Akbarally’s is a well-known departmental stores in Mumbai with few branches spread around. I am particularly familiar with the Chembur branch. Location is quite okay with access mainly from the Sion-Trombay road. The railway station is not very close by. It is one of the older departmental stores predating big shopping malls like Shopper’s Stop.
It boasts of a good number of sections - Perfumes, Personal care products, Household appliances, Children’s toys and apparels, Music, Electronic goods and appliances etc. all conveniently under one roof.
Good ambience / interiors and satisfactory air-conditioning considering the teeming crowds during peak hours.
Helpful marketing assistants - youthful and cheerful (beware of hardsell!)
Good deals on various products during festivals, that is a great draw for the bargain hunter.
Popularity of their gift vouchers keep attracting newer customers
Good after sales service (I could get spare parts for my electric shaver quite easily coupled with friendly service from the assistant)
Why you shouldn’t shop at AA!
They have something of everything, so special items and brands take time to get into their inventories. That could disappoint you sometimes and you have to look elsewhere.
Inquiries in telephone on stocks get lukewarm response, they always insist on personally checking out at the stores. That is irritating - not a good marketing strategy.
Parking facility for vehicles is inadequate, which could be a problem especially during the peak evening shopping hours.