Fashion doesn’t always come expensive. So believe the youth of the Millennium City. Moving away from the mall culture, youngsters today visit local markets when it comes to maintaining style and comfort with élan.
With youngsters constantly looking for a ‘hang out’ destination, most of them head to either Galleria Market, or the Sector 56 HUDA market. A few bargain hunters also visit markets in Sector 31 and Sector 15 quite frequently. The summer break has brought them out in numbers.
“Unlike branded clothes, the designs one gets in local markets are so different, that it’s hard to find another person sporting the same outfit. These markets are a wonderful substitute to malls,” believes Bhavna Sharma, a management student.
Another student, Tanya Vashisht says “I love shopping in local markets, because if the clothes you buy get damaged, you can discard them without feeling guilty about the price paid.” When asked about what she is going to buy for the summer, she says, “I will buy denim hot pants and tube tops from Sector 56, and a jumpsuit from the Sector 15 market.”
Today, the local HUDA markets offer an endless range of casual wear, T-shirts, footwear, accessories, home decor goods, and jewellery. Plus, these items are easy on the pocket.
Sector 15: One of the oldest markets in the City, the Sector 15 HUDA Market has the congenial feeling of community living. One can find visitors from various walks of life hanging around, sipping coffee and munching popcorn. Besides the chain outlets like Fab India, The Raymond Shop, Café Coffee Day, and Slice of Italy, Sector 15 has local outlets for apparel, sports goods, chemists, computers and gadgets, stationery, electronics and more. The pick of the lot is Yuvati Boutique, an apparel store which has an amazing collection of women-wear, ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 3,000. Also check out Art d Inox and Greggio stores, for home decor items.
After shopping, don’t forget to relish the famous burger at Burger Point. “It is a small outlet. But we always stop by, as it offers good quality, and it is cheap. A Maharaja burger costs Rs. 60. However, if you are looking for a sophisticated dining experience, visit the Earth Lounge & Bar. “We have revamped the whole place recently. There is an Italian lounge, Morrocon-style lounge, and a spacious party section, all spread over three floors,” says Tanu, owner of Earth Lounge & Bar.
Sector 56: You will find a colourful line-up, with the 10 odd stalls full of trinkets to catch your attention. Sector 56 market combines the concept of a flea market with that of evening entertainment and a mocktail station. There are regular stalls of Indian and western wear, stylish bags, Kolhapuri Chappals, and funky hair accessories for women and kids.
Also, artefacts, along with posters and a range of celebrity portraits, are always on display. Don’t miss the export footwear shops here. A pair of trendy slippers can be bought for just Rs. 100. The added attractions of this flea market are the stalls of momos and some freshly made mocktails – so you can sip on a Mojito to keep yourself fresh, while you shop in the heat. “Shops like Saleems Takeaway and Samrat Bakery, and an open air restaurant on the other side of the road – Lucknow Mail, make your shopping experience truly memorable,” says Daksh Chawla, a regular, and a resident of Sector 50.
Sector 14: If you want to shop for household items and stationery, and finally sink your taste buds into quintessential street food, the Sector 14 market is perhaps the best choice. Many people call it the mini-Karol Bagh of the City.
The market has a mini Spencers, and a Shubham supermarket for the daily needs. For clothes, check out Laxmi Matching Centre, where you can pick up unstitched suit pieces; Mother’s Home, that offers a great mix and match for kurtas, salwars, churidars, and dupattas; and Studio 14, which is known for designer party wear dresses. You will find branded frames and glasses at Shubham Optician, that can be bought for half of the market price.
“This market transforms into a complete ‘mela’ over weekends. One can not only pick up designer clothes and accessories, but can also relish yummy Gol Gappas, Chat Papri, and Chhole Bhature in the famous Om Sweets,” says Rajat Saini, a shopkeeper.
Sector 31: From denim jackets, fashion accessories, to T-shirts and musical instruments, the stretch of shops here offers a wide variety of items that you can bargain for. While you are here, buy a Chhamak Chhalo blouse for just Rs. 800 at Tarini Designs; and georgette saris, readymade suit pieces for men, and kids’ wear at Shyam Garments. The market is frequented by college students, and the students of NIIT – which is located in the market itself. “I visit the market for the options of junk jewellery available here – ranging from Rs. 30 to Rs. 400,” says Khushi, a student of NIIT. Getting a mehendi tattoo done from a roadside Rajasthani artist is another attraction of this market. It has a range of food options too. While Punjabi Kitchen and Mirchi are famous for North Indian cuisine, Yo Dimsums and Fuel offer delicious Chinese.
Sector 22: The HUDA market of Sector 22 is stocked with clothes, in the latest fashions and styles – ranging from Rs. 150 to as high as Rs. 5,000. If you want to buy traditional sarees and conventional salwar suits at affordable prices, then this is the place. Shirts, jeans, and kids’ wear are also available in plenty. Nirula’s serves ecstatic flavours of ice-creams and cold drinks, to make your shopping experience pleasant in the summer. There is also Papa John’s, Domino’s, and Spicy Corridors.
Packed with an array of garments, toys, home decor, and accessory stores, the local HUDA markets resemble traditional markets, that are a rare sight in the City now. Whether you are lured by the bargains offered, or the better variety, the HUDA markets pack quite an offer.
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