Kochi | Malls, Multiplexes & Retail

[mohammedirshad06]

Designer dream come true; The Ritu Kumar Store makes its grand opening

Kochi women take great pride in their dressing, is what an elementary survey conducted by brand Ritu Kumar has found. That's the reason why the designer has chosen to open a full-fledged eponymous store on S.A.Road in the city. Done in contemporary style, unlike its other stores, Ritu Kumar here is stocked big and beautiful.

Bridal collection

The gorgeous, bridal wear ensemble—Ri, with its deep, rich Indian embroidered motifs to the more everyday wearable collection of crepe saris, both heavy and light, and also the more recently launched Label line of Western wear, the inventory has a range for all dapper dressers. “Of course we will be adding more to the variety, after we see the response,” says Chanda Bhalla, Manager- Business Development.

Chanda, who does product selection for Ritu Kumar stores across the country, says that Kochi needs a special, wholesome collection. Her findings are that ornate, heavy wear as well as the more regular, wearable kinds move from shelves and racks here. “If a slinky top will sell in Mumbai it may not do so in New Delhi,” but here she finds that all kinds have takers. This can be attributed to the strong and steady NRI crowd and the more travelled citywallahs, who keep abreast of changing fashion trends.

Right blend

Designer wear is generally for deep pockets or many a times it is not so wearable, but in the case of Ritu Kumar, says Chanda, one can find a right blend of products that match design and price.

The bridal collection has richly embroidered lehngas in deep bright colours. Embroidery is the hallmark of this colourful couture.

Paisleys, bootis, the best of traditional karigiri are all found on the exquisite pieces, embellishing them multi-fold. Achkans in brocade and heavy kurtas, kurtis for the special occasion are there.

Heavy and bright crepe saris fit for wedding functions are there. The prices begin at Rs.10,000. There is a lighter, printed range the prints being eclectic and rare, beautifully contrived into eye-catching designs.

Label line

The Label line, which the designer has brought out with her son, Amrish, comprises tunics, jackets, shirts, scarves and skirts. In cotton, semi-wool and silk fabrics, this line is also showcased at the Ritu Kumar outlet at Ethnic Passage in Jew Town. A line of chic accessories is also in the store.

For the city to have an exclusive outlet of a brand which compliments the rich lineage of Indian traditional design says much about good grooming and high dressing.

Kochi seems to be on its way to haute couture!

[jithuajayan]

Can anyone post about the upcoming shops in gold soul.
There was earlier a news of pantaloons opening in the mall. But now there isn't any proper anchor store in the mall

[Malayaali]

Wait, Pantaloons is coming!

[Malayaali]

Giant cake unveiled in city mall

An 18 feet long giant cake weighing 650 kilogram was unveiled by K Babu, minister for excise and ports at Gold Souk Grande Mall in Vyttila on Sunday. The giant cake that was prepared as part of the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) was cut by the minister and distributed among the inmates from Snehabhavan, an orphanage in Palluruthy.

The cake that is shaped and designed to resemble the GKSF shopping bag logo had a length of 18 feet and a width of 13 feet. The chef in Cookie Shop situated in MG Road used nearly 75 kg of flour, 70 kg sugar, 50 kg icing and dry fruits and took three days to bake the jelly sponge cake that covered an area of 300 sq ft in Gold Souk. V Madhusoodhanan, GKSF event coordinator, said the giant cake aimed at attracting more shoppers, added flavour to the festive spirit of the festival. "This cake gives the public and tourists an opportunity to share the sweetness of festive season", he said.

[jithuajayan]

Originally Posted by Malayaali

Wait, Pantaloons is coming!

U sure? Can't see enough contineous space required for pantaloons .

[e_arunsid]

It mit take some time..Space is available..but i didnt see any work going on there.

[e_arunsid]

Originally Posted by KMC

request if some one can update pics of Centre Square Malll hope its progressing well....

Work is going on..but dont expect it 2 be completed by 2012 EOY. Mid 2013 is wat we can expect

[jithuajayan]

Originally Posted by e_arunsid

Work is going on..but dont expect it 2 be completed by 2012 EOY. Mid 2013 is wat we can expect

i guess the escalator work is being done now. Ca see them while passing by mg road

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by jithuajayan

U sure? Can't see enough contineous space required for pantaloons .

They have taken over entire back space for ground and first floors together. Its pretty possible to put up escalators in between two spaces as they form one continous block. Well, this is what I felt after seeing the works..... Two portions together would surely form a space equivalent to Trends + Time Out together of Oberon Mall here....

