Delhiites have a natural passion for shopping. There are shopping malls, shopping complexes and markets in almost all areas of Delhi and NCR. Shopping malls and retail businesses have suffered lately but sales are now starting to pick up.

Grocery and Food Items

There are supermarkets and central stores to purchase grocery and home utility items. Food Bazaar is one such supermarket. Fresh dairy products can be purchased from the state-owned 'Mother Dairy'. It has outlets in all residential areas. For daily needs, one can buy groceries, fruit and vegetables from markets in residential areas. Almost all seasonal fruits and vegetables are available fresh in Delhi. Fruit costs an average of INR 30 to 50 per kg and vegetables range from INR 10 to 30 per kg. A loaf of bread costs about INR 10 to 20 and eggs cost INR 25 to 30 per dozen. A monthly food budget of INR 5000 is sufficient for a family of four.

Furniture and Furnishings

Imported and local furniture is available in Delhi. One can also buy modular furniture to fit in their apartments. A decent double bed costs about INR 12000 to INR 20000 and a 6-seater dining table is worth INR 10000 to INR 20000. A good 7-seater sofa can be purchased for INR 25000-30000. Imported furniture showrooms are abundant in Mehrauli (South Delhi) near the historic Qutab Minar. Other showrooms can be found in Noida sector 18 market, Panchkuian road (near Connaught Place) and Kirti Nagar (West Delhi). Home linen and furnishings can be bought from shopping malls or home furnishing retail outlets. Curtains can be bought as fabric or readymade.

Clothes

Delhi experiences extreme weather in both winter and summer and Delhiites are quick to catch up with the latest trends in fashion as the seasons change. Branded clothes are as famous as local dress. World-famous fashion designers add their flavour every season. Best outlets include West Side, Ebony, Vishal Mega Mart, Ritu Wears and many more.

Commonly available brands include Van Heusen, Peter England, Louis Philip, Excalibur, Nike, Reebok and Raymond's. Both fabric and readymade garments are available. Most of the stores have tailors and drapers. A decent formal shirt costs around INR 700 - 1000. A business suit can be purchased for INR 5000 - 8000.

Expats dress up in formal western outfits at workplaces. At religious and ritual ceremonies, Delhi ladies dress up in Sarees and jewellery. Gold, platinum and diamonds are preferred whereas gents dress up in suits, sherwani or kurta pyjama.

For ethnic wear, Chandni Chowk market in Old Delhi is the best place. Pashminas are widely available and are cheaper than in western countries.

For official and daily wear, the best markets are in South Extension I & II, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Kamla Market and Khan Market. Expats have a preference for clothes at Janpath and Sarojini Nagar Markets. Leather jackets can also be purchased from these markets or at various emporiums. Branded and local footwear are also available. Gents prefer official shoes (leather), sports shoes and sandals, while ladies prefer shoes, sandals and designer slippers. A good pair can be bought for INR 500 to INR 2000.

Books and Stationery

The majority of bookstalls carry leading titles and other books from all over the world. The good ones are in Connaught Place and Khan Market. Technical books can be purchased from BPB and Galgotia Bookstores, whereas textbooks can be purchased from Kamla Nagar market (North Delhi). Bookworm and Galgotia have world-renowned titles. Central News Agency (Connaught Place) is the best place to visit for journals and magazines.

Books can be purchased in original or their counterpart low-priced editions. Stationery can also be bought from these markets.