With most international labels having made their way to Indian shores over the past few years, we no longer have to depend on rummaging through piles of export surplus clothing to find some of our favourite labels. They may not be as inexpensive as they once were, but the export surplus stores around Bandra and Khar remain our favourite haunts to amass a wardrobe that’s on-trend, without sacrificing a small fortune in the process. While you may not be able to bargain as much as you might with the street vendors on Hill Road and Linking Road, you can still put your negotiating skills to the test here and come away with a steal.
Mesh
This one’s a good spot to stock up on a few blouses, skirts and dresses for parties and special occasions – make sure you go through each rack carefully so you don’t miss out on a potential bargain. You’ll occasionally find pieces of casual wear in the season’s latest trends and the odd accessory like a bag or pair of sunglasses. We also love their collection of jewellery which usually comprises a few statement rings, necklaces and bracelets.
PS.: A lot of the clothing comes from countries like Thailand, so larger sizes may be a little difficult to get a hold of.
Cost: Rs 500 onwards
Where: 16th Road, Opposite Bombay Salad Co, Khar (West)
Cherry Fig
This one is our favourite. It caters to everyone from the college student on a budget to Bandra yuppies, who can’t resist a good bargain. Go here for both casual and semi-formal blouses, tops and shirts that are on-trend and will last you more than one season. They usually have a small collection of jumpsuits, maxi dresses, skirts, shorts and trousers. We love that they stock pieces in multiple sizes that range from XS to XL, which increases the odds of coming away with a few good finds.
Cost: Rs 400 onwards (prices are likely to come down if you buy in bulk)
Where: Dr BR Ambedkar Road, Pali Village, Next to Mad O Wot Salon, Bandra (West)
Hues
Stacked almost from floor to ceiling, this tiny store demands that you visit when you have enough time to browse leisurely. Pick up blouses and t-shirts for every day wear here – the shelves are usually arranged according to size, so locate the correct one before diving in. You’ll also find a good collection of day dresses sandwiched against partywear (it’s usually garish, so give it a miss). If you’re lucky, you might find a good pair of shorts (our favourite find remains a pair from Banana Republic that’s still going strong) as well as jackets and waistcoats. They also stock a few handbags at the entrance for a fraction of the price of high-street stores. If luck doesn’t favour you here, head on to their second outlet – Hues II – nearby.
Cost: Rs 400 onwards
Where: Shop No 9, Corner View, 15th and 33rd Road Junction, KFC Lane, Linking Road, Bandra (West)
H2O
This one’s more expensive than the rest, but remains a good option to stock up on clothing – casual, formal and partywear – and accessories from higher end brands like French Connection and Guess at a lower price. They’ve got womenswear, menswear as well as a small section for kids.
Cost: Rs 1,000 onwards
Where: Dheeraj Sneh, A Wing, 30th Road, Bandra (West)
Fendi
There are two separate stores across the road from each other – one with women’s clothing and the other devoted to menswear. At the women’s outlet, you’ll find fast fashion pieces with blouses, dresses and a few skirts on offer. The staff is generally helpful and is quick to inform you whether or not an item is available in your size, ensuring you don’t end up wasting too much time combing through each shelf. Their dedicated menswear store comes recommended for good quality t-shirts, shirts, jeans, trousers and chinos for smart, every day outfits.
Cost: Rs 350 onwards
Where: Shop No 5, Natasha Shopping Centre, 52, Hill Road, Bandra (West)
Clothes Rack
This one’s a good spot to pick up basic shirts, t-shirts and jeans for both, men and women. They are usually well-stocked and cater to sizes that go up to XL (and occasionally XXL), and have multiple outlets in Andheri and Vile Parle.
Cost: Rs 500 onwards
Where: Pooja Apartment, 17th Road, Khar (West)
With most international labels having made their way to Indian shores over the past few years, we no longer have to depend on rummaging through piles of export surplus clothing to find some of our favourite labels. They may not be as inexpensive as they once were, but the export surplus stores around Bandra and Khar remain our favourite haunts to amass a wardrobe that’s on-trend, without sacrificing a small fortune in the process. While you may not be able to bargain as much as you might with the street vendors on Hill Road and Linking Road, you can still put your negotiating skills to the test here and come away with a steal.
Mesh
This one’s a good spot to stock up on a few blouses, skirts and dresses for parties and special occasions – make sure you go through each rack carefully so you don’t miss out on a potential bargain. You’ll occasionally find pieces of casual wear in the season’s latest trends and the odd accessory like a bag or pair of sunglasses. We also love their collection of jewellery which usually comprises a few statement rings, necklaces and bracelets.
PS.: A lot of the clothing comes from countries like Thailand, so larger sizes may be a little difficult to get a hold of.
Cost: Rs 500 onwards
Where: 16th Road, Opposite Bombay Salad Co, Khar (West)
Cherry Fig
This one is our favourite. It caters to everyone from the college student on a budget to Bandra yuppies, who can’t resist a good bargain. Go here for both casual and semi-formal blouses, tops and shirts that are on-trend and will last you more than one season. They usually have a small collection of jumpsuits, maxi dresses, skirts, shorts and trousers. We love that they stock pieces in multiple sizes that range from XS to XL, which increases the odds of coming away with a few good finds.
Cost: Rs 400 onwards (prices are likely to come down if you buy in bulk)
Where: Dr BR Ambedkar Road, Pali Village, Next to Mad O Wot Salon, Bandra (West)
Hues
Stacked almost from floor to ceiling, this tiny store demands that you visit when you have enough time to browse leisurely. Pick up blouses and t-shirts for every day wear here – the shelves are usually arranged according to size, so locate the correct one before diving in. You’ll also find a good collection of day dresses sandwiched against partywear (it’s usually garish, so give it a miss). If you’re lucky, you might find a good pair of shorts (our favourite find remains a pair from Banana Republic that’s still going strong) as well as jackets and waistcoats. They also stock a few handbags at the entrance for a fraction of the price of high-street stores. If luck doesn’t favour you here, head on to their second outlet – Hues II – nearby.
Cost: Rs 400 onwards
Where: Shop No 9, Corner View, 15th and 33rd Road Junction, KFC Lane, Linking Road, Bandra (West)
H2O
This one’s more expensive than the rest, but remains a good option to stock up on clothing – casual, formal and partywear – and accessories from higher end brands like French Connection and Guess at a lower price. They’ve got womenswear, menswear as well as a small section for kids.
Cost: Rs 1,000 onwards
Where: Dheeraj Sneh, A Wing, 30th Road, Bandra (West)
Fendi
There are two separate stores across the road from each other – one with women’s clothing and the other devoted to menswear. At the women’s outlet, you’ll find fast fashion pieces with blouses, dresses and a few skirts on offer. The staff is generally helpful and is quick to inform you whether or not an item is available in your size, ensuring you don’t end up wasting too much time combing through each shelf. Their dedicated menswear store comes recommended for good quality t-shirts, shirts, jeans, trousers and chinos for smart, every day outfits.
Cost: Rs 350 onwards
Where: Shop No 5, Natasha Shopping Centre, 52, Hill Road, Bandra (West)
Clothes Rack
This one’s a good spot to pick up basic shirts, t-shirts and jeans for both, men and women. They are usually well-stocked and cater to sizes that go up to XL (and occasionally XXL), and have multiple outlets in Andheri and Vile Parle.
Cost: Rs 500 onwards
Where: Pooja Apartment, 17th Road, Khar (West)