First trunk show during lockdown to support small and local businesses

Soundariya Anil of Lime Soda (a platform aimed at bringing together designers, crafters) has come up with a solution for that. She will be hosting a trunk show this weekend and this is the first pop-up event to be held during the lockdown.

“There is a 50-year-old person from New Delhi who has been doing exhibitions for the past 30 years. When everyone took the digital way, he was lost in the cyberspace. He was telling me how people like him cannot survive. Also, many small business entrepreneurs were finding it hard to keep pace with others in town. After taking into consideration all this, I decided to host a trunk show on September 4 and 5,” says Soundariya.

The entrepreneur agrees that shopping at a brick-and-mortar store still brings happiness for a lot of people. “Shoppers prefer some kind of connection while shopping for garments. Moreover, since malls and other standalone stores have started opening now, I thought of doing a trunk show.” 

Unlike the usual trunk shows, where people can step in at any time, this trunk show held at Varnamala Wedding Experience Centre, T Nagar, has some rules and regulations. The entry is only by appointment and shoppers have to do it in advance. “Those who are interested can send us a WhatsApp message mentioning the details like: no. of people visiting the show and at what time. Once we collect that information, we will be having a database. Only 20 shoppers will be allowed at any time. People will be asked to maintain social distancing and should follow the regular protocols like using sanitisers and wearing masks. Even the shopkeepers and whoever is inside the premise will be asked to wear masks,” she explains. Seven small and local entrepreneurs will be showcasing their products at this 

trunk show. “We are trying to promote small businesses and asking people to support them,” says Soundariya. 

Stylist Poorthi Pravin hopes that more people welcome this idea and support local businesses. “Though this is a great move, my only concern is about the variety and the number of designers participating. I think more designers should come forward. Since the entry is by appointment, there are more advantages and is convenient as well. Unlike the usual pop-ups where it is crowded, here you will get more personal attention. Also, I feel such trunk shows give people the courage to step out of the house and do shopping again. It will be a different experience to shop after five months,” smiles Poorthi.