Clothes vendor, 7th cross, Malleswaram

From Tailoring to Trading

My name is Galim Pasha. I have been selling clothes in Malleswaram for 10 years. I used to be in the tailoring business before this; the clothes I sell now are stitched by others, and I source them from Shivajinagar once every week. I used to sew pants and shirts when I was a tailor, but the business became dull.

I wouldn't say I like the work, but it is something I have to do for my kids and wife, to ensure they are being taken care of. I have two kids, one girl and one boy.

The Rhythm of Business

The business goes well on Saturdays and Sundays because there are a lot of people. On other days, there aren't a lot of people. I come here to 7th cross at around 10:30-11:00 and go back only around 9:00 pm, shops start closing at around 8 pm. I have a car that I use to travel to and from Malleswaram.

The Online Challenge

I come from Shivajinagar. There have been a lot of changes. It's a good place for business, but because of online developments, the business has become duller. You get everything on your phones now so fewer customers are coming in.

Familiar Faces and New Visitors

There is a familiarity with the customers because a lot of them have been coming for many years. They are nice people, it feels good to see them and talk to them. But I don't see a lot of the same people, a lot of them come from outside to roam around—to eat, shop.

Why Malleswaram Stands Out

The environment here is very nice. The traffic and crowd are very bad on the weekends, but I like Malleswaram more than most areas. Shivajinagar is not too safe, but the business here is good. In Malleswaram the older population spends the most money and they talk very nicely as well.

I come with my family to Malleswaram sometimes. You get everything here—CTR has great dosas, Asha sweets is good.