News from "Smart Shoppers Expo 2007"
Students taking a look at the aquarium at the Smart Shopping Expo at the Codissia Trade Fair complex in Coimbatore on Saturday.For the next two days, the Codissia Trade Fair complex is going to be the most exciting destination for the children in Coimbatore. The Smart Shoppers Expo 2007, organised by Dinamalar that began here on September 7, already has children thronging it.Life-size cartoon figures welcome them to the fair patting their heads shaking hands.A large aquarium is the next big surprise. With about 135 varieties of fishes, it creates an opportunity for children to learn about fishes and take care of an aquarium. The fishes are also for sale. One can buy a pair of peace-loving carps for Rs.20 or even go for an Arowana for Rs.20,000. The deadly piranhas, the dreamy gouramis and the attractive sea angels are a complete visual treat.Each independent aquarium gives a small description of the fish – its habits, lifespan and its scientific name.
A separate section for kids, the ‘Kids Zone’ has several games and activities for them.A large maze is the greatest attraction.Those who find their way out in three minutes will win attractive prizes. Tattoos and portraits are some other surprises for the children.However, the fair is also a hit among the adults. More than 200 stalls have some of the best consumer goods, electrical appliances, furniture, clothes, food products, arts and craft, all included.The stalls are varied in that some are from Singapore, Thailand and Kenya.
Stalls selling handicrafts from Assam, authentic Rajasthani pickles and pashmina from Kashmir add value to the shopping experience.The fair has almost everything one can conceive of under its roof – jewellery, linen, automobile accessories, cosmetics, perfumes, bags, kitchen appliances, ready-to-eat food products, plastic cookware, water heaters, wedding cards, refrigerators, television, washing machines and microwave ovens, to name just a few.It also includes a women’s zone which has counselling on fashion, health and cookery for women.The organisers expect at least one lakh visitors to the fair. There is something for the foodies too.The biriyani, dosai, halwa and mocktail melas are sure to add flavour to the festive spirit.The fair is on till September 10.
