top of page

By:

Asha Tripathi

14 April 2025 at 1:35:28 pm

The Allure of Street Shopping Over Malls

Street shopping is not just buying — it’s bargaining, bonding, and breathing life. Shopping has always been more than just a way to buy things. It reflects lifestyle, culture, and even emotions. In today’s fast-paced world, two different worlds of shopping coexist — the glimmering, air-conditioned world of malls and the colourful, lively lanes of street markets. Both have their own essence, yet when we look closely, we realise that while malls appear more sophisticated, the real life, energy,...

The Allure of Street Shopping Over Malls

Street shopping is not just buying — it’s bargaining, bonding, and breathing life. Shopping has always been more than just a way to buy things. It reflects lifestyle, culture, and even emotions. In today’s fast-paced world, two different worlds of shopping coexist — the glimmering, air-conditioned world of malls and the colourful, lively lanes of street markets. Both have their own essence, yet when we look closely, we realise that while malls appear more sophisticated, the real life, energy, and connection lie in street shopping.   Malls are like modern-day palaces of consumerism. As we step inside, we are greeted by polished floors, soft lighting, pleasant music, and an atmosphere that almost feels unreal. Every shop is neatly arranged, every brand fighting for our attention with attractive displays and offers. Shopping in a mall is a comfortable experience — there is no dust, no crowd pushing, and no chaos. You can walk leisurely from one store to another, have a coffee in between, watch a movie, and spend the whole day indoors without even realising how time flies.   For many, malls are a symbol of modernity and status. They offer quality assurance, branded products, and the comfort of air-conditioning. You don’t have to bargain, you don’t have to worry about getting cheated, and everything comes with a bill and a warranty. But somewhere in all this perfection, something feels missing — that human touch, that rawness of real life. Malls often make shopping look mechanical — polished, predictable, and slightly emotionless.   Now let’s step outside those glass doors and into the streets—where the real magic begins.   Street shopping is like diving into a sea of colours, voices, and stories. The moment you enter a busy marketplace, you feel the pulse of real life. The shopkeepers calling out their offers, the aroma of street food, the chatter of people, the energy in the air — everything feels alive. Street markets are where creativity meets affordability. You find handmade jewellery, ethnic clothes, quirky bags, and items you never even thought existed — all at throwaway prices!   And the best part? Bargaining. It’s not just about getting a lower price; it’s a lively exchange between the buyer and the seller. It’s a small battle of wits, ending with a smile and mutual satisfaction. In that short conversation, you connect with another human being — something malls rarely offer.   Street shopping also tells the story of hard-working vendors and small artisans who depend on their daily earnings. Every item on those stalls carries the sweat, skill, and dreams of people who create or sell them with passion. There is honesty and simplicity in their effort. It is this raw, unfiltered reality that gives street markets their soul.   In contrast, malls can sometimes feel like artificial bubbles — detached from the outside world. Everything is designed to look perfect, but it’s also expensive, repetitive, and often lacks originality. The same brands, the same products, the same discounts — no surprise, no adventure. Street shopping, on the other hand, is unpredictable. You never know what you’ll find. That’s what makes it so exciting.   Beyond the products, street markets give us something more valuable — an experience of real human connection. You hear laughter, you see bargaining, and you feel the rhythm of life moving all around you. You learn patience, observation, and the art of choosing wisely. Street shopping teaches you how to appreciate value, not just price.   Of course, street shopping comes with its own set of flaws. The crowds can be exhausting, the heat unbearable, and the quality uncertain. But those who truly love it will tell you that this chaos has its own beauty. It’s a slice of everyday life — imperfect yet real.   Malls, in comparison, may look polished, but they are isolated worlds of glass and glitter — where smiles are polite but not personal. Street markets, however, are bursting with emotions — of joy, struggle, laughter, and togetherness.   In the end, the difference between malls and street shopping is like the difference between a perfect photograph and a candid picture. The perfect one may look flawless, but the candid one feels alive. Malls may represent aspiration, but street shopping represents reality.   And perhaps, that’s why no matter how many malls rise in our cities, the narrow, noisy lanes of street markets will always have their charm. Because that’s where life breathes — in the voices of vendors, in the sparkle of roadside jewellery, in the scent of street food, and in the joy of finding something wonderful at a price you proudly bargained for.   (The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

Multi-Asset Funds: The Smart Investment

ree

When it comes to wealth creation, diversification is critical in finance. That is where multi-asset funds come in, an innovative mutual fund category designed to give investors a well-rounded and dynamic portfolio within a single product.


What Are Multi-Asset Funds?

Unlike conventional mutual funds that primarily focus on a single asset class such as equities, debt, or gold, multi-asset funds invest in a mix of equities, debt, gold, and silver. This built-in diversification allows investors to participate in the growth potential of the stock market, benefit from the stability of bonds, and hedge against uncertainty with gold and silver. By combining these elements, multi-asset funds provide a balanced approach to building wealth.


Why Diversification Matters

Markets are inherently cyclical. What performs well in one phase may underperform in another. Multi-asset funds help ensure that when one asset class faces challenges, another can cushion the impact, thereby smoothing returns over time.


Flexibility in asset allocation

A key advantage of multi-asset funds is the flexibility fund managers have in rebalancing portfolios. Depending on prevailing market conditions, the allocation between equities, debt, and gold can be adjusted. For instance, if equity markets are overheated, the fund manager may increase exposure to debt and gold. When markets present attractive opportunities, equity allocation can be raised. This dynamic rebalancing helps maintain resilience while pursuing consistent long-term performance.


Gold as a strategic hedge

Gold is a long-standing favorite asset class for many Indian investors. It serves as a natural hedge against inflation and economic downturns. In recent years, global uncertainties and currency fluctuations have further highlighted the importance of gold. By including gold in the portfolio, multi-asset funds automatically add this extra layer of protection for investors.


Professionally managed convenience

For many investors, monitoring markets and rebalancing portfolios regularly is neither practical nor feasible. Multi-asset funds address this challenge by providing professional management. Experienced fund managers, supported by research teams, make allocation decisions on behalf of investors. This saves time and effort while ensuring that the portfolio remains aligned with long-term objectives.


Who should consider them?

Multi-asset funds are well suited for investors who are looking for:

·  A balanced portfolio without the need to invest separately in equities, debt, and gold.

·  A strategy to reduce portfolio volatility while still aiming for growth.

·  A convenient solution for long-term financial goals such as retirement, children’s education, or wealth preservation.


Conclusion

By bringing together equities, debt, and gold within a single investment, multi-asset funds make diversification simpler and more effective. They provide balance, reduce risk, and offer resilience across market cycles. For investors who want to strengthen their portfolios without adding complexity, multi-asset funds represent a smart and future-ready choice.


(The writer is a Chartered Accountant and CFA (USA). Financial Advisor. Views personal. He could be reached on 9833133605.)

Comments

bottom of page