Tinsel, trees and ornaments: It’s snowing Xmas in the city

From the bustling lanes of New Market to that of Hatibagan, shoppers are embracing a mix of classic charm and creative flair. “DIY décor kits, handmade wreaths, and jute ornaments are finding favour among those looking to add a personal touch to their celebrations, while larger spaces are going all out with carousel-style displays and twinkling light setups,” says Rohit Das, a shopkeeper in New Market. “Santa in action, glowing reindeers, are the crowd favourites, while gold and red is the trending theme,” added Jitendra Joshi, who owns a decor shop inHatibagan.Flavours of the season on the menu at city mallsCity malls are turning to food to tell the story of the season. Besides décor & discounts, the malls are focusing on Kolkata’s enduring relationship with winter indulgence – from fresh bakes to the nostalgia of nolen gur. “A series of festive events have been planned across two malls in Salt Lake and Rajarhat. Special food pop-ups and seasonal activations form an integral part of these celebrations, promising culinary experiences,” says Ramesh Pandey, COO, events, Ambuja Neotia group. Demand high for Xmas decor across markets in the cityFrom fairy lights and colourful baubles to stars, wreaths and Santa figurines, city markets are buzzing with a wide range of Christmas ornaments. Stalls are lined with both traditional decor and modern, giving shoppers plenty of options to choose from. Sellers note that customers are buying ornaments for their homes and as gifts, leading to bigger purchases per visit.Spreading the cheer“This year malls are at the centre of the city’s celebrations. Through our campaign ‘Wrapped in Winter’, the mall has been transformed into a winter wonderland,” said Amit Kumar, executive director, South city mall. The celebrations include Santa meet-and-greets, live performances, festive giveaways, pop-ups and sales. Across town, a Kasba mall has unveiled an immersive festive setup. “The mall has come alive with a vibrant transformation that delights visitors of all ages,” said Subhadip Basu, corporate GM, retail and hospitality, Merlin Group, adding that fairy lights, wreaths and stars enhance the Christmas charm. There’s a lot more excitement this time. People are buying in bulk and choosing quality ornaments. Our sales are much better compared to last year– Ramesh Paul, a Christmas decor seller at Gariahat MarketRepeat customers and new buyers come looking for trendy decor. Handmade ornaments are selling fast and this has helped boost overall sales– Asim, decor sellerat New Market