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.
Started in 1874, New Market was supposed to be an enclosed shopping area reserved exclusively for English residents during the British colonial rule. The original Gothic structure was laid out by the East India Railway Company and housed prestigious names like Rankin and Company, Cuthbertson and Harper and Thacker Spink. In 1903, New Market was officially named Sir Stuart Hogg Market, honoring the then Calcutta Corporation Chairman's involvement in the project. The original covered market area was expanded over the years and the defining clock tower was introduced in the 1830s. Today, New Market includes the S.S. Hogg Market as well as the large expanse of open shopping area all around it. Taking up a major part of Lindsay Street, now Neli Sengupta Sarani, New Market includes a number of crafts stores like CCIE, Curio Crafts and Kashmir Government House Emporium, restaurants like Ralli's, Nahoums, New Karco and Aminia, and various hawkers all along the footpaths. In spite of the many malls the city now boasts of, New Market continues to see throngs of locals and tourists alike. You can find almost anything you want here and at cheap prices too, as long as you navigate the crowds and use all the possible bargaining tactics. Make sure you carry cash, as most shops in New Market do not accept credit cards. Bear in mind, this is a tiring experience for most; the claustrophobic should avoid going in the evenings and during Durga Puja season.
The Emami Shoppers' City is a retail undertaking of the Kolkata based Emami Group which is well-known across India for its FMCG brands. There was a time when Kolkata was only exposed to its myriad street markets and Chinese import markets like Vardaan Market and Air-Conditioned Market. Emami Shoppers’ City is one of the first malls of the city and was, along with other enterprises, responsible for introducing international brands and products to the people of Kolkata. Situated on Lord Sinha Road, this large shopping mall has a number of shops selling apparel and accessories. During Durga Puja (Kolkata’s most important festival), this shopping haven is packed with a whole bunch of Bengalis. Tired shoppers are usually seen gorging on Indian Street Food like Delhi Chat, Pav Bhaji and Puchkas, that are served at the two eateries present at the entrance of the mall. Landmark, a books and music store of notable importance, stands adjacent to it.