There are better alternatives today. Review on Shoppers Stop, Mumbai

When it started out - it was this new experience for Indian

shoppers, the high prices notwithstanding. The dazzling stores

and amazing variety of everything for sale really created

a brand image for the store.

Today there are alternatives. Stores which are more focussed,

smartly priced, better organised, chic'er. Be, Westside,

Lifestyle, The Home Store and even Big Bazaar - all offer pretty

good competition in their own ways.

In response Shopper's Stop 'rationalised' its prices and had

a bunch of sales promotionals. That was all very good for

customers like us - except that they have diluted their

brand image - its less homogenous across the store than it

used to be. Also - the exclusivity is no more - yet you

cannot buy your 'usual' perfume there. They're neither

cheap nor great anymore. The clothes used to be *always

brilliant - thats not true anymore. The good stuff is mostly

'other' brands which are cheaper at other multi-brand stores

eg - Planet Fashion. The store's also got a little cluttered

is not easy to browse around. It feels cramped and dull

compared to Lifestyle, expensive compared to Westside (well

• and Big Bazaar), and poor in quality compared to a whole

lot of places. This may not be 100% accurate - but thats

how it 'feels'.

They also have lesser parking compared to some stores in

Bangalore.

Their coffee is good - but Quicky's is swankier.

I'm guessing they'll do something soon. The 1st-citizens

club is not really all that worth joining unless you spend

zillions on clothes.

Try a combination of other stores - its a better option.