Prajjwol Bhattarai, 21, who’s currently learning German language at VHS Bhaktapur; Wipashwee Ojha, 19 and Ayush Singh Koirala, 20, students of Development Studies at Kathmandu University and Samrachna Adhikari, A-Level student at Malpi Insitute talk about their shopping sprees during summer.[break]
Do you plan to go shopping or just buy as soon as you see something you like?
Ayush: I tend to window-shop a lot because we usually hang out at malls. If I see something I like and the price is reasonable; I come back with my mother to buy it. I don’t plan shopping, it happens on the spot. If one of my friends likes the same pair as I do, I threaten him to let it go. It’s a war.
Samrachna: I don’t buy anything here; my parents get me clothes from Bangkok. But I window-shop with friends and have bought clothes here a few times.
Bijay Gajmer/ Republica
From L to R- Samrachna Adhikari, Ayush Singh Koirala, Wipashwee Ojha and Prajjwol Bhattarai.
Wipashwee: I am impulsive when it comes to shopping. If I like something, I’ll buy it immediately and if I don’t have the money then, I get the money and go back to the shop the very same day just so it’s not bought by somebody else. I don’t plan to go shopping unless it’s Dashain.
Prajwal: I go shopping with my friends. I try outfits when my friends are busy doing the same. I usually have some cash with me so I buy then and there. If not, I go back and get it immediately.
Shopping is said to be a retail therapy for girls. How true is that for you?
Samrachna: I don’t think shopping is therapeutic for me.
Wipashwee: It does happen; I go shopping with my girlfriends whenever I feel low. Especially in the summer because summer outfits are bright and colorful. It’s refreshing and cheers you up.
Are you brand conscience?
Ayush: As college students, I don’t think we can afford to be brand loyal/ conscious. That doesn’t mean compromising on cheap quality but buying clothes which look good on me and is reasonable in price.
Samrachna: I am brand conscious; I prefer Armani jeans and brands like F&F, Wrangler and Polo. My friends are conscious themselves and we look for our brands while window-shopping too.
Wipashwee: I am not exactly brand conscious although I like to splurge on dresses from Forever 21 and Atmosphere once in a while.
Prajwal: For clothes, I head straight to Peanuts and look around. I am not brand conscious at all but I prefer best quality shoes- Adidas, Nike, Reebok or Converse.
How often do you go shopping in summer?
Samrachna: My parents get me slightly oversized clothes and I alter them here. I like the local brands of Bangkok as well. If you know where to go and how to pick, Kathmandu is a good place to shop but I don’t like shopping at all.
Ayush: I am not a frequent shopper, probably once in two-three months. I get a lot of clothes as gifts so I challenge myself to carry it off. I go shopping to find something I can pair those with.
Prajwal: My sisters gift me clothes too, if I don’t like anything I give it to my brother. Like Ayush, I shop to look for something to pair those with. Otherwise, I shop rarely.
Do you go shopping with your girlfriend?
Prajwal: No, from what I’ve heard shopping with/ for girls is a big hassle.
Ayush: I don’t take anyone along other than my mother but I go shopping for others. I give my input as to which one is better or which looks good on her but it is mostly to make it quick. Once, after deciding on a pair and getting it to the counter, she went ‘kinney ra?’ Nothing else teases your temper like that!
Do you shop online?
Samrachna: I give links to some online shopping sites to my parents. I don’t specify what exactly I want but I tell them to get something similar. But you can’t trust the sites.
Wipashwee: I shop for scarves and accessories on accessories.nep and Urban Girl.
Related story
Experiences of summer splash
