actually did not miss the mela in the last six consecutive year.
For others like her the Bidhan Nagar mela is paradise for for shoppers who wants from all the knick-knacks and household goods to fancy dress materials all under the same roof.

Bidhannagar Mela location and how to reach

Bidhannagar mela location for 2013 is Central Park at Karunamoyee, a very well-connected place. You can reach the mela from any place form Kolkata. How? Reach Ultodanga from anywhere by bus and take an autorickshaw from there to Karunamoyee Central Park. You can also take bus directly to Karunamoyee(Saltlake) and take a walk to the mela pavilion.

Bidhannagar mela stalls
Bidhannagar mela in my views is an attraction for sellers across the entire locality. You can visit stores/stalls from Egypt, Pakistan, Ghana, Bangladesh from outside India to neighbouring places Ludhiana, Lucknow, Kashmere etc. Stalls from West Bengals that have gained popularity are from Shantiniketan, Medinipur etc.

Saree shops at City Center 2, Kolkata

2012-08-20T02:59:00.002-07:00

Honestly I am not into Saree shopping at this time. But wherever your eyes go you will be watching everyone either shopping sarees or talking sarees. The reason obviously is the upcoming Durga Puja 2012 where every woman in this part of the country needs to seen resplendent in that nine yards. Silk, Taant, designer, mutka, chanderi whatever the material is saree is the sure-shot winner here.

So when my friend insisted me to accompany her for a 'saree trying spree' at City Centre two I did not quite find any reason to deny. Here is what I gathered in this trip.

First we headed to the second and third floor shops for sarees and salwars. This is not a surprise though that Bollywood style sarees are slowly becoming favourite for Kolkatans. Large number of shops providing net, Chiffon, geogette etc and enthusiastic buyers prefering them over traditional Bengali preferences like silk, Zamdani, Dhakai or our known kanjibharam, tanjore or Bhagalpuri varieties of traditional silk etc. In almost all the saree shops at City center two (Newtown) we found huge stocks of chiffon, georgette, net or half net with machine embroidery, applique or sequin work. Price ranging from 2600/- to 10-12,000 etc. Georgette sarees starting from slightly less than 3000/ are good at that price but these are not the real stuffs. Actual georgette sarees are available from a price range starting from a little more than 5000/ Rupees.

Designer brands like Oins fanshions, Vermillion, Fabindia have good collection keeping in mind the youngsters who will be choosing Saees for this puja.

Some more saree shops at City Center Two
Fabindia

Shop No. C0011, Ground floor
Kingiree
Shop No. M0206, 2nd floor
Oinz Fashions
Shop No. A0231, 2nd floor
Parampara Sarees
Shop No. A0210, 2nd floor
Prapti
Shop No. D0105, 1st floor
Vermilion
Shop No. D0010, Ground floor
Tvastr
Shop No. C0012, Ground floor
Spandan
Shop No. B0213, 2nd floor
Spandan
Shop No. B0213, 2nd floor
Rene
Shop No. D0005, Ground floor

Jashn Sarees at first floor

Jashn sarees offering flat 51% discount on selected range. Stuffs are good and different materials available. Printed, Plain georgette sarees available at Rs 500 only and you can grab designers sarees at very reasonable price during this monsoon sale which will last till last of August month.

Chaitra Sale discounts and top local markets in Kolkata for Chaitra sale

2012-04-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

New Market Kolkata image

Chaitra sale is the most availed and awaited discount sale in Kolkata markets and malls. Traditionally, as Bengali new year starts in Baisakh (this falls in mid-April) Chaitra is the last month of Bengali calender. Bengalis celebrates new year or Poila Baisakh with a lots happy celebration and new clothes is one of the top priority.
So shops and markets in Kolkata also cash in on with this shopping spree during the month of March and and the first two weeks of April. Interestingly unlike malls Kolkata clothes are not too keen on attracting customers by offering discounts. Markets and stores wait for this time of the year by offering a 10% discount as Chaitra sale. This is kind of year end clearance sale for local shop owners.

But all said and done, don't underestimate this Chaitra sale. In fact traditional middle class families in bengal really rely on this Chaitra sale for their home needs and daily needed clothes. You can get home furnishing like curtains, bed sheets for daily use, summer clothes for kids, traditional suti(cotton sarees) than women wear daily etc at good rates and you can expect variety in this Chaitra sale.

