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    Shopping Places in Chennai

    Best Shopping Places in Chennai to Hit in 2025

    Jan 29, 2025

    What’s the first thought when you hear the city name Chennai? Well, just guessing, that the most common thought would be the Capital city of Tamil Nadu. But to add to your knowledge, Chennai isn’t just about being the capital city, as it has so much more than that to offer. Don’t just stop at it being famous for beaches and filter coffee, but you can also find some of the best shopping places in Chennai. So to your delight, it’s also a paradise for shopaholics! So if you are in the city, you are in for some of the best experiences with your Shopping wish list. To make your Chennai trip and shopping spree easier, here’s a comprehensive guide to the 30 best shopping places in the city that cater to every kind of tourist, shopper, or product search!

    Street Shopping Places in Chennai

    Chennai isn’t just about malls, hypercities, or shopping complexes, it also has many local streets or lanes to provide you with the best stuff at affordable prices. You can also check our detailed guide on best time to visit Chennai, to plan your visit accordingly. For now, just check the most famous of them below:

    1. T. Nagar – The Ultimate Shopping Hub

    T. Nagar Chennai.webp

    The first one on the list would be Thyagaraya Nagar or just T. Nagar. It is one of the most famous and oldest shopping areas in Chennai. The whole T. Nagar is spread through various lanes, streets, and shops popular for specified product lines. Known for its vibrant shops and unbeatable bargains, this area is a must-visit for shopping.

    Location: T. Nagar, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
    What to Expect: Traditional silk sarees, jewelry, footwear, clothes, accessories, and everything.
    Highlights: Pangal Park for trendy clothes and accessories. Also, Ranganathan Street for shopping vibes and affordable options.

    Recommendation: Go on weekdays to avoid massive crowds.

    2. Pondy Bazaar – A Shopper’s Delight

    Pondy Bazaar.webp

    Pondy Bazar is another market street within T. Nagar. It is one of the main shopping places in Chennai, locally known as Soundarapandianar Angadi after a W.P.A Soundarapandian Nadar, a local politician. The whole area spreads within 3 kilometers of an area with a huge collection of clothes, accessories, and footwear shops.

    Location: Near to T. Nagar Market, Chennai
    Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What to Expect: Branded outlets & retail shops for clothes, books, bangles, bags, terracotta figurines, bronze ornaments, etc
    Highlights: Saravana Stores & Rathna Stores for everything you can think of under one shop.

    Recommendation: Perfect for a one-stop shopping day with family or friends for home ceremonies or gifts.

    3. Sowcarpet – For the Love of Street Shopping

    Sowcarpet chennai.webp

    Sowcarpet is feasibly one of Chennai's cheapest shopping destinations, a perfect spot for budget-conscious buyers. It is a go-to destination if you have North Indian-style fashion and accessories on your mind.

    Location: George Town, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
    What to Expect: Indian Ethnic dresses like lehenga, churidars, salwar kameez, costume jewelry, and footwear.
    Highlights: Trying street food like chaats here would be a bonus.

    Recommendation: Put on comfortable shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking.

    4. George Town – The Wholesale Market

    George Town chennai.webp

    George Town is one of the most famous shopping places in Chennai, especially for wholesale goods. The market is widely popular for beautiful mulberry silk and Kanchipuram sarees. It is the perfect spot if you are looking to make bulk purchases.

    Location: George Town, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
    What To Expect: Garments, stationery, gift items, shoes, handicrafts, perfumes, toys, accessories, and kitchenware.
    Highlights: Burma Bazar and Parry’s Corner for an authentic wholesale shopping experience.

    Recommendation: Go in the early morning to avoid the crowds.

    5. Godown Street

    Godown Street chennai.webp

    Going by the rumors, this shopping street is said to be about 200 years old and has survived to be still on the good books of this huge city. The market is an awesome wholesale market with good textiles and accessories. It is also one of the cheapest shopping places in Chennai with discounts up to 40% on all items.

    Location: NSC Bose Road, Parry’s Corner, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
    What To Expect: Fabrics, clothes, shoes, bags, etc
    Highlights: Imported products from China, Taiwan, and other Asian countries are available at very cheap prices

    Recommendation: Go in the early morning and without a private vehicle to avoid the crowds.

