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With some of the glossiest high streets, Bengaluru is a shopper’s paradise. But away from the malls and high-end brands are a few local stores that churn out unique things – from antique furniture to handmade toys, which you must explore when in town. So step away from the busy streets and spend an evening exploring these local gems.
Housed in a 19th-century historic building, Cinnamon is a multi-store complex that is your one-stop shop for all lifestyle needs. Stocking a range of designers such as 11.11, Scarlet Sage, Tilla, Alterego, Ezra, Artisau and Akaaro, there is something for everyone. And it doesn’t end here. Radhika Poddar, the mind behind Cinnamon, has meticulously sourced a range of home decor and home accents that are ideal for a shopping spree.
Address: 24, Gangadhar Chetty Rd, Rukmani Colony, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560042
Blossom Book House
If you are a connoisseur of books, both old and new, then Blossom Book House at Church Street is the place to be. This 20 year old bookstore is a bibliophile’s paradise, housing classics and new reads. From rare comic books to philosophical thesis, there is probably nothing you couldn’t find in the confines of one of the shelves here. When here, chat with owner Mayi Gowda, who is as legendary a name in the book circle of Bengaluru as the store itself. A former engineer turned book seller, his recommendations should have you sorted for 2023.
Address: #2, 3rd Floor, Prestige Commercial Complex, Church St, above Matteo Coffea, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Sunshine Boulevard
If you are on the lookout for distressed furniture, antique home decor or simply pots and planters, Sunshine Boulevard will be the perfect fit. Think massive chandeliers, stunning table lamps, frames, wall shelves and even carpets. They stock up on a range of furniture that will have you rearranging your space to fit them in. What’s more, everything at their Koramangala store is handcrafted, therefore unique and elegant. They also offer customisations, if there is something more whimsical on your mind.
Address: No. 5, 8th Main Road, 4th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560034
Ainmane Cafe & Specialty store
No trip to the South is complete without picking up coffee beans. At Ainmane, an exclusive boutique store and cafe for specialty coffees and authentic products from Coorg and Chikmagalur, you get your hands on a variety of coffees, whether you’d like it roasted or ground. They also offer honey, chocolates, spices and nuts if you are on a buying spree. The shop doubles up as a cafe, where you can spend quiet evenings sampling their famous blends and roasts before taking them home.
Address: 420, 9th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038
Varnam Craft Collective
This craft collective is a social enterprise that works with artisans in Channapatna (situated 60 kms from Bengaluru), who create handmade lacquer wooden toys, lending the city its name “Gombegala Ooru” or the “Toy-City” of Karnataka. At Varnam, you can get your hands on a series of designs interpreting this 200 year old toy-making craft in the home and lifestyle space that includes lighting, kitchen, dining and bar accessories , kids, room décor, toys and jewellery. What will hearten you is to know that they not only work sustainably to promote this 200-year-old craft, but also provide livelihoods to women artisans in the city.
Address: No.1332, 1332, Paramahansa Yogananda Rd, Indira Nagar II Stage, Stage 2, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038
