CHANGE of (S)PACE

A seldom visited (for shopping purposes that is) part of Sector 17 was unusually abuzz on Thursday morning. It seems that discreet yet centrally located address is Fabindia’s style. The store that sells Indian textiles and weaves,locally produced and sophisticated lifestyle goods,as well as organic produce from rural entrepreneurs stepped into a sleepy part of Sector 9,Chandigarh,almost a decade ago. Though Fabindia has other stores in the region,the Chandigarh outlet sees buyers coming from across the state as well as neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.

Given how cramped the store had become,a change of venue comes as no surprise. Housed in Sector 17 A,the store is now spread across three floors and showcases all its ranges — garments,furnishings,furniture,organic food products and jewellery — with ease and comfort of a large space. The formal opening saw well-known astrologer and author P Khurana as the chief guest.

The new space is also showcasing a promotion on ‘Folk Art’,presenting it through mediums such as pottery,metalwork and paper art. This new store is likely to attract greater footfall,but will it pull in a different clientele?