No more mascots dressed as cartoon characters, no more sights of children flocking for photographs – a large crowd gathered at Bengaluru’s MG Road for one last glimpse of Big Kids Kemp on 11 November, as one of the city’s best loved clothing shops pulled down its shutters for a final time.
Anyone who grew up in Bengaluru will recognise the soccer field-sized store as the go-to shopping destination for apparel and toys since 1990. The superstore used to be packed with people, particularly over the weekends.
“I got here specifically to click a picture of this place. I’ve spent so many of my weekends here when I was a kid. I am definitely going to miss it,” says Devashish Bahl, a professional photographer.
Vashi J Melwani, the founder and president of the store, told The News Minute that calling it quits was not an overnight decision. “Last month, I gave all my employees notice. But just like when I had doubts about opening the store, I did not know if I was doing the right thing. I know I am attached to Kids Kemp, but I decided to get practical and travel,” he said.
The mascots at the entrance of Big Kids Kemp managed to strike a chord with children. Sneha, a Chartered Accountant in Bengaluru, says she has fond memories of the store. “Whenever my parents used to drive along this road, I would force them to stop so that I could wave at the mascots. I felt as if the cartoons on TV had popped out of the screen,” she says.
One Last Look
Big Kids Kemp wore a desolate look on its final day. The shutters were pulled down. The parking lot remained vacant except for the scrap that lay in its dilapidated corners. A huge banner was affixed at the entrance of the store announcing that the 16,000-sq. ft store was available for rent.
Here is a last look at the store on its last day
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