Southend - Raymond Store

This happens to belong to an acquaintance's nephew. So will I go overboard? Only time will tell, I guess. I still am, however, suitably awed and preconditioned by the group's impressive turnover figures, its numero uno status among textile groups, and the recent pictures of Vijaypat Singhania's awesome private jet, as I step into the tasteful marble-decored, air-conditioned and well-lit showroom. A total of 5,000 sq. ft. of exclusive Raymond's suiting & shirtings and trouser material.

The suitings here range from as low as Rs. 183 per meter and go up to a whopping Rs. 25,000 per meter. Translating into 5 grams of gold per meter, and reminding you a little of Rumpelstiltskin. The owner informs me that they stock suits, blazers, trousers, shirts, ties, cuff-links, handkerchiefs and toiletries - with colognes ranging from Rs. 55 to Rs. 1,000 - besides suitings & shirtings.

Also showcased is an impressive range of Raymond-owned brand names like Parx, Park Avenue and Color Plus - the latter being recently acquired, making Raymond the number one company in textiles. Taking in the lovely ramp that goes up to the first floor, I hear that they have a sales & counter staff of 40, and that the prices are fixed at the MRP. Going once again over the impressive & tasteful display, I also learn that you can get a suit stitched here within 24 hours, a claim advertised immodestly.

Now, Rs. 25,000 per meter really should entitle you to a spin in the CMD's snazzy camouflaged executive jet, no?