8 fashion friendly shopping lanes in Mumbai
One thing that is constant about Mumbai is that its streets are never empty. While some of them are trying to make the ends meet and some are hunting for their roads to success, the others are busy contributing to the city’s merchant community. In simpler words, you will always find shoppers thronging the lanes and by-lanes of the ever-bustling metro, trying to get the best bargain. And why wouldn’t they? After all, the home of Bollywood and India’s most fashion-forward city makes sure to keep every fashion conscious individual abreast of trends, with its endless offerings.
Despite the burgeoning culture of online buying, you cannot escape the charm of Mumbai’s street shopping. And once you hit these sweet spots of the City of Dreams, you cannot but indulge in a little (or maybe generous) retail therapy.
Here’s our pick of the busiest and the most famous shopping districts in Mumbai:
Colaba Causeway, Colaba
The southern end of the city, Colaba is probably every Mumbaikar’s favorite weekend haunt. It would be hard to find a person who wouldn’t have roamed the streets of Colaba and shopped till they dropped. Also, a favorite shopping spot for international tourists, the lanes, and by-lanes of Colaba Causeway are replete with the trendiest clothes, shoes, bags, and junk jewelry. And all for a steal deal!
[Also read: Places to visit near Mumbai]
Fashion Street, MG Road
The name says it all! One of the oldest shopping districts of Mumbai, Fashion Street has been catering to the ever-changing fashion needs for over a few decades. Browse through the endless displays of voguish clothes, shoes, kitschy jewelry and accessories. With about 385 street side shops, Fashion Street is sure to keep you occupied for a few hours.
Zaveri Bazaar, Dana Bandar
Wedding season coming up? Then Zaveri Bazaar is your go-to place. A wholesale jewelry market, this B2B shopping district is one of its kind in the entire country. This market has evolved with smaller retail outlets, where you can find anything from precious stones, uncut jewelry to contemporary ornaments with traditional gold adornments.
Hindmata Market, Dadar East
Mumbai’s fashion scene is not all about the Western influence. For those who love to stay ethnic and indulge in traditional attire, Hindmata is where you must go. An old-school shopping complex, this is a wholesale-cum-retail marketplace. From fancy sarees, salwar kameez to luxuriously designed lehengas and cloth materials, Hindmata Market remains the city’s best destination for traditional wear.
Dharavi Leather Market
Though this central suburb of Mumbai is synonymous with the country’s biggest slum, there is quite a commercial side to this neighborhood. The Dharavi Leather Market is the one and only wholesale place to find cheap leather goods in Mumbai. Don’t be surprised if you find export quality leather bags, shoes or jackets at a steal deal because most products are sourced and made right here.
Hill Road, Bandra West
Experience the change of shopping culture, as you move away from South Mumbai to the upscale suburbs of Bandra. Though the shops don a look similar to their downtown counterparts, the merchandise and the prices vary. A local favorite street for youngsters and adults alike, Hill Road is replete with boutique stores and street vendors. You can find everything from chic and hip to outlandish and eclectic clothes and accessories at throwaway prices.
Linking Road, Bandra West
Yet another shopping street in the hip and happening Bandra suburb, Linking Road houses a different cluster of shops. Lined with stores on one side of the street, this road is famous for its array of footwear. Local, Indian and international brands come together, on this busy thoroughfare with their collection of almost runway-style shoes, sandals, flip-flops, slippers, sneakers, boots and anything that you can put on your feet.
Lokhandwala Market, Andheri West
Tucked away within the quaint but busy residential hub of Andheri West, Lokhandwala Market has been the suburbs’ first and oldest shopping district. Initially, famous for catering to budding television celebrities and aspiring models, this 10-lane market area evolved to be one of the most fashionable locales of Andheri. From imported garments to export-quality clothes, shoes, bags and fashion jewelry, Lokhandwala is a favorite shopping destination for locals.
Rent Savaari’s chauffeur-driven car to go on a shopping spree.