The rise and rise of Mehrchand market

With the more glitzy and expensive Defence Colony Market and Khan Market nearby, you may miss the smaller Mehrchand Market in Lodhi Colony. Big brands in food, apparel, accessories, body care etc., are, however, not missing out on this upcoming shopping destination.

The young crowd from the nearby South Delhi colleges are also rediscovering this old market as Defence Colony, Khan Market and the others get more expensive.

Mehrchand Market came up in the late 1960s as shops and residences were allotted to migrants from Pakistan. Initially only a grocery, tenthouse, mobile and tailor shop market, it has risen to house the biggest national and international brands today. CMYK, Khadi Line, Ruh, The Altitude Store, Bagel’s Cafe, The Che­e­se Ball, Chez Nini, Kunafa and Crazy Daisy are only a few.

Mehrchand Market Association President Ashok Kumar Sakhuja informs us, “This market has developed from being a typical local market to one that can rival the bigger markets and that too - only in the last four to five years. It is simply the law of saturation. As Khan Market and Defence Colony Market become more expensive, shops wanted to set up or move out to cheaper areas nearby. This turned out to be the best option.”

Lalita Goederen, owner of Bagel’s Cafe, who set up her fourth outlet here, agrees, “I came looking for a place in Khan Market and it was unaffordable. Then my husband, a real estate dealer, suggested Mehrchand. I observed it for a few months and realised that people like me, were indeed setting up shop here.”

“Initially, there were some sports goods brands here, then came CCD and now new shops are opening up every day. Every time I visit the market, I find a new outlet.”
Closeby is Chez Nini, a French restaurant run by Nira Singh. She says, “I am very glad I set up shop here. It is in South Delhi with neighbourhoods like Jor Bagh, Golf Li­n­ks, Sunder Nagar etc. which guarantees a fine clientele. Then there are the college kids who want to try foreign cuisines like French and Italian, or just looking for a place to hang out. All in all, it means great business for me.”

Youngsters too are no less happy. A young couple, who didn’t wish to be named, shared, “Mehrchand is not as crowded. We visit CCD here for a nice cozy time where no one disturbs us.”