Earlier known for its numerous coconut trees, Teynampet, has over the years metamorphosed into a neighbourhood that is a commercial hub. It's landscape is now lined with offices, banks, chic five-star hotels and the latest — a mall.
The Ramee Mall that has garnered quite a bit of interest over the last few months was inaugurated over the weekend. Sprawling over 2,25,000 sq. ft., this two-storeyed building stands tall next to the Hyatt.
“It is a boutique mall. That's why we don't have theatres here. It's a mall that caters to real shoppers who want to shop without any disturbance. The design meets five-star standards,” says Raj Shetty, chairman, Ramee group.
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That's probably why you are spared the bother of driving around basements looking for a parking slot. Here, you can stylishly get off at the portico and allow the valet to take over. According to Shetty, they have been choosy about the brands that have set up shop at the mall. They are still looking for upmarket brands and also ones that are coming to Chennai for the first time. “We are looking for uniqueness — brands that will be available only here,” he adds.
Brands such Lasya (jewellery), Kryolan City (cosmetics), Chique Fashions from Kolkata are some of them. The Shoppers' Stop in Ramee Mall is said to be the biggest in Chennai. It houses international skin care giants such as The Body Shop, Shiseido, Guerlain, Elizabeth Arden among others.
The place is a haven for people looking for shoes, clothes, bags, accessories, electronic goods... Not just avid shoppers, gamers too can spend ample time here. Q- Games, a state-of-the-art is nearing completion.
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Amid all the talk of the shopping and gaming, are we missing out on something? Oh yes, food. The top-level has the food court to satiate your palate, be it Indian, Chinese or even Mediterranean. You can choose from Pit Stop, Brownie Cottage, Kwality Walls, Sukh Sagar or give a chance to first timers in Chennai — Alibaba, Mahjong and Au Naturale. Also coming up soon is It's Mirchi, a restaurant from Mumbai with a dhaba-like feel.
In addition, the mall organises activities every weekend and also plans to tie up with NGOs to spread awareness about social issues.
Inaugurated by actors Madhavan and Trisha, this is the first mall by the Ramee Group which is better known in the hospitality and construction business. “We wanted to diversify and that's how we came up with the idea for a mall. We chose Chennai as our first destination because it is a great city and there is good scope for development here,” adds Shetty.