Trend of Shopping in Nepal

In past few years, Katmandu's shopping scene has been transformed by malls. And there are more malls being built. Most people just go there to window-shop and many are having a hard time paying their loans. But then malling is not just about just shopping, they offer an astounding variety of services from exquisite restaurants, to cool gaming zones to exciting fitness clubs, cinema and many more.

Kathmandu's malls are pretty moderate in comparison. Touted as being the most extravagant and the largest mall in Nepal, City Centre, is indeed a milestone in enhancing the mall culture. Already possessing a 4D theatre, to inaugurate a three hall multiplex, the mall has taken entertainment to a whole new level. Also, catering to the needs of every age group and all social division the mall keeps arranging various events.

Recently opened Sherpa Mall has now become the hip spot for youngsters. "I just love the ambience," says Shriya Shrestha, 15, enjoying her ice-cream, "It's a great hangout." Located at Durbar Marg, the mall has been especially popular with the young-adult crowd as it offers a good mixture of dining and shopping.

People's Plaza, the brand new mall is probably the first mall offering a 'floor wise categorizations' of their trendy goods. This plaza is said to be most reasonably priced, incorporating facilities like official meeting rooms and food courts.

Binod Tuladhar of Bluebird Mall says,” Finding numerous outlets under a single roof makes shopping much easier." Bluebird Mall is the first 'all branded' shopping precinct in Nepal and the one to introduce food courts in the valley.

And of course, the gaming zones have become a major attraction for kids in every mall being their weekend destination. For the youngsters, besides buying, or well mostly admiring the world class branded outlets, having budgeted meals and hanging around in the conditioned atriums, have indeed become a pretty good option in malls.

Malls have caused a stir in Kathmandu, having redefined not only lifestyles but shopping itself. Unlike locally owned mom-and-pop stores, which cultivate relationships with individual shoppers, malls rely on mass appeal and commerce.