Vardaan Market is one of the oldest air conditioned shopping arcades in the city and the sheer number of people that it attracts on a daily basis bears testimony to its continuing popularity. Located in Carmac Street, this large three-storied space is lined with shops selling everything from clothes and accessories to electronic gizmos and durables. A number of shops selling music, gadgets and jewelery welcome you as you enter the arcade. The basement level is dedicated to imported apparel where as the first floor is dominated by traditional Indian wear. Everything available here tends to be reasonably priced and quality is never compromised. The market is decorated and brightly lit during Durga Puja season and the crowd doubles during the season. One of the most adored features of Vardaan Market is the variety of street food available at its entrance: Bengali favorites like jhal muri and puchkas are a great way to put an end to the shopping spree!
Earthcare Books as the name suggests is a publisher and a distributor of books written on sustainable development and environmental issues. It aims to provide practical information on our environment. Some of the areas they specialize in are natural health, alternative lifestyles, culture and world views, non-formal education, ecological agriculture and utmost care of natural resources. It is located at Park Street area and can be easily found. Members of Earthcare Books actively involve themselves in research and development on topics such as organic farming, forest regeneration and biodiversity. They also welcome critical feedback from readers and keep improving their collection. Their aim is to spread environment awareness through books and thus save our mother earth.
Situated near Baghbazar, Shyambazar and Kumortuli, Shobhabazar or Sovabazar was once one of the most prosperous areas in Kolkata, Maharaja Nabakrishna Deb being one of its most prominent residents in the past. It was also a place that was known for its extravagant Durga Puja celebrations as well as the rich architecture that dominated at the time. Of course, most of the past extravagance is lost today, but it still has an air of nostalgia all around. Today the area is marked by many old markets that sell household goods, Puja items and other such sundries. None of the markets are worth shopping at, but if you want to view something that has stood the test of time, however battered and tattered it may be, do visit this unique neighborhood in North Kolkata.
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.
From busy street markets and bargain shops to sprawling malls, Kolkata's shopping options include something for everyone. If you're looking to buy a pair of trousers or a T-shirt, United Colors of Benetton is sure to have something to suit your need. The international brand is all about casual comfort and brand value, and this particular store on Shakespeare Sarani has collections for men, women as well as children. The store shelves also feature a number of accessories like eye wear and travel bags. This relatively small store situated in Central Kolkata is perfect if you're looking for a quick shopping trip. There is a Levi's store right next door and a Barista around the corner. Other Benetton stores can be found at Shopper's Stop in South City Mall (375 Prince Anwar Shah Road) and City Centre Mall (Sector 1, Salt Lake City).
Levi's is one of the most adored international brands in Kolkata. This store on Shakespeare Sarani showcases the latest trends in fashion for men, women as well as children. The busy street has a host of other shops, but Levi's is usually one of the most crowded. Apart from the signature denims, you can also find a number of interesting accessories and other knick-knacks. During the Durga Puja season (usually between October and November), the window display is made vibrant to match the festive air and interesting sales and discounts are introduced. Other Levi's outlets can be found at New Market (Lindsay Street), City Centre (Sector 1, Salt Lake City) and 31 Park Mansions on Park Street.