[Malayaali]

Here are some of the confirmed Tenants in Lulu Cochin. I'm slightly dissapointed with the brands as most of them are currently present in Cochin. Besides, i feel that some outlets which were to open in Gold Souk have made a change of mind and will be opening here. I was expecting many biggies here, but have not got info on that. Still there are plenty of space left, lets wait for that

1) PVR
2) KFC
3) Pizza Hut
4) maya by GITANJALI
5) Basecamp
6) WILLIAM PENN
7) ZIMSON
8) Calonge
9) Catwalk
10) TOMMY HILFIGER
11) Spykar
12) Allen Solly
13) Blackberrys
14) Levis
15) fabindia
16) Manyavar
17) Seven East
18) Doc & Mark
19) ADD ONS
20) Samsonite
21) Reebok
22) Adidas
23) Nike
24) GINY & JONY
25) WILLS Lifestyle
26) The RAYMOND shop
27) SOCH
28) CATMOSS
29) CHICCO
30) Pavers England
31) Peter England
32) ZODIAC
33) Park Avenue
34) Mufti
35) SWAROVSKI
36) Crossword
37) Joy Alukkas
38) JOSCO
39) Bata
40) Lens & Frames
41) Music World
42) Navigator
43) TOSHIBA
44) HP
45) Archies Gallery
46) Mantra
47) TITAN

[agnath.]

Originally Posted by Malayaali

Here are some of the confirmed Tenants in Lulu Cochin. I'm slightly dissapointed with the brands as most of them are currently present in Cochin. Besides, i feel that some outlets which were to open in Gold Souk have made a change of mind and will be opening here. I was expecting many biggies here, but have not got info on that. Still there are plenty of space left, lets wait for that

1) PVR
2) KFC
3) Pizza Hut
4) maya by GITANJALI
5) Basecamp
6) WILLIAM PENN
7) ZIMSON
8) Calonge
9) Catwalk
10) TOMMY HILFIGER
11) Spykar
12) Allen Solly
13) Blackberrys
14) Levis
15) fabindia
16) Manyavar
17) Seven East
18) Doc & Mark
19) ADD ONS
20) Samsonite
21) Reebok
22) Adidas
23) Nike
24) GINY & JONY
25) WILLS Lifestyle
26) The RAYMOND shop
27) SOCH
28) CATMOSS
29) CHICCO
30) Pavers England
31) Peter England
32) ZODIAC
33) Park Avenue
34) Mufti
35) SWAROVSKI
36) Crossword
37) Joy Alukkas
38) JOSCO
39) Bata
40) Lens & Frames
41) Music World
42) Navigator
43) TOSHIBA
44) HP
45) Archies Gallery
46) Mantra
47) TITAN

Thanks for collating the list malayaali , as far as I know McD also had signed the lease ..

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by Malayaali

Here are some of the confirmed Tenants in Lulu Cochin. I'm slightly dissapointed with the brands as most of them are currently present in Cochin. Besides, i feel that some outlets which were to open in Gold Souk have made a change of mind and will be opening here. I was expecting many biggies here, but have not got info on that. Still there are plenty of space left, lets wait for that

My understanding is that Landmark Group's Centrepoint is also debuting in Lulu. Thats what I understood from my sources....

Thanks Malayaali for such a detailed list!!!!

[Malayaali]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

My understanding is that Landmark Group's Centrepoint is also debuting in Lulu. Thats what I understood from my sources....

Thanks Malayaali for such a detailed list!!!!

Of course, i would expect Landmark and many others, As far as foodies is concerned, most of the chains will be present i believe.

[jithuajayan]

Originally Posted by Malayaali

Here are some of the confirmed Tenants in Lulu Cochin. I'm slightly dissapointed with the brands as most of them are currently present in Cochin. Besides, i feel that some outlets which were to open in Gold Souk have made a change of mind and will be opening here. I was expecting many biggies here, but have not got info on that. Still there are plenty of space left, lets wait for that

