Confessions of a shopaholic, a book by Sophie Kinsella had me so completely identifying with Rebecca Bloomwood the protagonist. The compulsive shopper, the endocrine rush, a sucker for bargain sales, buying things she didn’t need, may need, probably never need.
Unable to pay her credit card bills (I am almost close and my being traumatized by my son for overrunning credit) Rebecca takes up a job in a mall and her excellent advice and eye for detail has many shoppers running to her for helping choose and she transitions to a professional shopping buddy, earning a considerable amount helping the confused and dithering, young and old, brides and housewives.
I reassure myself when I buy from the pavement shops that I am helping an underprivileged innocent, so let me get the best deal. In bigger shops one cannot do it and we wittingly pay out more for a product of less worth. Appearances, lack of choice and a strict no bargaining policy notwithstanding most millenials and urban shoppers flock to these glitzy haunts. Shopping malls have actually taken away the right of a consumer to choose, stocking limited options, forcing you to take what their merchandiser has stocked for the season.
As a direct consequence I have a cupboard full of Tshirts and Western clothes, some even a size smaller, for when I lose weight, clothes I will never wear. I wear sarees and these were stocked for the occasional pub crawl or vacation. An apology for an impossible collection of DVD’s not wanted at all but bought only because I got 4 for the price of two. The list goes on of things completely superfluous to my life style choices. I must add that I have come a long way and learnt much better.
Window shopping continues as my favourite distress cure potion and accompanying friends is a joy because then I do not shamelessly window shop to the chagrin of the shop keepers but enjoy a sight extravaganza when someone else is footing the Bill. Sigh! Delightful happiness!
Choosing is not easy and shopping in an alien place with limited time not knowing the right places to go to can be lesser easy. Also becoming easy prey to a rip off is very possible, especially if the casual seller realizes you are not from the place of residence, have a time constraint, are in a hurry they are sure to make a killing. A shopper who is not well versed with the dynamics of a city, often pays out more than the realistic price, for something which may not be the best from that reqion.
An avid, discerning shopper, since I accompanied my ma on various sprees as a kid. I can rightly assert that I know the Calcutta shopping destinations on the map and off the grid. Designer boutiques and bargain arcades. Calcutta specials, textiles, jewellery, art, curios even food. I am told I am good. At the cost of sounding arrogant, there are many who will vouch for my knowledge hence this offering! An art I have mastered over time is to understand the mind set, design and colour quotient of the shopper and help them accordingly.
With any of you who wishes me to share my expertise with you and get you what you really want, without the leisure of exploring, finding and serendipity. That too can be factored in if you so wish.
I can also help with wardrobe overhaul, change look and feel of personality, even trousseau collection. Can appropriately research and direct you to what you really need.
I want to share my knowledge gleaned from trips to homes of weavers and artisans. Will take you there to show you the realtime places of origins of our treasured textiles and artefacts.
Can customize these and shopping tours to your specific needs, budgets or time constraints. Plan the outings to minimize travel and hits and misses.
Please fill in the form and we will be in touch!

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