    6. Pantheon Road

    pantheon road chennai.webp

    Also known as the ‘Cotton Street of Chennai.’ If you are in search of a wide range of cotton fabric, designs, or clothing, just head to this shopping street in the city. You will delighted with both quality as well as the reasonable prices here. The street vendors are ever-ready to mix and match with your choice of clothes.

    Location: NSC Bose Road, Parry’s Corner, Chennai
    Timings: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    What To Expect: Cotton fabrics
    Highlights: The fabric is very cheap and has a wide variety.

    Recommendation: Use bargaining power for the enhanced shopping experience. Also, don’t visit on private vehicle as parking is an issue in this area.

    7. Kottivakkam

    kottivakkam chennai.webp

    One of the most posh residential areas of Chennai is Kottivakkam. The chief residents in this area are IAS officers, Police officers, Judges, Actors, and Actresses. The locality also has several shopping centres selling a wide range of products like footwear, sports accessories and gear, and clothing. The shopping places showcase the best local to international brands with amazing quality.

    Location: Kottivakkam, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
    What To Expect: Clothes, Sports gear and shoes
    Highlights: Wide variety of brands and products

    Recommendation: You can check the nearby beach for a rich outing experience.

    8. Nungambakkam

    Nungambakkam1.webp

    This whole locality is a clothing store hub. There are local yet amazing boutiques and tailoring shops that will help you with best-fit customized attires at good prices. The area is one of the most amazing shopping places in Chennai that will solve your search for unique and exclusive ethnic wear at your say. You can also shop for the best local handicrafts at some shops and stores here.

    Location: Nungambakkam, Chennai
    Timings: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
    What To Expect: Personalized Styling Options for Clothes and Handicrafts
    Highlights: Wide variety of stores, boutiques, and exclusivity of products at a good budget

    Recommendation: Check out Renasci & Rupkali for women's clothes, Tailor’s Tale & Easy to Wear for Men’s wear, Beyond Canvas for home decor, and Office 1 Stationery for stationery.

    Suggested read: South India's Scenic Splendor: A Journey in the Vistadome

    Traditional Silk and Kanchipuram Sarees in Chennai

    Your trip to Chennai will not be considered a complete circle if you do not have something authentic in the range of silk fabric. Here are some stores to check for the best collection of traditional and ethnic silk or Kanchipuram outfits:

    1. Nalli Silks

    Nalli Silks.webp

    The first one on the favourite’s list would be Nalli. It is one of the oldest silk saree outlets in Chennai, known for its exquisite Kanchipuram silk sarees. The designs and embroidery are very unique and authentic to almost gush over each saree you might see here.

    Location: Usman Road, T. Nagar Market, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
    What to Expect: All types of silk sarees like Kanchipuram silk, Banarsi Silk, Chanderi Silk, Cotton Silk, etc.
    Highlights: The exquisite silk quality and saree designs.

    Recommendation: Perfect for a home wedding ceremony or even gifts.

    2. Pothys

    Pothys.webp

    Pothys in Chennai is yet another South Indian textile brand that offers a wide range of traditional wear. Pothys proudly houses an amazing collection of silk sarees in all of the South Indian states. You will be grateful for the shopping experience at Pothys outlet with their brand product line. The sarees are weaved with the finest of silk, are exclusive, and of course offer elegance. Shop yourself to see the real silk magic!!

    Locations: G.N. Chetty Road, N. Usman Road, and N. Rao Road, Chennai
    Timings: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
    What to expect: Silk Sarees
    Highlights: The brand’s sub-brand lines are Samudrika, Parampara, and Vastrakala Sarees.

    Recommendation: Shop during the festive season for unique collections and offers.

    3. RMKV Silks

    RMKV Silks.webp

    RMKV is named after its founder Shri RM. K. Visvanatha Pillai in 1924. The local shopping brand is reputed for its finest silk sarees all designed in the best quality. RMKV now also deals in a large range of salwar kameez and all-family apparel. It can be your perfect choice for bridal sarees and custom designs. It has three outlets in Chennai.

    Location: Usman Road T. Nagar Market, Phoenix Market City Mall, and Nexus Vijaya Mall,  Chennai
    Timings: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
    What to Expect: Huge collection of sarees, salwar kameez, kids' and gents' garments under one roof.
    Highlights: Check out their specialities and uniqueness via 50000 colour silk sarees, Hamsa Damayanti, Reversible silk sarees, etc.

    Recommendation: Perfect for a one-stop shopping day with family or friends.

