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Author: Sandhya Nair
Publication: The Times of India
Date: June 3, 2007
Introduction: Black Is Back In The Umbrella Market And So Is The Made-In-India Tag. TOI Checks Out What Is On Offer This Monsoon
The city seems to have got over its affair with Chinese-made umbrellas and monsoon 2007 will see the made-in-India tag re-establishing its hold on the local market, say market insiders.
With the monsoon in sight and premonsoon showers having already drenched the city, Mumbaikars are now stocking up on umbrellas; and sales so far indicate that buyers are refusing to fall for the made-in-China tag any more. Sellers say most buyers' experience with the imported umbrellas from China has not been good and they are now going back to the Indian variety for their greater longevity.
Buyers whom TOI spoke to agreed. "The Chinese umbrellas do not last the long monsoon in Mumbai. I had got one two years ago but it had to be replaced by an umbrella of local make within three weeks,'' Kanishka Shah, who was buying the family stock for the monsoon from Crawford Market, said.
Sellers and manufacturers have noticed another trend this year; black, which used to rule the market some years back, is making a strong comeback in the market. One of the most expensive umbrellas available in the market is black; the "diamond''-stuffed black umbrella is priced at Rs 1,100.
The old-time sturdy-looking wooden-handle umbrellas are also hot this season. Those in the market say fashionable yet sturdy umbrellas are being snapped up more and more.
But, if all this gives you the impression that the market is going all retro, you would be wrong. There are several innovations available this year, aver sellers and makers.
To start with, you have the antiwind umbrella. These umbrellas have been tested against the wind on Marine Drive. "They are ideal for those who move around a lot in the rain,'' Ebrahim Currim & Sons partner Aziz Currim said, claiming that he had personally tested them on the sea-front last monsoon. These umbrellas have specially designed wires that prevent the umbrellas from turning upside down. Then there is the "stree shakti umbrella'', which has a picture of women's hands coming together; shopkeepers say they have been "inspired'' by the Marive Drive case in which then police constable Sunil More raped a college-goer.
You also have embroidered umbrellas. "I never thought embroidery could be done on umbrellas. I would love to carry this during the rains,'' Mona Shukla, who could not get her eyes off the range of umbrellas at Crawford Market, said.
But you have several varieties that are far easier on your pocket. The satin umbrellas in bright monochromes (like orange, blue and pink) come at Rs 125 each. The minimum cost for an umbrella for men is Rs 75 and the lowest-priced one for women comes at Rs 85 only. But, wait, the umbrella story is not over yet. You actually have umbrellas that you cannot use during the rain; they are called "summer umbrellas'', have frills and the material used is cotton. And, if you cannot wait for the rains, then there is something for you as well: the "pray for rain'' umbrella. These umbrellas actually have pictures of girls praying for rain.
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