If luxury was a verb, the Palladium would definitely be part of its conjugation. Situated at High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Palladium has opened as a three-storeyed annexe to the much-awaited 45-storeyed Shangri-La Hotel. The sun?s rays are soaked in by the black edifice and thrown inwards into its glass and gold interiors, which impresses on one a certain hushed elegance and demeanor.
?This is a place of international standards,? remarks Don Peters, a merchant navy officer. ?I am awed by the brands housed here, the architecture and the variety in food. Full retail occupancy will be a sight to see.? The Atul Ruia-owned Palladium is redefining the very essence that is shopping. With a heady mix of luxury items, from clothes and accessories to tableware, furniture, restaurants and even a comedy store, Palladium offers those who enter gilded comforts, choices and the luxury of time well wasted.
Gayatri Ruia, director of business development at Palladium, is happy and proud to present Palladium. ?This reinforces our position in the luxury and lifestyle segment in India. Being an upmarket destination for the discerning shopper who appreciates an experience of fine living, Palladium is for those who enjoy a comprehensive, premium fashion and F&B outlay under one roof.?
The concept may be new, consumers still feeling their way around, but Arlene Fernandes, an HR executive, equates the word Palladium with pampering. ?I have M?venpick Swiss ice cream, Landmark, the Man U Caf?, FCUK, Adidas, Christian Audiger?all under one roof. What more can a shopaholic ask for?? she quips.
?Palladium has a great brand mix, with something for everyone. It even houses a spa for a great foot massage post an exhaustive shopping spree, excellent dining options and more,? remarks Rajiv Grover, VP, Genesis Colors. Speaking about the Satya Paul store at Palladium, he says, ?The store is a premium Signature Satya Paul store. It is high-end, replete with luxurious interiors and a great ambience. Customer feedback shows that they are happy and since it?s a fairly new entity, we are sure expectations will be met. In terms of sales, it has been great so far.?
While footfalls may not be many on weekdays, weekends see a lot more people making their way under the domed atrium. ?Customers walk in with expectations,? says Mira Singh, assistant store manager, Bo Concept, a luxury furniture brand. ?They expect products off the shelf, good quality, well-priced products and good discount schemes. Weekends see more walk-ins than buying clientele and major brands are doing well here.?
While a dichotomy exists in the clientele that Palladium caters to and ushers through its doors, it still leaves the multitude satisfied. One sees many college students and young executives come over often just for the feel of luxury within these walls. To them, M?venpick ice cream may be their affordable luxury, but the mall has still in more ways that one served its purpose.
Explains Ram Iyer, director, operations, The Collective, a lifestyle store, ?We are aligned to the concept of Palladium, which also offers an interesting mix of luxury, super premium and premium brands. The Collective has benefited immensely from the strategic location of Palladium, which has helped it target catchments both in South Bombay and the emerging “nouveau riche” segment in and around Bandra. We are extremely confident that it will become one of most interesting of destinations.? Palladium comprises over 50 retail outlets, including Ed Hardy, Diesel, Zara, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, FCUK, Anita Dongre, JBL and the unique Comedy Store.
Haute couture and high-end entertainment has arrived in Mumbai with Palladium, which has coloured the luxury palette with multiple hues that will keep footfalls and satisfaction constant.