When it started out - it was this new experience for Indian
shoppers, the high prices notwithstanding. The dazzling stores
and amazing variety of everything for sale really created
a brand image for the store.
Today there are alternatives. Stores which are more focussed,
smartly priced, better organised, chic’er. Be, Westside,
Lifestyle, The Home Store and even Big Bazaar - all offer pretty
good competition in their own ways.
In response Shopper’s Stop ’rationalised’ its prices and had
a bunch of sales promotionals. That was all very good for
customers like us - except that they have diluted their
brand image - its less homogenous across the store than it
used to be. Also - the exclusivity is no more - yet you
cannot buy your ’usual’ perfume there. They’re neither
cheap nor great anymore. The clothes used to be always
brilliant - thats not true anymore. The good stuff is mostly
’other’ brands which are cheaper at other multi-brand stores
eg - Planet Fashion. The store’s also got a little cluttered
is not easy to browse around. It feels cramped and dull
compared to Lifestyle, expensive compared to Westside (well
- and Big Bazaar), and poor in quality compared to a whole
lot of places. This may not be 100% accurate - but thats
how it ’feels’.
They also have lesser parking compared to some stores in
Bangalore.
Their coffee is good - but Quicky’s is swankier.
I’m guessing they’ll do something soon. The 1st-citizens
club is not really all that worth joining unless you spend
zillions on clothes.
Try a combination of other stores - its a better option.