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Match making at malls
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Marriages are no longer made in heaven: they are made in malls. Welcome to the new shopping experience
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Photo: V.V. Krishnan
The right one? In-house astrologers and gemologists guide you on stones that suit your stars
A group of men and women walk into a sprawling mall. Their shopping list is a carefully planned one. From clothes and accessories –for the bride, the groom and the family – to the jewellery, the list has been scrutinised.
The shopping centre that promises to offer varied services under one roof throws up a few surprises, like having an in-house astrologer and a gemologist. A few from the group find their way to the astrologer for some horoscope reading and of course, indulge in match fixing. Sure, marriages are made in heaven but shopping centres have become catalysts.
Most malls give one a clear indication of what to expect in each floor. After listing out the placement of women’s and kids wear, stores tell you where to find the in-house astrologer.
Seethamahalakshmi, an astrologer who has been with a mall for a while now, points out that most customers walk-in for horoscope analysis and match making.
“We analyse horoscopes and check if two horoscopes match. Since the facility is available at the store, people want to give it a try. There are many cases of couples who’ve got married after matching their horoscopes here,” she says. “Others pose queries on employment, opportunities to go abroad, property disputes and at times divorce cases. Some people hesitate to approach us in the beginning, others are more forthcoming and come to trust us over time and visit us repeatedly.”
Prem Kumar, another astrologer associated with the group, states that not disclosing the identity of their customers is a prime concern.
“Those who visit us don’t like their identity to be revealed. Hence we do not maintain a database. We respect their privacy. We are there to help out if they seek our help,” he says.
He concedes that it takes time for customers who come to shop to be convinced of consulting the in-house astrologer.
“When the facility was introduced, people were not sure if they wanted to get their horoscope reading done at a store. Gradually, regular shoppers trusted us. We’ve helped arrange quite a few weddings as well.”
As he speaks, two 20-something youngsters and a couple await their turn to meet him. While the youngsters have queries on employment opportunities, the couple want to see what the stars foretell for their married life.
Elsewhere, at another store, plans are on to reinstate a gemologist who will guide the customers on the right gemstones to buy. “We had a gemologist who would talk to customers who need help while purchasing gemstones. The response was overwhelming. Since the gemologist moved out of town, we are on the lookout for a replacement,” says Pavan Kumar, in-charge of the jewellery section of the store.
SANGEETHA DEVI DUNDOO
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Metro Plus
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