IN THE MARKET
When we reached the market the shops were just beginning to open. But the place was already crowded because of the festival season. There were rows and rows of shops selling sweets, toys, clothes, footwear, utensils, electronic goods, etc. There was a dentist's clinic also at one end.
My cousin had an appointment with the dentist. We went there first so that we would not miss our turn. We had to wait for a while in a room before she was called inside. The dentist examined her and asked her to come back the following day to get a cavity in her tooth filled. My cousin was scared because she thought the process would be painful and was upset that she had allowed her teeth to go bad.
From the dental clinic, she took me to a new garment showroom because I wanted to buy some readymade clothes. The showroom had three- floors. Each floor had different types of clothes. We went to the third floor where clothes for girls were kept.
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK
HARPREET AND VANDANA: BUSINESSPERSONS
My father and uncle worked in a small shop. During festival times and on Sundays my mother and I helped them in the shop. I started working there only after I completed college. (Harpreet)
We opened this showroom some years ago. I'm a dress designer. Our business has changed. These days people prefer to buy readymade clothes, rather than have them stitched. The trend these days is for readymade garments. You also need an attractive display for them. (Vandana)
For our showroom, we buy things from different places. We buy most of the materials from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, and Tripur. Some materials also come from Noida and Gurgaon, towns near Delhi. We get some dress items from foreign countries, too.
There are several things we need to do to run this showroom properly. We advertise in various newspapers, cinema theatres, television and radio channels. Currently, this building is rented but soon, we plan to buy it. Ever since this market has become the main market for people living in the surrounding apartments our business has grown. We've been able to buy a car and book a flat in an apartment complex nearby.
Like Harpreet and Vandana there are many people who own shops in various markets of the city. These shops may be small or large and they sell different things. Most businesses-persons manage their own shops or business. They are not employed by anyone. But, they do employ a number of other workers as supervisors and helpers. These are permanent shops that are given a license to do business by the municipal corporation. The Municipal Corporation also decides on which day of the week the market has to remain closed. For example, the shops in the above market are closed on Wednesdays. This market also has small offices and shops that provide services, such as banks, courier services, and others.
Activity:
1. Why did Harpreet and Vandana start a showroom? What do they have to do to run the showroom?
2. Talk to a shop owner in a market and find out how he plans his work. Have there been any changes in his business in the past twenty years?
3. What are the differences between those who sell on the street and those in the market?
Source: This topic is taken from NCERT TEXTBOOK