'HERMES STORES' OUTRAGES INDIAN MODESTY
Though alarms are being raised of the future of Capitalism and 'market economy', but defying the death-knell is opening of a French goods Stores''HERMES”, at the corner of the famous 'Horniman Circle', opposite the Asiatic Library, at South Mumbai. Recently my inquisitiveness led me to the Stores as I was visiting my Bank at Horniman Circle . The sales person ( lady) showed me around with much courtesy, there were assorted items at display, ladies' sun cap , jacket for men, shoes, perfumes, track suit. The items seemed sophisticated but nothing extraordinary. I was told that the Stores had recently opened in Mumbai and Delhi. Curious as we all are I peered closer to the objects to read the price tag and was “shocked” at the figures – an ordinary ladies' sun cap was priced Rs 24000/-, men's jacket Rs 1,10,000/-, ladies' track suit Rs 61000/-. I was left speechless and did not have heart to ask as to why these articles were priced so high. Considering brand value, cost of production, exoticness the pricing was beyond comprehension. The sales girl insisted that we visit the first floor as well where some 'Art decoration ' was at display and which the department changed frequently. Whilst moving up the 'glass lift' I casually asked her that the customers may be buying these items for 'gift purpose', to which she said, -” and for personal use also Sir!” I wondered as to who these 'select Indians' were? Stores such as 'Hermes', essentially mock at Indian modesty. Right opposite the Stores there sits a lady on pavement selling bananas, which many office goers and unemployed buy for lunch. Just 200 yards away from its location various garments are on 'sale' on pavement for Rs 50/- to 150/-, all these are probably factory rejects or export rejects but people crowd the place to buy them. There are reputed brands also at Flora fountain junction- 'Reid and Taylor', where the item may be 5 times high than the other acceptable brands but such 'contrasts ' have been absorbed in the Indian system. 'Hermes' spells snobbery of the most insensitive kind. One wonders at the turn of history, the site where 'Hermes ' is situated has seen the inception of the modern India. It was at Firoj Shah Mehta's residence that the Indian National Congress was formed in 1885, which propelled the country to freedom. Not far away are the docks where the Unions once paralysed the administration. ' Hermes' caters to which constituency? To those who have taken fashion to such disproportionate levels!Have all the 'action groups NGOs ignored the existence of this Store? Is this not part of their agenda? Whom should we confront? The 'Hermes' or the people who cater to such Brands?
कोई टिप्पणी नहीं:
एक टिप्पणी भेजें