One of the vegetable vendor at Domlur market place

Gone are the good old days of frenzy shopping spree in the gleaming Foodworld’s Spenser’s or big Bazaar’s in Bangalore. Recession, layoff news, frozen appraisal has culled my usage of plastic cards. The compulsive shopper in me is all set for a long winter hibernation.

Reason for fewer trips to the mall
Apart from the bad economic signs, the poor customer service has prompted me to take a hasty retreat from these product aisles. As a customer, big Food World or Spenser’s or Big Bazaar’s offer no stimulus to shop or to repeat my shopping.

I used to be a frequent customer at the Food World store at Cambridge Layout, but there are no friendly nods from the busy shop attendants. Forget familiarly factor, but where is feel good factor during my visit in these glassy shops?

Discount signs every where in Bangalore
These days DISCOUNT signs are the only apparent signs at all shopping stores. I feel it’s a poor way to attract repeat business. Even though you get wide product choices, the soul of purchase in not about choice or savings; it’s also about feeling good about shopping and giving a better shopping experience.

I used to think that I’m alone to feel like this. But when I heard from an employee at an open forum in office, I felt that I’m not alone. He said he now prefers to shop from small time street vendors instead of the shopping blocks.

New shopping experience
Yes, that’s what exactly I’m doing now. I’m happy to buy from the ladies who sell vegetables from their wooden trolley or push carts. They are all happy to service you and very happy when you purchase more than Rs 20/-. (A similar amount spent at any shopping mall will get you a curious look from counter staff)

When I spend my hard earned dough at these small time vendors, I go with the happy feeling that it directly feeds her family and contributes to her little wealth.

Customer is the King
So, what are you waiting for? Now is the time for you demand better service and not treat you as one of kind in the store.

For these big Daddy brands, it’s time to take a change the defunct way of treating their customers. It’s better they try out ways to better shopping experience or else this recession phase is going to hit bad on the cash register.