Sunshine Stores is a unique place to go shopping in Kolkata because it is a one-stop destination for bohemian clothes, silver junk jewelry, artefacts, diaries, hemp bags, and more. Located on a road adjacent to one of Kolkata’s busiest shopping places, New Market, this tiny place often goes unnoticed. You are likely to find more foreign customers here than locals, as many come to avail of currency exchange services.
I first came to Sunshine Store before my first international trip to Bali in 2019. My theatre friends introduced this place to me after I expressed interest in the baggy pants they wore to rehearsals. Known as Alibaba Pants, these stretchy apparels are ideal for intense workout sessions that let you breathe. The comfort of these pants was the first reason we came here, but we kept coming back for vibrant prints and low prices.
Things to buy from Sunshine Stores
Sunshine Stores is run by two brothers, Akash Shaw and Sanjay Shaw. They handle diverse products that are acquired, sold and exported across multiple states in India. Let us find out all things you’d find interesting when you visit this shop:
1. Hippie clothes
The foremost reason why you would want to come to Sunshine Stores is the clothes that they sell. Hippie or bohemian clothes have vibrant prints across wacky designs that set travelers apart from tourists. There is something about the vibe of these prints that makes you feel alive.
The most interesting part is that there is something for everyone who visits this place. From dresses to sarongs, from skirts to t-shirts, there are types of clothes for all shapes, sizes, and ages.
Interestingly, Pushkar is another place where I found similar kinds of apparels. The holy town is frequented by European travelers who love wearing these kinds of clothes.
2. Hemp bags
While I haven’t yet been to Manali or Kasol, I did find out that Hemp bags are sold there. Well, if you don’t plan to go to these places anytime soon, this store has all you can ask!
3. Kama Sutra cards
I once saw an Instagram reel that suggested handicraft shops in Jaisalmer had Kama Sutra cards. These cards are similar to a regular 52-pack that lets you play Rummy, Fish, and all other games. Moreover, you can also educate yourself about the sculptures of Khajuraho.
Yes! The cards have photos of erotic sexual positions in each of them. It is definitely a fun thing to buy for the newly married. If you are on a honeymoon in Kolkata, this is a product to carry with you.
I got a pack of Rajasthan cards for myself. It has different places imprinted on all of them. They represent different places of Rajasthan, their culture, Kings, and much more.
4. Souvenirs
You can buy souvenirs from Kolkata at Sunshine Stores and take back home. These include fridge magnets that represent the city, alongside showpieces, handmade leather-bound diaries, and more.
5. Shoes
The last time I visited this shop was when they had just introduced shoes to their collection, so there wasn’t much to see. I guess there is more to this now. You’d find ethnic shoes that perfectly blend with Indian wear, so lookout for those too.
6. Accessories
The accessory collection blows my mind every time I visit because these are the products I want to buy in bulk! I love silver and oxidized accessories: everything from small press-on nose rings to fancy finger rings.
From bangles to earrings, chains to studs, there are plenty of accessory options to buy. Just make sure you differentiate between silver and oxidized ones. However, don’t be worried about being fooled. The guys do a fair job and tell you correct prices as per the standard market rate.
7. Handicraft items
There are a lot of home décor items you can buy from here, especially if your choices are rustic and antique. It exhibits the art of Kolkata and beyond by including statues of Gods and Goddesses, good luck charms, and regular pieces that can amplify your home or office environment.
8. Other things at the Kolkata handicraft shop
Imagine finding a handicraft shop that sell products like what you get in Little Goa. Yep! You guessed it right. From sheesha bases and pipes to all things that go green, you get this kinda stuff here too!
You also get special tea packets from different parts like Assam and Darjeeling sold here. Finally, you also get diaries, pictures of deities, and much more.
These are some more reasons why you should include this particular shop on your list when looking for handicraft shops in Kolkata.
Exchange currency at a handicraft shop near me
While going to Bali, we exchanged Indian Rupees to Dollars from the Sunshine Stores. They offer this service alike a lot of other shops that provide currency exchange services at Sudder Street.
When traveling internationally, it is always better to keep Dollars at hand as it is easily exchangeable and acceptable in transit. We exchanged Dollars to Indonesian Rupiah after reaching Bali.
How to navigate to this handicraft shop near me?
7, Sudder Street is the exact address of Sunshine Stores. If you are unsure how to locate it, you can access Raj’s Spanish Café and come over.
The store is right beside this exotic cuisine-based restaurant that welcomes locals and foreigners alike.
If you’re already shopping around the New Market area, this location parallels Hogg’s Market. No, you are not to move towards Shree Ram Arcade, but the road towards Park Street instead!
Simply walk by the Pav Bhaji stalls and clothes shops, and navigate your way with the help of Google Maps.
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