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Factory Outlets on outskirts of the NCR |
When Delhi was smaller, people would go to the adjoining cities (now called the National Capital Region) as an agenda. This would mean an outing for one full day. Those who could afford it, would hire a taxi for a day - since most of the times the weather is acting funny, this side of the temperature or the other - have one meal at the dhabas on the outskirts and visit one such ‘factory outlet’. What gave these shops more authenticity was that we believed that the factory would be located somewhere nearby and that’s how the same stuff is available so much cheaper. And then you saw them on all highways leading to Delhi, and wondered how come there were so many factories. And one day, the myth shattered!
You realised that there is a factory outlet within 5 km reach of your home/workplace, and another within the next 5km. And then you saw that the discounts were never more than 15-20-25%, on wollens in summers and on shorts in winters. Floaters are never on discount and the shoes that are thrown at you, you anyway do not want.
Why, they even went ahead and opened a Factory Outlet Mall for you. It is called Ansal’s Plaza in Vaishali, next to Ansal’s Neel Padam Kunj and bang opposite Dabur’s multistoried office. All shops out there claim to stock goods at fctory prices. In retail chains, there is Allen Cooper, Allen Solly, Megamart (Arvind group for Louis Phillipe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Peter England and Lee Cooper), Bata, Bizarre, Cantabil, Catmoss, Cottons by century, Gini n Johny (kidswear), Hidesign, High Life (shirts), Liberty SHoes, Mega Store (another chain), Provogue, Reebok, Samsonite, SF Jeans, Snowhite, Tuscan Verve, Van Heusen, VIP. There is also a big Vishal Mega Mart and Discount Store - that houses electronics and furniture. Incidentally, they do have good Zuari furniture at some amazing rates!
Shopping never seemed easier than this. Although the discount percentages do not have much to offer - probably during a season-change sale, you may get better options.
There is more for this article. (TBC…)