Kozhikode: It was with much hype Kozhikode Corporation Kudumbashree CDS opened the Mahila mall at Kozhikode. But now the mall that houses only women entrepreneurs is on the verge of closure as Kudumbashree failed to attract people to the centre.
The 35,000-sqft mall has 68 shops on three floors, few of them of Kudumbashree itself. The Unity group of Kudumbashree is running the venture located near Christian College on the Wayanad road.
People are of the perception that it has only the products including small groceries developed by the Kkudumbahsree. But once you enter it, you will find the diverse collection of products ranging from the beauty parlour, women's bank, fancy stores, textiles and readymades, boutiques, footwear and dry cleaning, like any other malls in the city.Many of the shops are about to close down as not even a single customer they get in a day. It was only Rs 200 one of the food courts here got as their one-day business, in which 30 per cent goes to Kudumbashree as per the agreement.
The Kudumbashree Micro Bazaar, which is a permanent outlet for Kudumbashree products, are also facing a similar situation.
We have been suggesting several creative marketing strategies, but there's no response. The only event that happened here was a New Year celebration, but since it was outside, everyone who came there returned after enjoying the party without even entering the mall. It was 15 days of New Year fest scheduled here, but since the response was not encouraging, the fest lasted for just two days.
It was with much excitement, every women entrepreneur here booked a space for them, but due to lack of exposure and marketing strategies, all are in a dire situation.
From February 6 they are planning a flower show here to attract people.
