Patrons of the State-owned Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium will soon be able to enjoy the whiff of sandalwood and sights of intricate artworks twice over. The Karnataka State Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd. (KSHDCL) is in the process of expanding its landmark emporium on M.G. Road this year.
KSHDCL officials said the emporium is currently functioning out of a rented place, while the rest of the complex that is undergoing a makeover belongs to the department. “We have two floors spread over 9,000 sq. ft, which we feel is not enough. We will be expanding the emporium once the complex is ready, which will be spread across four floors (12,000 sq. ft). We are hoping to get it ready within eight months,” said an official.
There are three Cauvery Handicrafts showrooms in the city: two at Jayanagar and one on M.G. Road. Signature items available include sandalwood products, perfumery and agarbattis, rosewood products, Bidriware, and lacquerware.
More than a showroom
The new improved emporium will be more than just a showroom, officials said. The KSHDCL is planning to introduce more products as well as experiences in the expanded complex.
“We will be identifying new artworks to be displayed and sold in the new complex. We are also planning to expand beyond just having a showroom at the site. We are looking at introducing exhibitions, design and development, and R&D at the complex once it is ready,” said an official.
KSHDCL managing director R.P. Sharma said the decision to shift to its own building and expand was taken with a view to save on rent while also diversifying.
“The move is economically profitable to the organisation as the rent amount we are paying can be saved if we move into our own building. Our building is also bigger, which will allow diversification. It will be air-conditioned. This is a flagship organisation of the Karnataka government and it deserves to be made on a par with modern arts and crafts stores abroad,” he said.
Explaining further, he said owing to paucity of space, a lot of items are being kept wherever space permits, and systematic display has not been possible. “We want to make it customer compliant. We are hoping to make the display professional so that customers don’t have to search for a painting, for example. The artisans too will benefit from this,. We have a profitable market and Karnataka items are mainly available. There will be wider selection,” he said.
