It didn’t come as a surprise to many to see Khan market among the world’s most expensive retail high street according to the annual survey by global real estate consultancy firm Cushman & Wakefield. So what is it about Khan market that’s visited by expats, swish set, and aam janta?
Avers Rahul Popli, owner of Amethyst at Khan market, “It is the only market in Delhi, which is frequented by three generations — old, middle age and the young. The repeat value of a customer here is very high. Here serious shoppers come, not window gazers.” Catering to the needs of every kind of customer, Rahul points out, “We get students, professionals as well as those who can splurge. We cannot ignore anybody, who comes to the store. Our range effectively starts from Rs 500, and goes upto Rs 10 lakhs.”
Seen strolling in the market were students Shlomi and Merav from Israel, who are on their second visit to India in two years, and it was their second visit to Khan market as well. Remarks Shlomi, “This market has a western look and it almost feels like home. It’s also much cleaner and less crowded than other markets in the city. We can roam around peacefully without being disturbed.”
However, some do not shy from expressing that products here are priced a notch higher than anywhere else. Agree Bob and Jon Hetzel, regulars to the market. “In the last five years, prices have shot up 2-3 times. What I like about this market is its proximity to Chanakyapuri, which makes it the most viable place to come to. Also, everything that one needs is available here, so one needn’t go in different directions,” she says.
Mohd. Nasir of Art Factor begs to differ. He clarifies, “The products available in Khan Market are good quality and that’s why customers keep coming back.”
He disagrees that mainly foreigners and tourists throng the space. “I’d say the ratio is 75 per cent local and 25 per cent foreign share. Five years ago, there weren’t so many brands as you see now. The choice in eating and splurging has grown tremendously,” he says.
It was interesting to watch Chinese national Liu Xiaoyu enquiring about the price of silver jewellery at a store in chaste Hindi. Liu Xiaoyu (Lata her Hindi name) along with friends had come down to Delhi to learn Hindi. “We had heard a lot about this market, so we came to check it out. So far, it’s likeable and clean,” she adds with a smile.