Delhiites are (in)famous for being inherent shopaholics; we flaunt this label loud and proud. But it is a lesser known fact that we are no monotonous shoppers; we in Delhi are constantly on the lookout for new and creative options to ensure our shopping cart always excites us. From scavenging through Janpath and Sarojini Nagar markets to splurging in Select Citywalk and DLF Emporio malls, we are as versatile as a shopper can be. Yes, we love collecting junk essentials and high-end branded must-haves, but out-of-the-box items hold a special place in our hearts and our homes. From the ever growing options of creative concept stores all across the city, we have carefully selected the ones high on the quirk factor:
CHUMBAK, Multiple Locations
Founders Shubra and Vivek kick started Chumbak with the dream of redefining Indian souvenir designing language in 2010. Within 5 years, it has grown from being a contemporary souvenir brand to becoming a household name. With an array of products- ranging from crockery and home decor items to accessories and apparel- flaunting their quintessential modern Indian designs and catchy captions, Chumbak is a tasteful riot of colours for anyone with an eye for twisted, creative designs. Visit any of their stores at prominent locations such as DLF Promenade mall or Meharchand market and fill your home with their irresistible products.
SWECHHA STORE, Malviya Nagar
Innovation with a cause, Swechha Store is a growing favourite among environment loving stylistasin the city and elsewhere. The store literally ‘makes the best out of waste’. Making use of waste products such as milk cartons, tetra packs, tyre tubes, beer cans etc., Swechha Store offers stylish yet pocket friendly utility items such as clothing, accessories, organic cosmetics, stationary and more. The store, formerly known as Green The Gap, also sells natural food products to feed the body and soul.
PURPLE JUNGLE, HauzKhas Village
This beautifully chaotic gem is a delight for anyone who likes their home interiors to be colourful and trendy. Essentially a home decor store, this treasure tucked away in one of the popular ‘galis’ of the vibrant HauzKhas Village is a lesser known yet wonderful exhibition of kitschy products that is sure to attract seekers of the unconventional. Visit this store to shop for funky home decor items and be prepared to leave with a lighter wallet.
THE WISHING CHAIR, ShahpurJat
This one is exclusively for all the city’s girly girls who love all things pretty and delicate. The Wishing Chair is a tastefully created space in the shopaholics paradise, ShahpurJat, and is a perfect example of what a young woman would like her home to look like. With magical options for decor items, lightings, stationary, mirrors etc to spruce up your workspace and home, the store is bound to acquire a space in the list of your favourites the minute you step in. For the ones living on the outskirts of Delhi, the brand also has an exclusive store in South Point Mall, Gurgaon.
BUZZARIA, LadoSarai
Buzzaria is an eclectic multi-brand retail store located next to Crescent Mall. With a wide variety of products available under one roof- like trendy apparel, organic cosmetics, toiletries and quirky house decor items- it could give any online shopping store a run for its money. This enchanting store, spread over two floors, offers a plethora of crafty products that are responsibly sourced through social initiatives that encourage traditional Indian arts and crafts and support the livelihood of skilled artists. The store has something special for everyone and just one visit is not enough to feast your eyes on all its treasures.
LETTER NOTE, HauzKhas Village
Letter Note is a quaint little store that offers pretty, creative products with the aim of encouraging joyful living. Quirky T-shirts for women and men, stationary to make you fall in love with your work all over again, attractive frames to make working spaces more cheerful: their products simply do not let you leave the store empty-handed. Don’t forget to check out and inquire about some of their unique gift options. Visit the store once and you are sure to become a loyal customer of Letter Note. The brand also has an exclusive outlet in DLF Galleria, Gurgaon.
HAPPILY UNMARRIED, Multiple Locations
This popular brand needs no introduction. From making fun, colourful products to organising music festivals and providing off-beat branding solutions for corporate houses, Happily Unmarried has been a pioneer in redefining the way we like our regular, everyday products. With funny bar accessories, eccentrically designed clothes, bags, stationary, unusual gifting ideas and more, available at their stand alone stores in different locations in Delhi, access to HU products is a walk in the park. Happily Unmarried stores are located in Khan Market, Connaught Place, Saket, Gurgaon and Subhash Nagar and their products are also available at multiple other retail stores.
NAPPA DORI, Multiple Locations
For lovers of pure leather, NappaDori is heaven. With a unique sense of chic and sophistication that marks their products, the brand is a cut above the rest. The brand’s exclusive stores in upscale Hauzkhas Village, Select Citywalk Mall Saket and Meharchand Market offer wonderful leather creations in the form of bags, stationary, tool kits, camera cases, pet accessories and many other assorted array of products that are bound to find a place in your kitty of collectibles. NappaDori is also associated with a charity called Harmony House that provides for underprivileged children.
PLAY CLAN, Meharchand Market
Play Clan is not just a brand but an ideology that offers products based on quintessential Indian stories rooted in tradition. Clothes, accessories, home decor and stationary items imbibe the fun and playful elements of local Indian subculture to form interesting concepts that need vision, imagination and tasteful designing. Take your pick from different tales such as Delhi Deluxe and Royal Jodhpur to explore a different realm of the beautiful chaos that our Indian culture is. With Play Clan’s Shop by Story options, don’t just tell a tale but flaunt it.
GIFTS OF LOVE, Select Citywalk Mall
The most eclectic and holistic gifts store, Gifts of Love has a special offering for every occasion possible. From kiddie favourites to gadgets and utilitarian products oozing with creativity, this pretty store located in the most beloved mall of Delhiites is a haven for gifts and contemporary lifestyle accessories for all occasions. Visit the store and thank us later for helping you get rid of your gifting woes.
