So we bring a series on a recce of textile, apparel and accessory centres in Delhi.
Apparel, garments and textile are the vocabulary of every city.
However, in Delhi these markets be it for fabric, apparel, garments or accessories have been redefined to become sourcing hubs. What has contributed to the development of these markets is the presence of a huge export houses in the area. In the 70s garment export was huge earner and several factories came up in Okhla Industrial Area, Mayapuri, these then relocated to Gurgaon and Noida. Today, they cater to the domestic market as well. To cater to the growing manufacturers the raw material and accessory manufacturers set up store. Also markets came up for disposing off stock lots left over from manufacturing be it garment or fabrics.
One of the markets which has grown in importance in recent times is Govindpuri. Actually a slum, it became affordable factory or manufacturing space for small time accessory dealers and manufacturers since it was close to Okhla. Okhla became the hub for exporters. At the same time, small time fabricators also set up shop here. Govindpuri today houses many well known accessory manufacturers, wholesalers and dealers. Be it threads, buttons, zips, laces there are rows upon rows of shops selling stuff. The place is a typical crowded mayhem of shops, shoppers and narrow alleys. There are gallis or by lanes dedicated to each product. Apart from wholesale rates for bulk buys, the latest in fashion requirement is available here. So buttons follow international dictates apart from the desi avtaars, threads a variety and hue of range is available as also laces, zips, tags, labels, washing instructions. It is an ideal place for bulk buyers. A couple of foreign designers who are working on upscale or recycling products source their entire requirement of threads from these by lanes. The range of threads is mind boggling, be it cotton, organic, polyester, silk, mix of polyester and silk. Even with colours it offers plenty of choices. Govindpuri is the preferred destination for garment manufacturers and designers given the wide variety of offerings.
The market is not well defined. The area closer to the Metro opposite the fruit market houses the machinery people who sell sewing machines both branded and assembled. Cutting tables, cutting equipment, and the like.. The markets housed into lanes or galis. The Galis then have packing bags in wholesale, zippers, magnetic clasps for clutches, accessories lace, wooden beads, buttons. There is a wholesale shop selling threads from Coats India (Anchor), Vardhman threads,
Timings – 10.30 am am to 7 pm or so. The market is closed on Tuesdays. However since several of these garment establishments cater to exporters or commercial establishments who are closed on Sundays. They are likely to be shut on Sundays.
Where - Govindpuri.. Easily accessible from the Govindpuri Metro Station. The Violet line has a stop there. The market is a short ride in an auto or a good 15 minute walk.
Highlights – One can get a variety of wooden beads for conversion into accessories. One can also get cowrie shells in bulk. There are hundreds of small factories who do everything from tailoring, finishing, dyeing… several do hand embroidery especially zardozi. Zari embroidery is well known here especially in the Tughlakabad area. Tughlakabad and Sangam Vihar have a lot of craftsmen and craftswomen. Most work on a piecework system but will want a decent size order. They will not care for single or a few pieces.
Insider Tip – Despite the wholesale tag, shops will sell small pieces even one or two at wholesale prices. For bulk one will have to negotiate. If you are a regular visitor, the shopkeepers acknowledge that and will give you good quality and prices. I have gone there on a random basis and have picked up things for my textile experiments and 1/10th the prices as quoted in Lajpat Nagar or other local markets. One needs to explore, assimilate and then the process of buying becomes simpler. One can also get good craftsmen or workers for embroidery, beading, making bags. Several stringers or job seekers come to the shops enquiring for work. A tie up may lead to a good worker.
I have written on certain textile markets in Delhi, which can be read here…
3. Gandhi Nagar
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