In a city like Kolkata, where art and literature are a top priority, books and bookstores are regarded in high esteem. Oxford Bookstore is one of the prominent bookshops right from the Victorian period. During the British Era, the Oxford store also had toys, trinkets, silverware, photo frames and perfumes. As time went by, the brand and the bookshops radically changed and modernized to adapt to the younger generation. This shop on Park Street, on par with the name 'Oxford' that connotes quality, has an excellent collection of books and an impeccable service. From classics like 'Gone with the Wind' to the latest released titles, cds, dvds and accessories, the store has it all. It also has a computer, which allows you to check if the desired book or novel is available at the store sans any hassles. It also has a Cha Bar upstairs, where you can enjoy a cup of tea and conversations with your peers. For further details, check the website.
Charvi Boutique is a wholesaler and a retailer of designer sarees, bedsheets, bed covers, pillow covers and so on. They have a variety of items on their list such as cotton sarees, tussar silk sarees and handloom sarees. This boutique exports their collection not only in India but also abroad. In India they have already touched the markets of Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Trivandrum and Chennai. Internationally Sydney, Brisbane, Texas and California have welcomed their products. Its mission is to give best quality products at the most competitive rates.
There was a time when the only shopping options in Kolkata were under the hot sun. Like the name points out, the AC Market changed all that. The large market space has a small door as its entrance, and then corridors lined with shops of every kind. You can find just about anything here: western and traditional apparel, electronic goods, jewelry, watches, souvenirs and even wigs! The three-tiered market might not look the part but it happens to be a great place for bargains. Of course, New Market is the bargain capital of the city, but this is almost just as good and air-conditioned!
Situated in the Kidderpore or Kidhirpur area, New Fancy Market includes the main market as well as the 5-star Shopping complex and rates among the best shopping options in the city. If you're wondering about the 'fancy' tag, it is probably a reference to the fact that you get all kinds of foreign goods here, most of them from places like Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong. Take a stroll along the market and it is immediately clear that it houses a vast variety of electronic gadgets. Apart from this, it also stocks clothes, perfumes, accessories, DVDs, household goods and food products.
This is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs when in Kolkata. Situated near the Dhakuria Bridge on Gariahat Road, Dakshinapan is a large open-air shopping complex spread across two floors and a large courtyard dominates its center. While the external appearance may not be as appealing, it is only once you step inside that you will begin to notice the unique charm of the place. The only one of its kind in Kolkata, the complex houses a number of state approved handloom, handicrafts and textile emporiums which include Manipur, West Bengal, Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Kerala. Other private shops selling various items may also be found here. Saree shops like Tantuja, Roop Ganga and Handloom House Fabric and Sarees are especially popular; G-55 houses all kinds of Indian traditional folk music along with Hindi and Bengali movies. Cane furniture, carpets, embroidered goods, leather items, traditional folk art and religious idols are just some of the things that Dakshinapan is known for. Shopkeepers may try to convince you that theirs is a 'fixed price' establishment, but you can bargain on almost anything available here; just use a little subtlety. Various eateries help keep the energies high: Dolly's Tea Shop and Rajendra's are some of the favorites. Event venues like Madhusudan Mancha and Children Little Theater only add to Dakshinapan's popularity. To accommodate the constant flow of shoppers, there is a large parking space available.
Sasya is a boutique located at Shakespeare Sarani Road in Kolkata. It is a brand that has a number of designers who are responsible for designing their products. They include Devnagiri, Essence, Iraz, Tunics and so on. They focus on women’s traditional clothing that includes sarees, lehengas and salwar kameez. They also have men’s ethnic wear for a wedding or for a formal meeting. Sasya has also introduced accessories to go with your outfit. So, they aim to give you everything you need under one roof. It is an ideal place to plan a wedding shopping where your bridal dress as well as bridal accessories can be picked up together.