Mango, Promod, Aldo, Charles & Keith, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Tie Rack London - just some of the high end premium luxury brands that have finally added Pune to their India growth stories.
The newly opened Jewel Square mall houses over twenty-two such brands in a 100,000 sq feet built-up area and is located in the high-profile shopper catchment area of Koregaon Park. But even as it is (prematurely) termed the retail-revival story of Pune, what does this addition to an already cluttered space have to offer to shoppers like you & me?
- For the no-holds-barred-brand-conscious shopper, this is the best of elite fashion right here in Pune. The stores haven't compromised on displaying their complete set of latest designs just because they are situated in a smaller city like Pune
- For the budget-conscious-can-only-afford-sales shoppers like me - it's like a candyland to be devoured when the big SALE signs go up on the windows
- The added cost of travelling to Mumbai is also cut down (even if it pales in comparison to what one actually shells out for these brands)
My favourite Charles & Keith bought at a 60% discount (Courtesy - Recession induced distress sales of 2008-09)
As far as the shopping experience goes -
- The place is still half-built. Charles & Keith is still to open and Mango is busy putting the final touches to its store. It will probably be a month before the place is officially complete
- A cramped parking lot with a common entry/exit point: The 2-level lot can barely hold more than 40 cars and becomes even more claustrophobic when cars try to enter and exit at the same time
- If you just want to ogle the stuff there or draw out a plan to purchase the latest Aldo pumps, the second-floor-centrally-located Cafe Coffee Day is perfect for you
- The lounge/pub crowd can look forward to Firangi Paani setting up shop very soon
- Don't expect the place to be too crowded (even on weekends) as the place doesn't have much to offer besides shopping
All in all, I'd like to wait a few months before I can count this place in the league of Atria or Orbit in Mumbai. Till then Pune can certainly enjoy this lap of luxury at her doorstep!!!!
Its actually a little strange that they took so long for Luxuary Fashion Brands to look at Pune. Pune thanx to IT & ITES boom, has more disposable income as compared to Mumbai to spend on Luxuary Brands. Add to it the average age of the population is much younger. It is actually a Marketeers haven in many ways.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, Pune had an Audi showroom opening much before Mumbai. Le Meridian followed the same pattern. Its the Fashion Brands who somehow have been the late bloomers.
Actually this mall was supposed to open in Q408 and work had begun in early 2006 but I guess the slowdown screwed it all. A delay of over 20 months. But I can feel the dust in the air again again as most of the other delayed projects are on an overdrive to complete work
ReplyDeleteSo are we marketing the new mall???
ReplyDeleteWell, I didn't intend to...maybe more of a review.
ReplyDeleteI can see that your inate journalistic spirit is manifesting itself through this blog :-) Go back to it...even if its print or online!
ReplyDeleteNikhil
Sruj.... it obviously means MORE shopping trips for shopaholics like you and me!! :-) I think a trip to Pune is on the cards now... Oh yeah, even my "gaon" Lucknow now has a Body Shop outlet...at least thats a start!
ReplyDelete