    4. Varsidhi

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    Varsidhi is yet another amazing store to look up to while searching for some designer ethnic wear for women. Their collection is huge and focused on providing the best quality and design at affordable prices. Varsidhi has premium designer sarees, lehengas, and Salwar Suits to make your presence on the occasion just recognisable.

    Location: G.N. Chetty Road, T. Nagar, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
    What To Expect: Sarees, Salwar Suits, and lehengas
    Highlights: Designer qualitative clothes at good prices.

    Recommendation: Check out Varsidhi once when you have a limited budget yet are desirous of good stuff.

    5. Kay

    Kay1.webp

    Kay is one of the most prestigious ethnic outlets in the city. It has been in the city for about 40 years now and is popular for the best designer suits, Anarkali, embellished lehengas, and sarees. It is a boutique that offers premium quality ethnic wear for women. If you have any ceremony or festival to attend and you want to look exclusive, just hit Kay for premier quality outfits.

    Location: Cathedral Road, Gopalapuram, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM
    What To Expect: Designer Ethnic Women wears
    Highlights: Premium and elegant women's wear.

    Recommendation: You can even get your dress a bit customised at Kay.

    Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Tamil Nadu: A Vacation Spot Amidst Nature’s Beauty

    Shopping Malls in Chennai

    Chennai being a metropolitan city abodes numerous malls and market cities in almost every primary location. Or just say the city’s shopping malls are the heartbeat of modern Chennai. Look at these all-time favourite malls when you are on a shopping spree in Chennai:

    1. Express Avenue Mall –  High-End Shopping

    Express Avenue Mall.webp

    Looking for a mall for a more luxurious shopping experience, just head to Express Avenue Mall. This mall is among the best shopping places in Chennai for branded and original items. The mall extends to about 50,000 square feet along with the largest cinema hall in Chennai.

    Location: Express Estate, Royapettah, Chennai
    Timings: 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
    What To Expect: High-end fashion, electronics, and cosmetics.
    Highlights: Apart from shopping, enjoy the multiplex and food court.

    Recommendation: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales to grab some great deals.

    2. Spencer Plaza – A Blend of Old and New

    Spencer Plaza.webp

    One of the oldest malls in India was built during British colonial rule in 1985. Spencer Plaza is a favorite among locals and tourists. It offers a mix of traditional and modern shopping along with the best dining and entertaining experience in the city. 

    Location: Mount Road, Anna Salai, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What To Expect: Clothing, handicrafts, antiques.
    Highlights: Check out smaller shops inside the mall for unique and cheap finds.

    Recommendation: Use your time patiently to wander; you will find some real stuff.

    3. Phoenix Marketcity – For Premium Brands

    Phoenix Marketcity.webp

    Phoenix Marketcity is one of the most premium shopping places in Chennai for an expensive and branded shopping experience. The mall is also home to the first IMAX theatre that showcases 11 screens, making it one of the largest malls in Chennai. With international brands and fine dining options, it’s a one-stop shop for luxury and fun.

    Location: Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai
    Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What to Expect: Designer and branded wear, electronics, luxury goods, top dining brands
    Highlights: You would be lucky to enjoy live events and performances that are often hosted here.

    Recommendation: Perfect for a relaxed shopping day with family or friends.

    4. VR Chennai Mall – Trendy and Upmarket

    VR Chennai Mall.webp

    Anna Nagar is known for its unique decor and interiors. Those chic boutiques and branded stores make it a trendy shopping destination. The ambience is very colorful and lively making it a good choice for family and friends. You will also find an all-inclusive food court for tasty delights. Also, there is a play area for kids and a multiplex to have a doze of entertainment and activities.

    Location: Inner Ring Road, Anna Nagar
    Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What to Expect: Fashionable trendy clothing, footwear, and home decor.
    Highlights: Explore Anna Nagar Tower Park for a relaxing break from shopping.

    Recommendation: Ideal for anyone looking for high-end and budget-friendly options.

    5. Ampa Skywalk

    Ampa Skywalk.webp

    It is yet another popular shopping place in Chennai with numerous brand outlets and retail shops. The mall also has a seven-screen multiplex cinema, a game zone, and a huge food court with a capacity of 600+ people at a time. You can visit to spend overall quality time with your friends and family.

