7 places to find a good bargain

From Dharavi to Sassoon Docks, shop smart at these destinations in the city to get the best deals on furniture, clothing, fish and more

  The rupee is falling so fast that it seems wise to save a quick buck every time you shop. Whether you’re looking for clothes, jewellery or furniture, there are some places where you can get a great deal without breaking the bank. Here are seven such areas in the city where you’ll always find a bargain.

Dharavi: Leather 

Leather manufacturing is the biggest industry in this area. It boasts of an annual turnover of more than $600 million. You will find bags, jackets, belts, wallets and more. Ask for the latest Prada design and you might get that too. GO TO: SHEPHERD FOR BAGS, JACKETS AND TRENCH COATS.

FOOTBALL SONGS 

CARNIVAL DE PARIS by Dario G WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER by Simply Red TOP OF THE WORLD (OLE OLE OLE) by Chumbawumba CRAZY TRAIN by Ozzy Osbourne ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? by Hank Williams, Jr WAKA WAKA by Shakira DE LA VIDA by Ricky Martin FORCA by Nelly Furtado WAVING FLAG by K’naan CAMPIONE by E-type CAN YOU HEAR ME by Enrique Iglesias
THE TIME OF OUR LIVES by Ill Divo With Toni Braxton REPRESENT by Weezer SIGN OF A VICTORY by R Kelly EVERYWHERE YOU GO by Kelly Rowland OH AFRICA by Akon featuring Keri Hilson

GAME ON by Pitbull, TKZEE and Dario G

 

Get your team’s jersey 

It’s important that you wear the colours of the country you’re supporting to prove your loyalty to your side. You can get the official kit from any major sports brand or pick a fake one, for a fraction of the original’s price, at Fashion Street, Colaba Causeway, Hill Road or Linking Road in Bandra. Most local markets also stock national and club football jerseys. 

Happy hours that last till 1 am

Salt Water Cafe, which is located in Bandra Reclamation in Bandra, sent out a cheerful message on Wednesday. In what seems to be an attempt to reverse the Dhoble effect they have introduced the newest happy hours in town, which unlike most restaurants, begin at 11 pm and last till 1 am. As part of this offer, from Wednesday to Saturday, patrons will get unlimited cocktails for R595. Call 022 26434441 for details. 

Jogeshwari: Faux antique furniture

 Along SV Road, between Goregaon and Jogeshwari railway stations, is a long line of stores selling antique-looking wood and wroughtiron furniture. You will find chintz chairs, almirahs, Chippendale-style ornate cabinets, Victorian-style bookcases and wrought-iron beds, all at good prices. The shop-owners drive a hard bargain, so be prepared to stand your ground. GO TO: SHABBIR’S SHOP FOR WOODEN FURNITURE.

Crawford Market: Food

 If you love cooking, then this is heaven for you. You can practically put together your entire kitchen here — from fresh produce to meats and condiments to cooking equipment, you’ll find it all here. Make sure you check the expiry dates on packaged foods and inspect equipment for chinks. GO TO: ARIFE FOR ALL YOUR BAKING NEEDS.

Ijmima: Jewellery

The little-known building off Link Road, Malad, is home to over 400 imitation jewellery showrooms. From earrings to bangles and maang tikkas to loose beads, it’s all available here at discounted rates. Though there’s little scope to reduce the prices (they’re already marked-down), some smaller store owners will let you bargain. GO TO: MODERN ELECTRO PLATERS FOR TRADITIONAL INDIAN JEWELLERY IN ETHNIC STYLES. 

Sassoon Docks: Fish

 “Bargain like a fisherwoman” is a common Mumbai saying. What better place to get into a verbal tug-of-war than an actual fish market. The market at Sassoon Docks opens at the crack of dawn (or around 3.30 am for us landlubbers) and most of the fish is sold by 8 am. Be prepared for a hard bargain and plenty of drama. GO TO: TOUTS MIGHT CHARGE ABOUT R20, BUT THEY WILL GUIDE YOU TO THE BEST SELLER.

Chor Bazaar: Kitsch

Designers have taken to kitsch like Lady Gaga has to weird clothes. And funky stores have been popping up all over town. But the original big daddy of all things artsy, Chor Bazaar, is where you can get the real great deals. Find old film posters, vinyl records, art deco lamps and antique-looking marine tools at great prices here. GO TO: HABIS AND SONS FOR BOLLYWOOD POSTERS.

THE THREE STEP BARGAINING GUIDE

Always begin at a third of the quoted price. The trick is to say it nonchalantly. Do not flinch.

Shake your head vigorously and keep bringing it down until you reach the desired price. Anything below half is good.
Claim that the guy at the next store is giving you a better deal. Then pretend to walk away.