Big brands, suave assistants, electronic billing and smart packaging made inroads along with Forum and a host of multiplexes including Esplanade, DN Regalia and Symphony that transformed the retail and entertainment outlook of Bhubaneswar in recent times, writes Ritujaay Ghosh
The turn of the millennium saw a new chapter being added to the retail landscape in India. Shopping malls and cineplexes, which had added a dimension to the world of entertainment in the West almost half a century ago, slowly started making their presence felt in India. By 2003, almost every big city boasted of plush shopping malls that redefined the retail landscape and started changing the face of entertainment.
Odisha too hasn’t been lagging in the race. The first state-of-the-art shopping mall, Forum, threw open its gates in 2005 in Bhubaneswar, thus changing the retail and entertainment landscape of the state forever. Big brands, well-trained store assistants, electronic billing, smart packaging — shopping overnight became a whole new experience for millions in the state.
A few years later, in 2011, the city saw the introduction of its first multiplex at BMC Bhawani Mall. It has been eight years since then and now the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar boasts a spate of shopping malls and cineplexes. The face of entertainment has undergone an ocean change in the last few years. In fact, in the last six months Bhubaneswar saw the launch of three shopping malls — Esplanade, DN Regalia and Symphony Mall — each housing one cineplex. Moreover, a few other shopping malls too are in the pipeline, with one due to open in another couple of months.
Understandably, shopping has become more like a family affair and many are dedicating an entire day surfing through products, attending product demonstrations and taking purchase decisions at ease. Moreover, visiting a shopping mall need not necessarily mean shopping. For many youngsters malls are doubling up as hangout joints.
Bhubaneswar-based Pratichee Parida, who is pursuing a master’s degree, says, “Window-shopping is an ideal way to spend time without spending money. The mall culture is fast gripping the city. Window shop also has an advantage. At times you get to know how to use existing items, make a note of items you might want to purchase later, or satisfy your curiosity about a wide range of items and trends.”
Given that most shopping malls also house multiple eateries, many find it an ideal place to unwind. “Families come, visit stores and if they like a product, they shop. And if they feel exhausted after the entire process, or plan for a family meal, they need not move out of the mall. They can simply drop in at one of the food outlets,” says an official from Esplanade Mall.
“There are times when I plan to visit a mall with my friends, as there are ample options to unwind. You don’t have to go to the mall only to shop, but can also watch a film or eat out with family and friends,” adds Pratichee.
Subarna Rout, a graduate from a city-based college, says, “Being alone is a great excuse to visit a mall. Moreover, malls are a great place to be with friends. There is no one to disturb you and no restrictions on entry. Watching strangers is a simple, enjoyable activity, and a mall is a great place to do that. Since most malls are high-traffic areas, you can see a variety of lifestyles, clothing choices, behaviours and habits. I don’t think one can get a better place to spend his free time than hopping into a shopping mall.”
Gone are the days when movie watching meant going to single screen theatres and standing in long queues. Cineplexes have redefined the experience of watching movies. With multiple show timings on offer, one can now enjoy films at the ambience of quiet luxury. Moreover, with dedicated food parlours filmgoers can choose from a wide array of dishes in between breaks.
It goes without saying that shopping malls are giving a facelift to cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, as they are fast becoming the most preferred entertainment hubs.