    Location: 627, Poonamalee High Road, Aminjikarai, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What to Expect: Clothing, Footwear, Toys, Food Court, etc.
    Highlights: International cuisine and international brands

    6. Chennai Citi Centre

    Chennai Citi Centre.webp

    Chennai Citi Centre Mall is located within Chennai’s heart Mylapore. The mall offers some amazing ambience and options for shopping, fine dining, and entertainment. Also, due to its prime location, the mall is a constant attraction for tourists travelling to the city from various parts of India and the world.

    Location: Loganathan Colony, Mylapore, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What to Expect: Clothing, Footwear, Home decor, Toys, etc.
    Highlights: Prime location and everything under one roof.

    7. Fountain Plaza

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    This mall of Chennai has everything from clothes to electronics to footwear to home stuff. It is a perfect spot for window shopping along with spending some quality time with your loved ones. There are several stores for clothes, jewellery, footwear, and anything you can think of. You can also enjoy some wellness services at the Spa and Massage center of the mall.

    Location: Loganathan Colony, Mylapore, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What to Expect: Clothing, Footwear, Toys, Food Joints, drinks etc.
    Highlights: Spa & Massage Centre for relaxation.

    8. Alsa Mall

    Alsa Mall.webp

    Alsa Mall is one of the biggest malls for shopping with branded stores, retail outlets, games, and cafes in Chennai. It is one of the best shopping malls since its establishment. It can be your one-stop solution for clothes, footwear, toys, games, accessories, and much more at reasonable prices.

    Location: Egmore, Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What to Expect: Clothing, Footwear, Toys, accessories, Food Joints, drinks etc.
    Highlights: Excellent prices and discounts.

    Suggested Read: Top Hill Stations In South India: Discover Breathtaking Retreats Awaiting You

    Electronic Shopping Market in Chennai

    If you have been looking for some electronics or gadgets in Chennai, just head to any of the 2 shopping places in Chennai for real deals:

    1. Ritchie Street

    Ritchie Street.webp

    This street in Chennai is the second-largest electronic market in India after Delhi’s Nehru Place. An amazing hub for electronics, supplies, and musical instruments from all around the world. There are about 2500 shops in the street that deal in everything like laptops, televisions, mobile phones, and even the latest trending gadgets at affordable prices.

    Location: Mount Road, Chennai
    Timings: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
    What To Expect: Electronics like computers, laptops, televisions, and related accessories/peripherals
    Highlights: Wide variety of electronics that even extends to Robotics now.

    Recommendation: Go for bargaining and do a check before you leave the market after purchase.

    2. Burma Bazaar

    Burma Bazaar.webp

    Burma Bazaar is an infamous wholesale market for electronics and spare products like CDs, software, electronics, perfumes, etc. It was initially run by the Burmese people and still functions with 600 shops within an area of a one-kilometer radius.

    Location: Chennai Beach Railway Station, Chennai
    Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What To Expect: Electronics
    Highlights: Affordable products.

    Recommendation: Go in-depth to get the best and specific stuff in this market.

    Sweets and Snacking Edibles in Chennai

    Getting sweets and snacks is within the day-to-day shopping to add taste to your daily life, just check these two most amazing places to shop for sweets and snacks in Chennai:

    1. Shree Krishna Sweets

    Shree Krishna Sweets.webp

    Looking for some delicious takeaways for home or ceremony? Your search for delicious shopping places in Chennai for the yummiest sweets will end at Shree Krishna Sweets. The shop has been operating for 60 years now and is reputed for only the best sweets in the city. The shop has several shops in different locations namely Chennai, Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, and Thiruvannamalai. There are about 36 stores in Chennai itself.

    Location: 36 locations in Chennai
    Timings: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
    What To Expect: Sweets, Pickles, Local Snacks.
    Highlights: Desi Ghee Sweets

    Recommendation: Go for festive delights for better prices.

    2. Adyar Ananda Bhavan

    Adyar Ananda Bhavan.webp

    Another local delight when checking for the best sweet delicacies in Chennai would be Adyar Ananda Bhavan or simply A2B Sweets. The most famous shopping place in Chennai for local snacks. It is a very big brand of sweets, south Indian recipes, and snacks in India and even internationally. 

    Location: Chennai
    Timings: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
    What To Expect: Snacks, Sweets, and food dishes.
    Highlights: The restaurant cum sweet store is all vegetarian.

    Recommendation: Try local delicacies for the best South Indian food.

