The word "Shopping" lights up a glint in one's eyes immediately. In urban India today, thanks to the rampant rise of the shopping mall, one's options in buying have increased manifold. Gone are the days when we would have only one neighbourhood grocer or local market with their patent "General Stores" label, and their limited variety on offer. Today, shopping has reinvented itself, for one can not only shop, but also spend leisure time in a space with ample security and good environment. Shopping malls have doubled up as meeting points for friends, colleagues, and families. Yesterday, such a facility existed only in a club, which demanded exclusivity and membership. Today, access to a Mall is so much more convenient, user friendly, economical and offers the feel-good factor, away from the noise and din of the open roads.
Malls today offer something for everybody. It serves as an ideal family outing spot,and especially takes care of those moments when you don't know exactly what to do, but need to fill in that extra space in your day. Food courts, the very convenient, trendy looking, fast food stalls all stacked together, offer a variety of food at economical rates. Be it Mexican, Italian, Indian (North and South),Continental or American fast food: there is food to satisfy any and every type of palate. Alongside the eating and shopping experience, there are safe children's play areas, which take care of channelizing the young ones' energy. In today's fast paced world, where calling on relatives and friends at their homes has become passe`, the shopping mall provides a great outlet for every individual. Critics of shopping malls may be in plenty, but I doubt if there is even one among them who do not admire the pleasures that a mall offers.
Modern retail outlets provide the latest and best of fashion, food and entertainment. Forget asking your NRI Aunt or cousin for a favour anymore:your favourite international brand perfume or jeans is now just a short drive away! Can life get anymore convenient? Plus, there are always those great offers, seasonal sales and discounts which make the experience even more worthwhile. It actually makes sense to shop for groceries from the supermarkets at malls these days, rather than buying stuff at the MRP (maximum retail price) rates of the local corner store.Shopping in India has certainly been revolutionized; and the credit wholly and solely goes to the modern shopping malls!