Top Chaitra sale destinations in Kolkata

Kolkata top local markets are actually the top Chaitra sale markets. These undoubtedly are Gariahat, New Market, Hatibagan, Golpark, Esplanade etc. At Gariahat you can buy everything from silk to cotton sarees, dress materials, kidswear etc. Not to speak about trendy kurtis, chappals and other fashion jewelry at dart cheap rate. You can go for some amazing and refreshing designs in footwear at very low rate. Like Zari work chappals can come at 100 rs each! For kids wear too Gariahat shopping spots are hottest destinations of all. You can adorn your little one with some traditional Dhoti kurta at a rate of 300-400 only. By the way most top shops of Gariahat are centered around Rasbehari Avenue and Gariahat mor or crossing. But along with Rashbehari Avenue some top Indian saree shop and designer boutique also located in Trainagular park area at Gariahat.

Kolkata's yesteryear's favourite shopping destination New Market still holds charm among fashion conscious lots including young guns who love to step out with latest fashion only. Here you can buy coloured denims at 750 to 800 Rs, denim shorts at 200 to 300 Rupees, Jodhpur pants which are a rage currently at 250 only. For those who love to buy dress materials and want to get their customized salwar suits can buy dress materials that starts with a price of 550 rs only.

Hatibagan market is another top destination which is famous because it also allow you to bargain your heart out. Amazing Jute Kurtis can be found at a price of 150/- 180/-. You can buy everything and don't forget to bargain at Hatibagan.

Another top fashion shopping destination is Golpark. If you are a fashionista and showing some skin needs no extra effort than Golpark is your call. You can get beautiful floral tops at rs 80 only. Off course price varies. But just don't miss items like Hot pants that starts as little as Rs 120.

Dakshinapan Chaitra sale is another hot favourite shopping spot in Kolkata. Traditional sarees from all corners of India and of all kinds material are found here and you will also try some extra-ordinarily beautiful Khadi outfits like Kurta, kurti, dress materials at Dakhinapan. Oh, I would like to add that salwar suits are prices as less as Rs 300/ here.

Jashn Saree store at Kolkata airport

2012-03-28T02:56:00.000-07:00

Like many other international airports that provide unique shopping experience to the passengers Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (NSCBI) airport also joining the league with several top class designser brands recently opening their exclusive showrooms at the airport. Dumdum airport international terminal
now joins the likes of Mumbai or Delhi internatonal airports which have exclusive clothes
and jewelry showrooms at the passenger lounge. Mumabi airport has exclusive stores like Jewelsouk multibrand and multi-category lifestyle store in the passenger area itself.

Jashn store is one of the exclusive designer saree and other outfit range by the house of Jashn which already have other showroom in Kolkata city. The brand endorsed by stylish actress Celina Jaitley has an interesting range of Saree, Salwar Suits, Dress materials, Shawls etc. They also provide customized tailoring which is definitely the icing on the cake for most of the customers who do not want to spoil their exclusively priced dress materials.

Jashn store at Kolkata airport address, location and contact details

NSCBI airport( international ).
contact number 033-64990008

The Jashn brand has also plans to open a Jashn store at Kolkata airport domestic terminal also. Please check out later for getting details of Jashn store at Kolkata airport domestic terminal.

Purple Movie town in Kolkata location, facilities, how to reach details

2012-02-18T02:33:00.000-08:00

Purple Movie Town in Kolkata

Imagine a film city like Ramoji film city in Hederabad at our vicinity? I mean in the eastern part of the country. Yes. The Purple Movie Town(the name itself is really good and sounds like a dream) in Kolkata is one such film studio to cater the needs of filmmakers in the eastern part of India and of course, the world.

The cost of the venture Purple movie town

The entire cost of the Purple movie town project is Rs 37 crores. The film studio covers
an area of 6.5 acres of land on which film production facilities are built up. Obviously it's strength is compared to its famous sibling Hyderabad's Ramoji Rao Film city. The purple movie Town is fully air-conditioned. The location of the Purple movie town studio is Sonarpur, in the sounthern fringes of Kolkata city.

The cost of film production at Purple movie town

According to industry experts the purple movie town studio will be a one stop destination for all the needs that a film requires. The The Purple movie town is opened somewhere during the first months of 2011. The rate of film productions are very high and so are the increase of shooting loactions. So Purple movie town is a good answer to all these increasing needs.

