Classic indigenous sarees get a thumbs up

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It is the ideal pick for this summer. The stunning array of cotton sarees at the Co-optex showrooms here, with prices suiting everyone’s budget, promises comfort and elegance.

The city has emerged as a one-stop shop for multi-brand cotton sarees and there is a surfeit of varieties from the north Indian market too.

“At Co-optex, we have sourced a range of cotton sarees from various handloom centres across Tamil Nadu and they are all pure cotton. The weavers have introduced new designs in attractive colours and traditional patterns. We have also an interesting collection of printed cotton sarees,” says an official at the Co-optex here.

Sarees with prices ranging from Rs 450 (Rs 300 after discount) to Rs 3,600 (Rs 3,000 after discount) are available at Co-optex showrooms in the city. “Ours is 100 per cent pure cotton. On March 30 alone we registered a sale of Rs 13.5 lakh, including cotton sarees and other products,” says Mr S. Varadarajulu, sales manager at Vanavil showroom. Nearly 60 per cent of the sales are from cotton sarees and this showroom sold Rs 1.27 crore worth goods from March 17 when the ‘buy two, get one free’ scheme was launched for all products, including kerchief.

According to regional manager K.R. Subramanian, the Co-optex (Tamil Nadu handloom weavers’ cooperative society) has targeted a sales of `50 crore for the ‘buy two, get one free’ offer (from March 17-April 2) and has realised Rs 35 crore. The apex body is hopeful of achieving the target.

The captivating Kanchi cotton sarees, intricately designed Kovai cotton sarees, splendid Vilanthai sarees, kora bridal collections and the innovatively designed sarees by the handloom weavers of Negamam, Sirumugai, Coimbatore, Thoppur, Madurai and Salem are also available.

Among the cotton sarees, silk cotton sarees – also known as koora pudavai worn by the bride and priced between Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,000 - is also being sold briskly. “Due to its exquisite design and elegant appearance, this saree, produced in Coimbatore, is in great demand here,” an official said.

Co-optex has introduced an exclusive showroom for children at Pondy bazaar, showcasing a variety of organic cotton products.