Open markets like Bhrikuit Mandap, Ratnapark and Asan in Kathmandu as well as Mangal Bazaar in Lalitpur are popular shopping spots for those looking for cheaper goods. [break]
Like in malls and shopping complexes, customers can find everything they need in these open market areas. Products ranging from readymade garments to kitchen utensils and daily essentials to goods used in daily religious rituals are available in these open market areas.
“It is not true that only big malls and department stores offer quality goods. People can find quality goods even in open market places,” Ruchika Bhandari, who has been shopping at Bhrikuti Mandap open market for the past two years, said. “Prices here are cheaper compared to malls and shopping complexes.”
Sovita Dhital, who was buying readymade garments at Bhrikuti Mandap open market when Republica caught her Friday, also said open market areas are the best shopping destinations for low income people. “People think only low-quality goods are available at these open market which is not true,” Dhital said.
Another buyer Rekha Sharma, who is a civil engineer by profession, however, asked people to haggle for the best bargain if they want to get goods at reasonable price.
Suraj Thapa, who runs a shop of apparels for women at Bhrikuti Mandap, said quality of goods sold at open markets are almost similar with goods sold at malls and super stores.
“This is the main reason why open markets have been drawing large number of customers despite mushrooming of malls and shopping complexes in different parts of the capital,” he added. He told Republica that stores like his post daily transaction of around Rs 40,000 a day during main shopping season.
“Consumers get products at reasonable prices here compared to malls and shopping malls as our operating cost is comparatively lower,” said Thapa.
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