How to reach Purple movie town

Purple Movie town studio is at a distance of 30 minutes drive from the Technician's studio at Tollygunge(the original film studio in Kolkata).

Facilities at Purple Movie Town

The Purple movie town will house every need for a film shooting. These facilities are built in Airports, railway station, shopping complex, apartments, court room, hospital, college, temple, police station etc.
There are more than 20 make up rooms in the purple movie town. The make rooms are dedicated to Benglai film actresses from kanan devi to Rituparna Sengupta.
The purple movie twon studio will also have nice accomodation for technicians, actors, apartments, sound editing facilities and dubbing studios as well as a preview studio.
Film cities floor's are dedicated to Bangla movie stars like Soumitra Chatterjee and Mithun Chakraborti.
Moreover there will bee production control rooms, business centres and direction facilities.

The film purple movie town studio will cater the needs of Assamese, Oriya, bhojpuri film industries along with engali films. Apart form films there are also huge demands from TV serials, reality shows etc. Purple Movie Town is designed by famous Art director Nitish Roy who has designed the famous Ramoji Film city in ederabad. According to the art director-designer though the Purple Movie Town is smaller than Ramoji Rao film city it is a state-of-the-art project. The loactions are made of fibreglass and they are detachable and convertible to look different for different requirements.

Read more about Purple Movie Town in Kolkata

36th International Kolkata Book Fair, images, and experience

2012-02-05T02:05:00.000-08:00

The entrance of Kolkata Boi mela 2012.

A sunday at Kolkata book fair 2012 re-instated the love of people for books in Kolkata. It was a Mahakumbh of book lovers across the city and far-away places. From the Science city bus stop it took half an hour to reach the book fair destination when I visited the Boi mela last Sunday on 29th Jan. I had my kids along and had to plan a quick exit from the Boi mela because it seemed to getting congested every passing minute.

The pleasant January weather lightly warm afternoon and the excitement of kids have made the Kolkata Book fair 2012 a very memorable day for everyone. According to booksellers There

Kolkata Book fair 2012 pictures

were huge sell in the kids section of every stall that sold kids books. National Book Trust, NCERT etc experience a good sale on that day on the students' section.

The Italy tourism stall collected huge number of visitors for the beautiful pictures. People are seen clicking themselves on the nice background of beautiful pictures from Italy.

I could spots visitors from other countries as well in the book fair who are seen petrified by the smell of the nearby drain that cross the entrance of Kolkata Book fair.

Kolkata Boi Mela at Milan Mela prangan, Science city ground

It was actually a huge Fair. Book lovers, on-lookers are seen watching what is going on in the Book fair.

Book stalls at Kolkata book Fair 2012

Kolkata Book fair visitors photo

Book stalls at Kolkata boi lema 2012

In the world of books!! Kids at Kolkata Book Fair 2012.

Clothes markets near Dumdum Airport Kolkata

2012-01-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

In this article I intend to discuss the clothes markets, good clothes stores, and shopping malls near NSCBI airport Kolkata. One wonder's whether they can get good clothes in this part of Kolkata, because it is quite far from the actual Kolkata city and the top markets in Kolkata like New Market, Gariahat, Barabazar etc. nevertheless, for those who stay near Kolkata airport or plans to shift to this part or just have some spare hours for flights getting delayed here is a quick view of good clothe stores, shopping malls near Kolkata airport.

Good traditional Clothes market near Kolkata airport

Gora Bazar at Dumdum Cantt. is a 10 minute ride by auto-rickshaw or car. Of course otherkind of public transports like bus, Taxi etc are available which will take you to Gora bazar. You will get good variety of clothe stores ranging from medium to high price tag and a few airconditioned as well as multistoried departmental clothes stores there.

To name a few, Piyali stores, Jasoda stores, Deziner, Priyanka, Gobinda Grand Sons, Nilachal, Govinda Stores, Ramprasad Bastralaya etc.

Among these Piyali is a departmental clothes store in Gora Bazar which houses all kinds of clothes from Sarees to kids wear, from dress material to strips under one roof. But the number of sales persons are more than enough to kill your buying experience with undue attention and expert advise.
Deziner in Gorabazar is a multistoried clothes store like Piyali stores.
Jasoda Bastralaya in Gorabazar is good for buying sarees, Kids clothes etc.
Ramprasad Bastralaya is also a good destination if you want costly but good sarees.

