<p>With the advent of slick supermarket and general store chains, the entire grocery shopping experience has been sanitised and glamourised to a huge extent. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Gleaming metallic carts, boxes of vegetables wrapped in cellophane and orderly lines have replaced the bustle and chaos of most traditional street-side markets. <br /><br />But while these chains might spell convenience to most customers, they also have their own set of disadvantages. Most supermarkets store tinned fruits and vegetables over fresh ones — preferable because they’re less perishable — and costs are hiked quite a bit. <br /><br />Besides, many of them lack the personalised, quaint charm that street-side markets do. <br />Metrolife speaks to a few Bangaloreans to find out whether they shop between aisles or on the streets.<br /><br />Although most freely admit that supermarkets offer all manner of conveniences and quick-fixes, Iris, a retired English professor, believes that lack of certain personal element. “They have such attractive discounts — but I feel that something is missing in such places. Old markets have a human touch and it feels good to be remembered by the sales-folk for one’s likes and dislikes,” she reflects.<br /><br />This is a trend that she sticks to even while travelling abroad, explaining that it’s easier to get a feel of the local culture if one visits its traditional markets. <br /><br />“I went to Chiang Mai (Thailand) a while back and refused to enter a mall — instead, I took a tuk-tuk and went to a few shops where I could eat real Thai food cooked on the streets. Of course, at first a mall is a thrilling experience too — but the personal element is missing.”<br /><br />Others aren’t very particular about shopping in a familiar environment, but prefer street markets because of the freshness of the produce. Sudha, a homemaker, steers clear of supermarkets and instead makes weekly visits to the vegetable market in Malleswaram. <br /><br />“At times, I go to the markets in Yelahanka as well. I prefer these street markets. In most stores, one has to check the date bars and expiry dates of products. But in traditional markets, I feel assured that the vegetables and fruits are fresh,” she explains. <br /><br />While she isn’t very comfortable buying loose rice and wheat at street markets, she’s quick to add that she doesn’t pick them up at supermarkets either. <br /><br />“I have a regular retail shop near my house and have the products delivered home,” she says.<br />Raghuram, an advertising professional, takes a pragmatic stand — both sorts of markets have their own pros and cons and he shops amply at both. <br /><br />“It really depends on what one wants to buy. Stuff like grain and other fast-moving consumer goods are much easier to buy at a bigger store. But I think vegetables are better at street markets,” he states. Dismissing the notion of preferring the ‘experience’ of street-side markets, he <br />clarifies, “It’s not really about the experience — I think there are logical benefits in terms of range and freshness.”</p>
<p>With the advent of slick supermarket and general store chains, the entire grocery shopping experience has been sanitised and glamourised to a huge extent. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Gleaming metallic carts, boxes of vegetables wrapped in cellophane and orderly lines have replaced the bustle and chaos of most traditional street-side markets. <br /><br />But while these chains might spell convenience to most customers, they also have their own set of disadvantages. Most supermarkets store tinned fruits and vegetables over fresh ones — preferable because they’re less perishable — and costs are hiked quite a bit. <br /><br />Besides, many of them lack the personalised, quaint charm that street-side markets do. <br />Metrolife speaks to a few Bangaloreans to find out whether they shop between aisles or on the streets.<br /><br />Although most freely admit that supermarkets offer all manner of conveniences and quick-fixes, Iris, a retired English professor, believes that lack of certain personal element. “They have such attractive discounts — but I feel that something is missing in such places. Old markets have a human touch and it feels good to be remembered by the sales-folk for one’s likes and dislikes,” she reflects.<br /><br />This is a trend that she sticks to even while travelling abroad, explaining that it’s easier to get a feel of the local culture if one visits its traditional markets. <br /><br />“I went to Chiang Mai (Thailand) a while back and refused to enter a mall — instead, I took a tuk-tuk and went to a few shops where I could eat real Thai food cooked on the streets. Of course, at first a mall is a thrilling experience too — but the personal element is missing.”<br /><br />Others aren’t very particular about shopping in a familiar environment, but prefer street markets because of the freshness of the produce. Sudha, a homemaker, steers clear of supermarkets and instead makes weekly visits to the vegetable market in Malleswaram. <br /><br />“At times, I go to the markets in Yelahanka as well. I prefer these street markets. In most stores, one has to check the date bars and expiry dates of products. But in traditional markets, I feel assured that the vegetables and fruits are fresh,” she explains. <br /><br />While she isn’t very comfortable buying loose rice and wheat at street markets, she’s quick to add that she doesn’t pick them up at supermarkets either. <br /><br />“I have a regular retail shop near my house and have the products delivered home,” she says.<br />Raghuram, an advertising professional, takes a pragmatic stand — both sorts of markets have their own pros and cons and he shops amply at both. <br /><br />“It really depends on what one wants to buy. Stuff like grain and other fast-moving consumer goods are much easier to buy at a bigger store. But I think vegetables are better at street markets,” he states. Dismissing the notion of preferring the ‘experience’ of street-side markets, he <br />clarifies, “It’s not really about the experience — I think there are logical benefits in terms of range and freshness.”</p>
