It’s that time of the year again, when there’s a slight nip and festive cheer in the air, while the city’s coloured red, white and green. With Christmas less than a week away, the markets are filled with festive decorations like Christmas trees, mistletoes, and Santa hats, and bustling with busy shoppers.
But for most residents of Pune, on top of the list of these markets is Camp, as tucked away in its by-lanes are the city’s oldest and most-loved Christmas stores, some of which date back a 100 years. Here, the Sachapir Street is awash with the hues of Christmas, and all things glitter.
Ayesha Irani, who was shopping for candle covers and shiny red bows for her tree here, told us, “My Christmas is incomplete without shopping in the streets of Camp. I have been coming here ever since I was a little girl, when I would help my mother pick out the best decorations for our tree at home. I would be particularly excited about picking out my stocking. It’s our family tradition, and every Christmas shopping trip here brings back those old memories.”
It’s a busy time of the year on these streets, where last-minute shoppers can be seen scurrying around, searching for best buys. “This is usual for us. Though most shop for Christmas decor earlier, there’s always room for last-minute shopping,” said Mrs Jean, from one of the Christmas stores. She added that their exclusive decor has attracted a loyal customer base over the years, so much so, that most of the stuff – like wooden nativity crib sets, ceramic snowmen, and Santa Clauses – is sold out by the end of the first week of December! Still up for grabs at the shop are different kinds of wreaths and wall hangings, foam wall hangings and lights.
She added, “This year, handmade and cardboard items are plenty in demand. Most of the decor is made from cardboard – like the mistletoe leaves, Santa wall hangings, snowman, etc. They are hand-painted and shoppers love these. Besides that, felt snowflake wall hangings, and quirky candle holders are selling like hot cakes.” She pointed out another must-buy – poinsettias flowers – saying, “The festival is incomplete without these in every Christian household, and every year we offer them new varieties.”
Grace Furtado, from a popular family-run store in the area, tells us, “This year, the markets are going plastic-free. Unlike last year, the number of plastic decor items has gone done. Instead, materials like jute, felt, cardboard and resin are trending this year. Even the stockings have gone jute, and the ones with Santa, snowman, and fairy designs are among those trending,”
Grace’s mother, who has been with the shop for over 40 years, adds, “Though the basic decor items remain the same, there’s more variety now. For example, back then, we only had two or three types of stockings. Now, there are more than 30. Christmas trees have changed over the years too. White Christmas trees – that give out a snowy effect – are in vogue. There are trees that are semi-snow covered or pre-decorated, while some come decorated with pine cones. The decor keeps evolving every year, but the one thing that remains constant is the spirit of shopping.”
Start a Conversation
Post comment