Second to none

Second to none
Deccan Herald

Almost all garment and shoe majors, which have factory outlets in the area have put up hoardings and banners announcing discounts up to 50 per cent.

Business is hotting up this summer in Marathahalli. Lured by attractive summer discounts, brand-conscious, penny-wise Bangaloreans are flocking to the seconds market here to buy up top brands dirt cheap.

Almost all garment and shoe majors, which have factory outlets in the area have put up hoardings and banners announcing discounts up to 50 per cent. But it’s not just the low prices that’s bringing in shoppers. From no-frills warehouses to elegantly designed shops, these outlets have come a long way, offering facilities comparable to those in the upmarket stalls of MG Road and Brigade Road.

The Reebok - now RbK - factory outlet is offering 30 per cent off on shoes. So, you get a Reebok shoe priced at Rs 1090 (MRP) for Rs 700. Says David, an employee at the outlet, “A jacket that costs Rs 2499 on MG Road will cost you only Rs 1499 here. Ditto for pullovers. We offer the latest models in shoes at this shop. We have varying discounts on T-shirts, track suits, semi-formal shoes and bags (40 per cent) too."

Winter may be months away, but it makes sense to stock up some warm stuff if it comes cheap. The outlet, says David, offers 50 per cent off on winter clothes during summer and summer apparel during winter.

Discounts are galore at shops selling brands such as Arrow, Nike, Adidas, Le Cooper, Pepe, Indigo Nation, Scullers, Identity, Theme, Locasto, Indian Terrain, United Colours of Benetton, Crocodile and Allen Solly.

Multi-brand outlets

The Marathahalli market also hosts multi-brand outlets like the KS Factory Outlet. The shop is offering 40 per cent discounts on Levis apparels. It has Dockers shirts in the price range of Rs 599-2799 and trousers from Rs 899-Rs 1799, Nike T-shirts starting from Rs 280 and shoes from Rs 770. There is 40 per cent off on Adidas shoes. The outlet also has MTV casuals for men and women with tops starting from 250.

Star Links, one of the first shops to open in this market, has a special range for women from Allen Solly. “We offer Allen Solly suits, blazers, tops, jeans and capris at competitive prices. We also have up to 25 per cent discounts on Van Huesen shirts and trousers. As part of the Gods and Kings series, we are offering 50 pc discounts on Louis Phillip shirts,” says Mohan, an employee of Madura Garments unit. The Proline outlet has T-shirts from Rs 160 to Rs 630 and Fila shoes from Rs 799-Rs 2790. The shop is gearing up to cash in on the World Cup fever with specially designed soccer T-shirts. According to Mohan, factory outlets sell either surplus stuff or “rejected” stocks — export clothes with minor defects that are barely discernable. “You get good stuff here, that too without having to loosen your purse strings. Most of our customers come from other parts of the City. The crowd increases during the weekend.”