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 But there is another kind of loyal customers for whom there is no other shopping arcade in existence in the entire city of Chennai excepting the Spencer Plaza. That is a redeeming factor. 'The best shopping arcade in the city,' feels Mrs.
Sharathkumar. 'It's true that the prices are a little high. But the quality offered makes for that. I come here for purchasing the family's garments as well as food articles. My children love a visit to the Plaza. I spend almost half of my salary, shopping here,' she says.
 S.
Santhanam, a retired Bank official and his wife feel that shopping in Spencer Plaza is a memorable experience and a good pastime. 'Leather items are cheap here. The shops are well-maintained and you have clean toilets too…' Mrs. Santhanam is all praise for the arcade.
 Saravanan, an advocate, has a different story. He walks in with his two-year-old daughter,
Sivakami, just to show her around. 'Buying anything here is nothing short of a dream for the middleclass,' he says. 'The arcade is tastefully decorated and has a number of items on display. You feel satisfied when you take a stroll around the corridors and spend the evening here. I come here regularly with my kid. The only thing I purchase everyday is a packet of popcorn!' he laughs.
 College students and youth of that age while away their time, sitting or standing round the corners or in some of the shops. They come there regularly to have a glimpse of the
'colourful world' of blessed damozels, those who trod the earth sans wings in jeans and
chudidhars. 'Sometimes we do go to the Food World, to get original (!) stuff,' they say.
Spencer Plaza is a favourite spot for those who are afflicted by Cupid's arrows. They have plenty of space to stand or sit and while away the time, finding solitude in the crowd. Almost 75 to 80% of the crowd in Spencer Plaza belongs to this category.
 "Though it is considered to be a Supermarket of International standards, it wears the look of a worn out local market, for want of proper maintenance,' feels Abdul Nasser, General Manager of NasserMark Consultancy. "The commercial departments are not properly
organised. The professional attitude in approaching the needs of a customer is seriously lacking.'
 'If the administration takes serious steps to improve the quality of service and the products offered, the Spencer Plaza would doubtless match international standards. If that can be ensured, people would come forward to buy from here, even if the price is a little higher than the other places,' he feels and cites the success of Food World as an example. 'If that is not done,' Nasser warns, 'Spencer Plaza would continue to be a beautiful damsel. But a damsel who is afflicted with all kinds of diseases.'
 There are quite a few diseases from which this prestigious landmark of Chennai is suffers. High rent is one of them. And that leads to high pricing, which is the reason behind the low turnover though the customer is enticed into the arcade, more than any other shopping arcade in the city.
Saravanan
Tr. by Hari Krishnan
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