Mumbai: The beloved Asiatic store, a landmark retail destination across the road from Churchgate station, is set to down its shutters temporarily on July 31 for a major renovation. After nearly five decades of serving generations of Mumbaikars, the sprawling store will undergo a facelift expected to last around five months.
Founded in 1977, Asiatic is known for offering a little bit of everything under one roof, crockery, jewellery, stationery, bags, leather goods, apparel, snacks and even a well-frequented photography studio. Its central location opposite Western Railway’s bustling Churchgate terminus made it the perfect stop for last-minute shopping, office party essentials, and quick passport photographs for college admissions or foreign travel.
Photo studio to be shifted backside of original location | Joseph Fernandes FPJ
On Tuesday afternoon, the usually vibrant aisles saw a different kind of buzz. Staff members were busy packing cartons, dismantling shelves, and offering discounts of up to 20 per cent as part of the clearance drive. “We’ve been told to vacate by Wednesday,” said one shop attendant, as quoted by Mid-day.com. “We’ll return to our main outlets elsewhere in the city during the renovation,” the attendant added. However, many said they had not been informed of the exact post-renovation plans.
Banners on the mezzanine floor, which housed the apparel section and photography studio, redirected customers to a temporary setup at the rear side of the building. While a cashier confirmed the estimated five-month timeline, some regular shoppers expressed doubt about such a large space being revamped that quickly.
Krishna Gupta, partner at Asiatic, confirmed the closure. “We are shutting down on July 31 for renovation. Asiatic started in 1977, and it’s been 48 years of existence,” he said, as quoted by Mid-day.com. On whether the pressures of online retail and mall culture played a role in the decision, Gupta simply admitted, “Due to the e-commerce and online shopping, traditional retail businesses are affected,” he added.
For many, the closure, however temporary, is bittersweet. Office-goers fondly recalled dashing into Asiatic for last-minute Secret Santa gifts, birthday cakes, or celebratory decor. HR departments, college students and tourists alike all relied on the store’s convenience, accessibility and variety.
