Kya Mall Hai!

Retail culture and swanky malls were just restricted to few selected areas in Chennai. The IT boom and the renewed interest in Real estate are going to result in creation of new shopping malls all over the city. Business Line sums up the developments:

By the end of 2007, it is expected that at least two to three malls-cum-multiplexes would come up along East Coast Road (ECR), which has evolved as a prime entertainment destination of Chennai. Three malls are likely to come up along the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), which has potential for retail and residential space due to increased IT activities, the study said.

Other than these, in the developing residential areas such as Velachery, Mogappair and Korattur, three to four malls are likely to come up. Other potential areas for retail development are along GST road and the Bangalore Highway.

Retail activity in Chennai is primarily concentrated in and around Nungambakkam, Cathedral Road and T Nagar. Some other prominent retail areas are Anna Nagar, Adyar, Besant Nagar, Purasawakkam and Mylapore.

The majority of the silk and jewellery retail is in T Nagar. Most of the new brands put T Nagar at the top for showroom space, though lately the area has become too congested and there is no quality space available for new players. According to the study, the rental rates in Pondy Bazaar are between Rs 50 and Rs 70 per sq.ft, North Usman Road Rs 30 - 60 per sq.ft and G.N. Chetty Road Rs 30-45 sq.ft.

Chennai – Sights and Sounds

Srini of Matchless Gifts was in Chennai recently and he provides glimpses of the new-age signboards and hoardings, which pose distraction to a large segment of the motorists. Most of the prominent hoardings have been taken up by the textile and jewellery shops. These guys are top advertisers in TV as well. Not sure why New Yorker and Saravana Bhavan has not been mentioned in the article.

Roshan K Thomas gives a flavour of the various eating options in Chennai. The food scene seems to have changed considerably with lot of international restaurants / joints joining the fray. The picture will be complete when McD comes calling.

From an Expat's Angle

For a long time Prince Roy was the only prominent expat blogger in Chennai. Iris and Ian seem to have taken over the mantle and they are trying to make the most of their stay. Read their posts on ear-piercing, astrologer visit and Murugan Idly Shop visit to follow what they have been upto.

Related Reading: Previous posts on Shopping, Malls and Multiplexes in Chennai.