9 hidden stores you need to shop at for your home

We’ve scouted the market to list some of the best retail therapy experiences across the country

There are hidden gems in every city and state. Tucked away little eateries that are super cool, fresh and free of hype. Indie bookshops that give you the space and time to select your tomes. A fabulous hairstylist who refuses to move from her home into a more hip salon. At The Established, we are beginning a series on the secret shops and outlets we've known about since years or stumbled upon only recently. We start off with rounding up the best in lifestyle shopping that we have found.

Ranji Goa:

If you live in Goa, you might have heard about Ranji Kelekar and his treasure den. Stocked with vintage ceramics, opulent chandeliers, furniture, vintage borders, knick-knacks you never thought you’d ever need, Kelekar’s Moira store is patronised by the folks who design your homes. That should be enough indication of his credentials. “I have picked up vintage silver curios for my mother-in-law that she absolutely loves,” says New Delhi-based designer Mitali Puri. For Jodi’s (@thejodilife) home series, Kelekar said, “This space is an extension of my home, and to experience the feeling of walking through a home and picking up what’s around and what you see seemed exciting.”

Follow: @ranjigoa

Expect to be surprised at every turn.

The Hesperus Store:

In Greek mythology, Hesperus refers to the planet Venus that we spot in the evening. One of Mumbai’s best kept secrets, The Hesperus Store is run by a discreet family that understands the value of antiquities, and stock nautical knick-knacks such as ship lights, sextants, compasses and portholes. Pune-based designer Kriti Narang says, “I identified a gorgeous ship bell once for a client who insisted on having one in his home.” Their range of goods is staggering and their three-storey warehouse is packed to the gills with vintage phones, lamps, clocks, telescopes and nautical paintings which will definitely catch your keen eye. For more than two decades, the store has been patronised by interior design firms, boutiques and private collectors with a keen eye for quality.

Follow: @thehesperusstore

Schedule a couple of hours at least to browse through and don’t expect to leave empty-handed.

L'atelier de Ranjit Ahuja:

The next time you need to stock up on your home linen, head to this tucked away store in Mumbai’s otherwise bustling Colaba neighbourhood. Here, you will discover exquisitely executed table runners, napkins, place mats and cushion covers embellished with traditional hand-embroideries and contemporary flourishes. The fabrics used are all linen in muted pastels and varying shades of white. Patronised by the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Elizabeth Hurley, Ranjit Ahuja’s store also undertakes custom orders. “My mother ordered copious amounts of linen for my trousseau from here and it’s lasted me for years,” says Meeta Jhaveri.

Follow: @ranjitahuja

It’s all made to order except perhaps for their fabulous clearance sales.

Ten94:

Five women, also avid design enthusiasts, have opened a lifestyle store in Mumbai’s most popular getaway, Alibaug. Opened about a year ago, Ten94 was born post the strict lockdowns we experienced in the last two years. The store, a refurbished warehouse, is a ten-minute drive from the Mandwa Jetty, and is tucked away in the midst of palm trees and plush homes. You will find home accessories, furniture, glassware and tons of quirky artefacts. They also host food pop-ups at their cafe. While shopping for a home, you can also stock for your pets too! “There’s a ton of fun stuff you can buy here, while enjoying a good coffee,” says Alibaug regular Meher Tata.

Follow: @ten94.alibaug

Casual, contemporary selection of goods perfect for your first and second homes.

Jaipur Modern:

Opened in 2014, this store is not exactly hidden or unknown but it’s an oasis in the chaotic, utterly delightful experience that is Jaipur. Best known for its traditional crafts, Jaipur now has several new homegrown design and hospitality spaces that are giving the city a contemporary fillip. Jaipur Modern, which probably gets its name from the property it’s housed in, marries traditional craftsmanship with modern influences. They also host fashion and food pop-ups so prepare to find shibori fabrics, new design labels and Indian weaves all jostling for your attention. Nilima Bali, a Jaipur resident says, “It’s a relief to find such a sweet spot like in my city. I love taking my younger visitors here for a chakkar to shop and eat at.”

Follow: @jaipurMODERN

A celebration of Indian craft and modern interpretation.

Sanatkada:

A cultural and creative non-profit run this crafts store in Lucknow. Sanatkada Weaves and Crafts is also associated with Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow, a festival of dance, drama, literature, history and art. The store stocks books related to Lucknowi cuisine, fabrics, jewellery, home knick-knacks, stationery–the list goes on. The name Sanatkada has its origins in Urdu and translates into ‘House of Art’. It is and the store is a safe space for diverse backgrounds and identities, often hosting addas and events. Run by a group of dynamic young women from local marginalised communities, you will be patronising the artisan directly when you buy from them. “It’s run by a feisty team who do a great job,” says Shirin Nazi who lives and works in Lucknow.

Follow: @sanatkada

More skewed towards apparel but there’s enough to shop for the home too.

Pagal Record Store, New Delhi:

For the vinyl-obsessed amongst us, Pagal Records is an indie record store that stocks hundreds of new and secondhand vinyls. Expect to find a wide range of music here: funk, punk, classic, techno, reggae, Indian classic, Bollywood, jazz and blues. Their Instagram timeline is a place of joy, mostly composed of portraits–happy faces photographed with their treasured picks. The store also stocks posters, vintage gadgets, audio cassettes (to show the Gen-Zers, you know), record players, books, posters, graphic novels and memorabilia, all related to the world of music. “It’s probably one of Hauz Khas’s best-kept secrets,” says music fiend Vir Khattar, a frequent shopper there.

Follow: @pagalrecords

Expect the unexpected and you will come away a happy shopper.

H P Singh, New Delhi:

Lace, knits, high shine satin, embroidered fabrics, linens in every hue and shade, shibori in different textures and materials, chikankari in all shades. At H P Singh, there are just reams and reams of cloth that can be used in different ways, and not just for your wardrobe. The Nehru Place store is a 40-year-old institution in the capital city and they call themselves India’s largest textile store. “I stumbled upon them years ago, when I was trying to source brocade for a client,” says Sandeep Agarwal who runs a home decor business.

Follow: @hpsinghfabrics

Be clear with your shopping agenda here, else you will just max out the credit card.

Serendipity:

Run by designer Kuldeep Kaur, this Chhatarpur “travel inspired concept store” is a sight for sore eyes. Housed in a sprawling refurbished haveli, Serendipity’s furniture, fabrics, soft furnishings and vintage curios make it a must-shop experience for your home. It’s a destination boutique where you can browse through selections of block-printed clothes, sepia photo frames, lamps, soft toys, baby clothes and more. The Established’s Creative Director, Akshita Phoolka says, “It’s a beautifully curated space, well stocked with goodies for your home.”

Follow: @serendipitydelhi

Be prepared to spend time here, especially since it can be a long drive for some.

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