Shopping Malls near Kolkata Airport(Dumdum)

Metra Bazar mall In Kolkata : Metro Bazar mall is at VIP road, in the same row as VIP Big Bazar.

Bazar Kolkata : Bazar Kolkata is in between Metro Bazar and Big Bazar.
Mega Mart store VIP road is just near adjacent to VIP Big Bazar Baguiati. You can get all mega Mart benefits and discounts here too.

Big Bazar VIP road is top destination for buying grocery and home needs. You will get clothes from the future brand Fashion@Big Bazar, but most people do not find clothes at big bazar as attractive.
Krishna Departmental store location is just opposite Hotel Rupasi Bangla at Koikhali just a five minutes drive from Airport.

VIP Bazar is almost in the same area and it is also for family clothing.

Raymonds

City Centre Two is also just a 10 minutes ride from the airport. Just take the Rajarhat New Town Road and you will get the City Centre two on the left. Shopping and spending time will not be an issue once you reach City Centre 2. All top brands like Pentaloons, Rene, Arrest, Max, Reebok and other retail shops are avilable at City Centre two.

Sasya store in Kolkata address, location, speciality and contact details

2011-12-23T23:08:00.000-08:00

Sasya Multidesigner store in Kolkata image from outside.

What if you get to check for all the top designers' collections in one store itself without visiting several cities and of course several stores? Yes. You have read it right. Sasya Store in Kolkata is a multi-designer store which houses designer collections from all the top designers in India. Sasya store has opend its first multidesigner store in Kolkata in the later part of 2011.

Sasya store's sister concern Simaya store is already a noted name for the shoppers. Among the top designers whose collections are available in Sasaya store Kolkata are to name a few designers Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Valaya, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Manish Gupta; Archana Kochhar, Arjun and Anjali Kapoor, Shantanu and Nikhil, Gaurav Gupta, Renu Tandon, Geisha Designs, Poonam Bhagat, Rajdeep Ranawat and Krishna Mehta etc.

Sasya store will definitely fulfil the demands of city's fashionistas for buying original designer collection of Indian ethnic wear and fusion garments. The designs will the contemporary Indian designs basically. Sasya which means essence is expected to catch the essence of Indian beauty. The store is a 10000 sq.ft area spreaded in five floors. The rates and prices at Sasya store will be 20-30 percent more reasonable than other metros in India according to the owners.

Sasya store in Kolkata address, location and contact details

Sasya store address
23A, Shakespeare Sarani, (Near Kalamaandir)
Kolkata -700017.
Sasya store location is Shakespeare Sarani Near Kalamandir.

Christmas Shopping in Kolkata

2011-12-23T23:06:00.001-08:00

Streets of Kolkata is all set to celebrate Christmas. The top Christmas party destination though is Park Street, other streets are also reveling in the festive spirits. Cakes, Christmas trees, stars and everything related to the Yuletide spirit are on full display.

For those who are yet to brush up their wardrobe for one last time here is a list of stores offering Christmas gowns and party dress for Christmas Eve. Option Store at Mani Sqaure mall, Arrest store at City Center 2, Rene store at Mani Sqaure, Globus at South City Mall, Westside, Globus at Axis mall in New Town etc would be the stores offering Christmas party evening wear for girls.

New Market in Kolkata is also a wonderful Christmas shopping destination. You will have lots of choices at New Market near Esplanade.

Those who cannot settle in lesser than designer labels for the Christmas Eve or for the New Year parties they can check out this new store Sasya. Sasya store is the ultimate destination for designer dresses by top designers in India. This store houses collections by the likes of Tarun Tahiliani, Shantanu and Nikhil, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna and many more. So now perhaps you don't need to fly Mumbai or Delhi for splurging on designer labels.

Jashn store in Kolkata offers location address contact details

2011-10-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

When it comes to choose a traditional and ethnic wear for women, especially for the young women Salwar suits comes a close second to sarees. So designer salwar suits are quite a rage this season. Jashn store in South City mall is one such store specialized for women's clothing in Kolkata. Salwar Suits, dress materials and of course sarees. They had offered mind blowing flat 51% discount offer during durgapuja 2011.

