Retail Plus
Chennai
Retail Hub: Give me Mo(o)re!
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The Moore Market is now but a pale shadow of its glorious past yet it still manages to lure people with its eclectic fare
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Well before our modern day shopping complexes were born, this place was the shopping haven for Chennaites. Years back, every shopper in Chennai used to hit the ‘Moore Market’ for his or her diverse needs. The original Moore Market was destroyed in the infamous fire accident that took place on May 30, 1985, after which the then government had built a multi-storey complex named Lily Pond Complex site for the traders. To this day, this building stands as a historical reminder of Chennai’s archaic shopping complex.
As you step inside the old-fashioned complex, you’ll see piles of books precariously arranged against the walls. You’ll also find every kind of fish you want here and fish tanks too of various sizes and shapes.
There is a host of petty shops selling many interesting items like old coins, brass utensils etc. But surprisingly, the new world marketing is yet to catch up with this place. No digital signboards or computerised banners here, the place still proudly flaunts the old-fashioned signboards or hand-painted cloth banners. We then drop into M.V.Gopal Footwear which deals with exclusive leather items. Set up in the 1960’s, this shop has established a loyal client base of bankers and railway employees. The owner, V. Gopal who is also the joint secretary of Moore Market merchandise reminisces about the good old days, “From books to curios to every odd thing you can think, was stocked at our market. Back then, there were no shopping complexes; this place used to be the one-stop shop for Chennaites. Well, there was even a renowned saying in Tamil that ‘you can buy anything in Moore market except for your father and mother!’ such was its acclaim.” Coming back to the present scenario he says, “This place is still the favourite haunt for book lovers of our city. Of course you have shops selling all kinds of pets, curios, dress materials and so on.” Murugan, a customer who was hunting for some classic literature, says, “I have been shopping here for years and have got some treasured works at throwaway prices. The market has definitely seen a lot of development from 2001.” He then adds wishfully, “Perhaps, with a little help from the government, it may attain its past glory!”
CATHERINE JONA GILON
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