1) PVR
2) KFC
3) Pizza Hut
4) maya by GITANJALI
5) Basecamp
6) WILLIAM PENN
7) ZIMSON
8) Calonge
9) Catwalk
10) TOMMY HILFIGER
11) Spykar
12) Allen Solly
13) Blackberrys
14) Levis
15) fabindia
16) Manyavar
17) Seven East
18) Doc & Mark
19) ADD ONS
20) Samsonite
21) Reebok
22) Adidas
23) Nike
24) GINY & JONY
25) WILLS Lifestyle
26) The RAYMOND shop
27) SOCH
28) CATMOSS
29) CHICCO
30) Pavers England
31) Peter England
32) ZODIAC
33) Park Avenue
34) Mufti
35) SWAROVSKI
36) Crossword
37) Joy Alukkas
38) JOSCO
39) Bata
40) Lens & Frames
41) Music World
42) Navigator
43) TOSHIBA
44) HP
45) Archies Gallery
46) Mantra
47) TITAN

Was expecting Mc Donalds there...

and will joy alukkas be opening a showroom there as the mall of joy is to be opened at edappally itself in 2 years?

[jithuajayan]

http://www.cochinfoodmall.com/index.html#4

Noticed today while passing through the boat jetty,

A 7D theatre ( first in India ) is going to be opened in The revenue tower ( now food mall )

Cudnt take the picture, will upload it soon

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by jithuajayan

Was expecting Mc Donalds there...

and will joy alukkas be opening a showroom there as the mall of joy is to be opened at edappally itself in 2 years?

My understanding is also same. MCD is there... May be this may be the list of officially signed clients....

Joy Alukkas is on expansion spree.... They are also going to construct another full scale large Jewellery Shop in Kochi and Thrissur too. I feel, the construction works going in Alukkas land opposite Maharaja's ground is the one heard to be new Alukkas Showroom....

After all, gold jewellers always have good scope in Kerala... Any numbers will do!!!

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by jithuajayan

http://www.cochinfoodmall.com/index.html#4

Noticed today while passing through the boat jetty,

A 7D theatre ( first in India ) is going to be opened in The revenue tower ( now food mall )

Cudnt take the picture, will upload it soon

We have reported about Food Mall here as well as in Restaurants thread.... Its really a big project with 15 restaurants and number of food kiosks...

But news about 7D theatre is a new development.... Infact, sorry, I haven't heard anything about 7D itself? That sounds too interesting? Any idea about the project?

[jithuajayan]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

We have reported about Food Mall here as well as in Restaurants thread.... Its really a big project with 15 restaurants and number of food kiosks...

But news about 7D theatre is a new development.... Infact, sorry, I haven't heard anything about 7D itself? That sounds too interesting? Any idea about the project?

no idea. Just saw the flex in from of the tower. And they are mentioning it as the first of its kind in india. They ve not updated about it in the website also

[jithuajayan]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

My understanding is also same. MCD is there... May be this may be the list of officially signed clients....

Joy Alukkas is on expansion spree.... They are also going to construct another full scale large Jewellery Shop in Kochi and Thrissur too. I feel, the construction works going in Alukkas land opposite Maharaja's ground is the one heard to be new Alukkas Showroom....

After all, gold jewellers always have good scope in Kerala... Any numbers will do!!!

One of ma friends who was working in Joy alukkas told that they are not even interested in rebuilding the burnt out wedding centre now as they are building the mall of joy and as the wedding centre building doesnt belong to dem.

so i ve a little doubt the one u told about the new one opposite maharajas ground

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by jithuajayan

One of ma friends who was working in Joy alukkas told that they are not even interested in rebuilding the burnt out wedding centre now as they are building the mall of joy and as the wedding centre building doesnt belong to dem.

so i ve a little doubt the one u told about the new one opposite maharajas ground

Very True!!! They are not interested in Wedding Center concept anymore. Moreover not interested in Marine Drive area back. The buliding is owned by Archdiocese of Verapoly and they are currently redesigning the buliding to accomodate safety features as suggested by Fire Force.

My understanding goes like this. No more wedding centers, rather develop MALL OF JOY in 8 cities. Develop larger Jewellery shops, to centralize the company's core competency area.

Currently Alukkas has no shop in Kochi area, barring one Wedding center in Angamally. This market is rather consumed by other players. So they are foraying strongly into Kochi market, with a jewellery shop in Lulu, Mall of Joy. Eariler, say around a year back, Joy Alukkas said he has plans to build 2 mega showrooms in Kochi and Thrissur. It was soon after this, land got broke in the Alukkas's ancestral property near Ground.

I have strong feeling, its their showroom, as no major project has been heard in MG Road. The land is pretty huge.... Moreover how can they miss a main market like Kochi, which is also their Indian Corporate HQ.