Jashn Store Kolkata location contact no address

Jashn Store is quite an well known name in the world of women's clothing and they have successful stores in Delhi and Mumbai, Kolkata and most Indian cities. Indian actress Celina Jeitley is the face of Jashn saree with whom she also collaborates for displaying her own designs. Jashn Sarees salwar suits and dress materials have the gorgeous feel which goes well for weddings, special occasions etc. Bridal sarees, heavily embroidered sarees etc are usp of Jashn. The designs from Jashn sarees are originated from Awadh in Lucknow and this typical North Indian feel is carried well in Jashn designs. Though sarees and suits for wedding and festive occasion is the attraction in Jashn contemporary clothing is also available.

Jashn Store in Kolkata is located at South city mall.

Store address

Jashn,South city mall, 2nd floor, 365 Prince Anwar shah road,

Kolkata.

Jashn store contact number: 033- 40072261/40078482.

Jashn store timing : 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM everyday(Sunday open)
Credit card accepted.

Globus store in Axis mall for apparels location contact details

2011-10-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

Globus store in Axis mall New Town is seen becoming a rage among fashionistas of Kolkata during the Durga Puja 2011 fair. Several of my friends wearing latest and interesting and sleeves(and caught eventually!!) in Anarkali Kurtas vouched for the designs in Globus store in Axis mall. Since latest craze of sleeves are very interesting in gigot sleeves, bishop sleeves etc you can spot them in Globus and well satisfy your hunger to look different as well.

Apparels in Globus stores is marked for its extraordinary and fresh designs for all men's wear and women's wear. Interesting Tees in very unique prints, sleeves and fresh from the oven styles in Women's pants etc make it's clothes stand out. Other fresh apparels are Jackets, Blazers, Sweatshirt for the upcoming Autumn winter season, Denins in very unique colours and styles for both men and women etc.

Globus store special Diwali 2011 offers and discounts

At Globus you can avail special diwali offers for shopping. But that is obviously on huge expenditure. If you are making your Diwali shopping from Globus only than this is great for you. But if you are of those kind who like to check out apparels in several stores and buy from various shops than this kind of offers may not for you.

If you shop for 2500 than you can get a gift voucher of Rs 250.
Similarly for shopping amount of 5000 you get gift voucher of 750.
And you can avail gift voucher of 2000 for shopping amount of 10,000.
Moreover you can get a gift voucher worth 5% of your shopping amount if you shop for 4000 or more using ICICI bank credit or debit card.

Globus store location and address

Globus store is a premier store in Axis mall. The address is

Globus
Axis mall, Jyoti Basu Nagar,
New Town, Kolkata.

Globus store contact number: 23242435.

You can also shop online from Globus official website www.globusstores.com

Westside store at Mani square details and festive offers for Diwali 2011

2011-10-11T03:13:00.000-07:00

Westside festive offers for Diwali 2011

Westside is for stylish people. The store has a combination of designs, style and affordability. It also offers provilege cards for members which enables you to get special discounts, get intimated by sms alerts about every possible discounts.

Inside thee Westside store at Mani square mall image

Recent special offers from Westside are
special offers on shopping amount of 5000 or more.
Win draws of cars and goodies.
Offers for venture above 2000 etc.
20% on infant packs.
You can buy 2 uber premium Ascot shirts for only 2000/.
Exclusive dining discounts and other special offers for Clubwest members.

Westside store at Mani Square mall is located at the back entrace to Mani Sqauare mall. If you enter Mani Square mall through the rear entry you have to go through Westside. And you always have an opprtunity to browse shoes, latest apparels, new arrivals, discounted merchadises in Westside. Westside is a lifestyle store. Apart from apparels for women, menswear, sports gear, kids wear. lingerie, kids sports item etc you get to buy bed linens, some awesome pieces of furnitures, crockeries and showpieces too. You can also try the hottest new accessories at Westside you women as well kids. I find the kids accessories a bit costly. But those who do not mind splurging on accessories will definietely get the best of accessories at Westside.

You get brands like U.S. Polo Assn, Lee, Ascot, Provogue, Westside's own merchandise for both mans wear and womans wear etc in Westside stor at Mani sqaure.

