Priyadarshini Market

The concept of malls is not new. The idea of having different categories of shops along with dining options is not new. In fact the first ‘mall’ of Bhubaneswar is Priyadarshini Market Complex. It’s a ‘mall’ without central air conditioning, underground parking, swanky outlets, modern escalators, aesthetically designed interiors and exclusive showrooms. It’s an old venerable structure with numerous outlets across its decrepit floors. What makes it work is not only the variety of products and services available, but also the humane touch which is sorely missing in the newly evolved mall culture. You are not just another customer when you visit a shop here. You are a potential lifetime visitor to that shop and you get treated the same way. Many loyal customers find out reasons to visit this complex just to catch up with the friendly shopkeepers. Few of them spend hours together watching cricket matches on the small TV sets in the shops. From vegetable vendors, fruit stalls, fast food joints, groceries, stationeries to mobile outlets, electronics repair shops, courier service, watches, departmental stores, apparels (especially sarees and dresses) and even a pet shop, Priyadarshini Market sells almost everything. Loyalists to this market swear by its shops and shopkeepers.