There have been numerous articles written about them and the differences. I remember reading a few myself.
Here is my take on the two -
Big stores - We go to buy from the big stores or supermarkets for the experience, quality and for the wide range of products. This includes the boutiques as well as the retail chain stores.
In most of the boutique stores you would find the staff (men and women) dressed immaculately and standing near vantage points. As soon as you enter the store, they would immediately accompany you until you leave the place. If you stop by a particular product, they would try their best to convince you to buy that one. I have never felt comfortable when they do that. It seems they are invading my personal space.
In the retail chain stores, you do have the staff who don't really hover on you. They are there to answer your queries and to make sure that things are in order.
In either of these stores, you don't really get to know the staff. They are just there to help you with your purchases. The moment your purchase is done, you are eager to get out.
Local vendors - The scene is different with local vendors or your next door shop keeper. It is more personal. You know each other very well (probably years). You always strike a conversation with them. It is more lively.
And if it is a street vendor, the bargaining is a normal process that happens in India. One bargains for two things - rate reduction and for getting a freebie.
Typical conversations - "oh come on, let me take this one extra fruit. I bought one kg of them. Didn't I?" (or) "I bought the same stuff last week for xx Rs. What you are asking is too much. Give it for yy".
There are times they even add that extra fruit/vegetable/nuts to your bag. They don't ask you to fill a feedback form. They know that if you like, you will come back the next time.
Personally, I prefer these street vendors. There is so much of life in there compared to those big stores. And some of them (especially these women flower sellers) would call you bad names if you ask for the price but don't buy the item.
Still, that is life isn't it!!!!
Here is my take on the two -
Big stores - We go to buy from the big stores or supermarkets for the experience, quality and for the wide range of products. This includes the boutiques as well as the retail chain stores.
In most of the boutique stores you would find the staff (men and women) dressed immaculately and standing near vantage points. As soon as you enter the store, they would immediately accompany you until you leave the place. If you stop by a particular product, they would try their best to convince you to buy that one. I have never felt comfortable when they do that. It seems they are invading my personal space.
In the retail chain stores, you do have the staff who don't really hover on you. They are there to answer your queries and to make sure that things are in order.
In either of these stores, you don't really get to know the staff. They are just there to help you with your purchases. The moment your purchase is done, you are eager to get out.
Local vendors - The scene is different with local vendors or your next door shop keeper. It is more personal. You know each other very well (probably years). You always strike a conversation with them. It is more lively.
And if it is a street vendor, the bargaining is a normal process that happens in India. One bargains for two things - rate reduction and for getting a freebie.
Typical conversations - "oh come on, let me take this one extra fruit. I bought one kg of them. Didn't I?" (or) "I bought the same stuff last week for xx Rs. What you are asking is too much. Give it for yy".
There are times they even add that extra fruit/vegetable/nuts to your bag. They don't ask you to fill a feedback form. They know that if you like, you will come back the next time.
Personally, I prefer these street vendors. There is so much of life in there compared to those big stores. And some of them (especially these women flower sellers) would call you bad names if you ask for the price but don't buy the item.
Still, that is life isn't it!!!!
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