A young girl with great taste starts out by selling clothes from the back of her car. Eventually, she grows into a retail brand that's listed on the stock exchange. That's Otara Gunewardene for you. And her popular retail outfit, Odel, which is estimated to be worth over a whopping 60 million USD. Odel is THE Sri Lankan success story. Walk into the store and they offer everything from men's wear, women's wear, kid's wear, home goods, jewellery, perfumes, cosmetics, food, books, souvenirs and much more. For some guilt-free shopping, they also have a range, Embark, whose part of the proceeds go to animal shelters. Embark is an initiative that's close to Gunewardene's heart, who is a self-confessed animal lover.

While you will find Odel stores in many locations in Colombo, drop by the one at Alexandra Place which spans 33,000 sq ft and will have you shopping within a charming colonial structure. The place offers floor upon floor of retail therapy, and something for every taste.