Westside store at mani square contact number
033-23201950/51
Email id for contact West side mywestside@trent-tata.com

Westside store

Reliance Jewel Diwali 20111 collection special offers and deals

2011-10-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Reliance Jewels has created a place for itself among the jewelry lovers since its opening in Kolkata.The exquisite designer collection from Reliance jewels has many takers and owing to that perhaps the jewelry store has announced big and special offers in terms of discounts and great schemes.

Reliance Jewels special diwali offers

Reliance jewels offer on gold jewelry

You can avail Rs 1500 off on per 10 gram Gold purchase.

Reliance jewelry diamond offers

You can avail 25% off on purchase of diamond jewelry.

Tip:Please be careful to check terms and conditions before plunging onto any discount offers.

There are also special schemes like Golden steps jewelry purchase scheme.

According to this you can pay for 11 months and and get the payment of the next one month as bonus. Along with this you will get an attractive gift also. Sounds great!!

Max stores in Kolkata location, what to buy and contact details.

2011-10-06T03:33:00.000-07:00

Max stores in City centre two is one of the most popular womans wear store in Kolkata. Every style conscious girl's first preference is Max because of its quality, reasonable price and elegant woman' wear. Max is part of Lifestyle International Pvt Limited, and it is based at Middle East. Max store at City Centre two is perhaps second store in Kolkata.

At Max you get discounts at end of the season and it is really the most attractive and uncomplicated discount in terms of conditions. Max is a family store and one of the favorite among mall-hoppers and you have great choices for each and every member of the family. From mom-dad to kids and infants you have lots of choices for everyone in Max store. At Max it is sure that you will buy at least five clothes and since there are accessories like bags, belts and earnings etc you will lay your hands on them too. And at the season sale you get Rs 200 off on purchase of Rs 2000/.

There are other discounts also in Max. And the above mentioned discounts is applicable even if you purchase clothes on discounted rates.

Max Innercircle: In Max stores you get special reward points on your shopping expense. You also enroll yourself for Max privilege card Inner Circle which intimate you about every discount that MAx offers and you get special reward points too.

Max store in City Centre two location address and contact number

Max store.
Shop no. A010-011-12.
City Centre two New town.
Rajarhat road

Max store Contact number is 091-033 04620043.
official website of Max is : www.lifestylestores.com.

Fashion tip: For a more sensuous look enhance your curves with fluid fabrics, deeper necklines and fabrics like silk, cashmere, and leather. For festive season brocade and silk will be perfect.

Diwali shopping 2011 in Kolkata

2011-10-06T03:13:00.000-07:00

The festivity of Durga puja is just the beginning of the season of fun and shopping. With lots and lots of people heading for festive shopping in malls, all the malls in Kolkata too are all geared up for the catering the huge crowd even during the festivals. Yesterday I happened to be at City Centre two and quite amused to watch thousands of people at City Centre two in Kolkata while Navamee puja was still going on in each Puja mondop in the city.

So if you have the habit of buying loads of clothes even during the actual festive days than you do not need to worry about a special Diwali shopping in Kolkata. Just wear your festive mood, get your wallet ready and head on straight to any mall. You will virtually enjoy shopping as a part of your festive rituals.

I have just checked Diwali collection in Max store at city Centre. And I loved it. There are beautiful ethnic Indian wear like salwar suits, Kurtas in silk, brocade, glossy material,(I loved the semi-silk kurtas in Max), there are the glitters for the Diwali mood and lots. For western wear too the collection in Max is great and you have lots to choose. For children, especially for girls you will be spoilt for choice.

What to buy in Max stores in City Centre two Kolkata

I loved the blazers for girls(6-8 years) in two colour henna green and purple.
The ethnic wear collection for womens wear is simply great, in lots of attractive colors.
Woman's wear like trendy tops (full sleeved) in just Rs. 229.
Fashionable long skirts that goes perfect with festive mood and matching short and cute kurtis
I also loved the sheer tops in chiffon, which are very elegant and romantic. They are in soft colors.
Corduroy pants for woman in slim fit and dark colors like chocolate brown and earthy hues.
Pencil fit jeans for women. But in limited color choices. But you can team it up with festive kurtis available in Max..

Fashion tip: A full skirt can do wonder in highlighting the positive and play down the negative body parts of those who have saddle bag thighs and neat slender waist.