Sandeep Dwivedy
Post News Network
Cuttack, May 2: Malls are finding favour with the residents of Cuttack, especially youngsters.
The establishment of malls in the Silver City has also led to a change in the way people shop, said Biswambar Jena, a retired engineer and a resident of Link Road.
“Around a decade ago, people here did not have too many choices. There were a few reputed outlets where one could buy clothes. With regard to food, there were some restaurants that offered traditional fare. Now, companies, sensing a good business opportunity, have spoilt the people with choices,” he said.
Some of the shopping malls in Cuttack have come up in places where a decade ago nobody would have imagined such a change taking place.
“Shopping malls are a great place to buy things and also unwind with friends. The one at Station Bazaar, which has a Domino’s Pizza outlet and a fried chicken joint as well as a Reliance Trends showroom, offers great stuff for youngsters,” said Binay Kumar Behera, a student of Ravenshaw University.
Bibekananda Mohanty, a resident of Cuttack, however feels that shopping malls are leading to the erosion of traditional values and help youngsters while away their time. “When I was young, Station Bazaar used to be a place for college students to exchange ideas and buy books. Now, things have changed. Youngsters meet at malls and spend time eating,” said Mohanty.
Some residents contest this, saying that shopping malls have not led to the complete closure of neighbourhood grocery stores. Several residents in areas such as Station Bazaar, Buxi Bazaar still prefer the neighbourhood grocers.
“We have been buying from the neighbourhood grocery stores for ages. We visit malls but buy our daily needs from the shop,” said Manorama Mishra, a resident of Matha Sahi.
Many people also feel that malls have made shopping convenient. “People can buy grocery and have food at the same place without having to travel from one place to another,” said Minaketan Mahapatra, a resident of Buxi Bazar and a retired state government employee.
His wife, Nirmala, said shopping malls such as the Big Bazaar at Buxi Bazaar are frequented by a lot of retired people. “It is all about convenience. Besides, these outlets also offer good discounts,” she said.
For youngsters, shopping malls are places to hang out. “I wish Walmart sets up a branch in Cuttack,” said Bijay Sarathi, an engineering student.