Why I want to go to a departmental store?
I want to buy trolley full of material of my choice from one place instead of going to ten different shops. In addition, I need not worry about the quality and price.
Why I like to go to a place like Akbarallys?
I expect something very special from them. I want quality product, better services and some may like to spend one lazy sunday afternoon to search for a collectors item. Most important to me is to select from a reasonably wide range, well known brands, some unique articles. A store as Akbarallys should have articles those are unique and should be available only at reputed places and some may only at Akbarallys. I do not want to go to Akbarallys to buy a birthday gift for my son, which is available at Rajubhai Novelties. Many of the Chinese toys are available at the Ice-cream Parlor of Mathuradas. For a Titan watch, I shall better go to a Titan show room where I can get better service and more verity to choose.
I know, like me, many of you like that place. You know, once I drove 110 km with my family to buy a gift cheque from Akbarallys at Chembur, drove to Pune, and presented it to someone very special because she was crazy about Akbarallys. After a week, I got a phone call and she said,“Uncle thanks. Next time I prefer a gift cheque from a bank.” I said “Sure beta. Please talk to your aunty.” I did not dare to ask the reason. If you go there with a gift cheque, you have to spend the entire amount there. Many a time you do not get articles as per your choice. These Gift Cheques are valid for six months (please confirm) and one can buy in installments. However, in today’s world very few have so much of time to go there several times to spend the money.
One of the member in his review about some other departmental store said better cloths are available at Fashion Street. I believe him. In Nov. 2000, there was an international seminar at Taj Holiday Cottages at Goa. All overseas colleagues traveled to Goa from Bombay. While going back some people from Iran, Germany and Switzerland wanted to stay overnight at Mumbai. Believe me, that Iranian took the group to fashion street (Mumbai) and everyone was carrying minimum three bags full of cloths. What is so special at Fashion Street - Quality may not be the best, no brand name but as per buyers’ requirements.
Nowadays, even the big one cannot ignore customer choice and satisfaction.
They are not bad but nothing special. Since Feb. 2001, I have not recommended Akbarallys to anyone. Yes, for grocery and miscellaneous items there are quite good stores and even chain of stores. Standard of living, buyers’ sentiment, local culture, overall development of the country has impact on such developments. I have not seen a departmental store like “Hertie” (not a famous chain of stores) in India. Let us hope for the best.
FYI - Aristide Boucicaut, a Frenchman started first departmental store in Paris called Bon Marche (French for good bargain) in 1850’s. American businessmen like Marshall Field, Eben Jordan very efficiently introduced this system in USA in a very short time. Departmental stores had spread throughout Europe and USA by early 1900’s.
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