    Handicrafts & Local Traditional in Chennai

    End your search for the best locally crafted stuff with these shopping places in Chennai:

    1. Anna Salai

    Anna Salai.webp

    If handicrafts are on your mind, just head to Chennai’s Anna Salai area for some well-crafted and exclusive pieces of local craftwork. You will enjoy the perfect mix of traditional and modern ambience with multiple options of products at good prices.

    Location: Mount Road, Chennai
    Timings: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM
    What to Expect: Handicrafts
    Highlights: Fancy hand-crafted products’ wide variety at reasonable prices.

    2. Prakrit Art Gallery

    prakrit art gallary.webp

    This store sells and is known for some high-quality aesthetic pieces of art. You can buy items, attend some events, or just check out art fairs/exhibitions at this art gallery. If you are a tourist or just looking for something memorial to gift to someone, do check Prakrit Art Gallery as there are high probability of finding your exclusive piece here.

    Location: Govindaswamy Nagar, Chennai
    Timings: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    What to Expect: Artworks and traditional pieces of work
    Highlights: Unique and Antique art piece.

    Books & Bags in Chennai

    Some options to end your search for the best shopping places for bags and books in Chennai are:

    1. Moore Market

    Moore Market.webp

    If you are on to book spree, Moore Market is your final destination. The whole lane is bombarded with best-selling second-hand books for every subject you can think of. The prices are also very reasonable. It is a haven for students and book lovers.

    Location: Poongavanapuram, Chennai
    Timings: 10:15 AM - 8:30 PM
    What to Expect: Course Books & Novels
    Highlights: You will find the latest books for all subjects and affairs.

    2. Roshan

    Roshan.webp

    Roshan is like a small mall of bags owning to Chennai’s marketplace like a real boss with about 27 branches in the state. It has now established itself as a local brand with a huge customer base, all thanks to premium quality products. Not only this, the stores offer a wide variety of products.

    Location: Chennai
    Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    What to Expect: Bags
    Highlights: Premium Quality with Affordability in wide ranges

    3. Sree Leathers

    Sree Leathers.webp

    Sree leathers can be your best bet if you are looking for some durable office shoes or bags. The store has to be your ultimate choice for some qualitative products. And to add to your surprise, just check their prices and wide range. You will just love your experience here.

    Location: Usmaan Road, T. Nagar, Chennai
    Timings: 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
    What to Expect: Shoes and Bags
    Highlights: Best quality stuff at good prices.

    Tips for Shopping in Chennai

    Follow these tips to have a joyous experience shopping for various items anywhere in this city:

    1. Stay Cash ready: While most places accept cards, street vendors often prefer cash.

    2. Stay Patient: Popular spots can be crowded, so plan accordingly.

    3. Stay Local: This means to stay local to have a delightful experience. Use local conveyance and try local food for the best-budgeted shopping spree in Chennai.

    4. Go online: To add to your final delight and ease, most of the aforementioned famous outlets/brands are available for online shopping and home delivery. But, just remember this way you might miss out on some good variety and discounts that are available only on window shopping or specific locations.

    Conclusion

    Chennai unquestionably has numerous options to satisfy your shopping cravings at the best possible prices. Whether it is a shopping street market or a luxurious mall, Chennai offers a shopping experience that screams just wow. So, whatever you might be searching for, good bargains or indulging in high-end brands, the above shopping places in Chennai cater to everyone.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is the famous market in Chennai for shopping?

    Street markets like T. Nagar, George Town, and Godown Street are famous markets in Chennai for normal shopping. For premium and luxury purchases, there are ‘n’ number of malls to shop from.

    2. What is famous to buy in Chennai?

    The most famous stuff to buy in Chennai would be silk sarees, local handicrafts, and authentic traditional wear. Apart from this, you can also buy real coffee and spices in Chennai.

    3. Is Chennai good for shopping?

    Yes, Chennai is good for shopping depending on what you want to purchase.

    4. Where can I find cheap shopping places in Chennai?

    Sowcarpet, Godown Street, and Ranganathan Street in T. Nagar are the three cheap shopping places in Chennai for the best affordable deals.

    5. Are malls in Chennai good for shopping?

    Yes! Chennai is one of the most high-end metropolitan cities of India with several malls. Malls like Phoenix Marketcity and Express Avenue offer a premium shopping experience with OG brands and entertainment.

    6. What is the best time to visit shopping places in Chennai?

    Weekdays are less crowded like most shopping places. Morning’s first shift is ideal for exploring markets. And for great discounts or deals go marketing during festive seasons like Pongal and Diwali.

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