So, after a hiatus, I decided to take in some shopping at one of the more popular malls in Bombay, which happens to be one of the larger shopping and entertainment destinations in India.
'High Street Phoenix', whose slogan is aptly- 'a day well spent' because of the various activities it offers, was the destination.
There were a number of stores we visited:Patschouli and Mogra for Indian ethnic wear, Puma, United Colors of Benetton, Marks and Spencer, Pepe Jeans, Lifestyle (a department store owned by the Landmark Group) Lush Cosmetics etc. I was keeping a sharp vigil on something, anything, that could be considered blissful, exciting, or just something beyond the ordinary.
Lush had some great assistants- helpful and knowledgeable. The other stores? Passable service, not-so-interested sales staff, and far from what we call a great brand experience.It was a hot day too. And even though the mall is mostly air-conditioned, people were definitely listless. Come on! There's got to be something exciting here, I thought to myself.
Maybe UCOB could have served up some chilled lemonade, cranked up the music a notch, and had certain hours where it would rain snow from the ceilings- with a 'In here, it feels like winter' theme?
Maybe The Body Shop could have offered some cooling fruity lip balm samples to combat the dry-lip syndrome?
Maybe Mogra could have conducted a workshop on how-to-dress-cool-in-ethnic-Indian?
In this day and age, Information, Communication and Entertainment are important and could even be deal-breakers for consumers, as they decide where to take their business.
On the other side of the world, Topshop in NYC has launched with a bang!
Their idea to hire personal fashion consultants, allows the young and trendy a chance for some high-end pampering.It gives customers more time in the store, with someone who is both aware of the inventory and attuned to people's styles. I wouldn't be surprised if the business brought in by these consultants is well over the average amount spent by a self-shopper.
Pure business genius? I think so.
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