Reliance Digital Experience

                 For the first time,I chose to participate in Indiblogger event that requires me to be present in flesh and blood. Seriously, with the voting based contests and blogger meets that happen when I cannot make it, I started literally ignoring the Indiblogger mails. I m glad I did not miss this one.

                 So as per the conditions, I had to first choose a Reliance Digital outlet and apply for an invite. I selected the one at Growel's 101 mall which is in Kandivali East. I was promptly sent an invite to visit the store on 29th or 30th June between 11 am and 8 pm. I thought it was a convenient date and the timings were relaxed. I had to take a printout of the mail.

                 I reached the mall at 1 pm on 29th June. I had a friend for company who wanted to check out digital cameras. The store is a duplex. I went through the first floor entrance. I flashed my invite at the desk. The person manning that desk was unaware of the contest and directed me to the second floor. I again asked a staff for the store manager and I was directed to him. Up to this point I was apprehensive. What if no one knows about the contest? What a first time! As I approached the desk of the manager, a lady sitting on the couch next to it asked me , "Aap blogger hai?"  I instantly relaxed. There was somebody!
                The manager appeared on the scene and I showed him the print out. He asked us for an id proof and told us to look around the store and he would be back soon. I asked him if someone would show us around and if we can take photographs. We were told we would be guided at individual departments and the answer to the latter was negative.
                Reviewing books is one thing and writing about a store is completely different. Especially if one is
technologically handicapped not very tech-savvy. I write about the experience in a totally novice way. I m no expert at electronics goods but hey I m 90% of the crowd that enters the store.
               With an electronic store ( where I usually would be spending anywhere between 3-50 K) a lot more matters than just the goods. I would categorize them as my 5 S system.

Space:  Space here implies the ambiance, the free movement and of course the layout of the store. This is the most critical and deciding factor for the store. Will you enter it? Will you like to shop here? 

Reliance Digital store looks welcoming with its peaceful and calming appearance. A store totally in white can look boring but it is kept interesting with the arrangement of the gadgets. The music keeps you company but is hardly distracting.
Each department is spacious to allow one to be at ease and stroll the entire length of goods.
Another point about space is if the shop really gives you "space" to decide for yourself. I hate those stores where staff keeps nudging you to decide. It's probably going to be a long term investment or maybe just a temporary arrangement to buy that gadget and I need to THINK what to buy. This store gives that SPACE.

Stuff:  The range of stuff on shelf was wide. Both brand wise and cost wise. The variety was great to choose from. I made a list of things to buy on my next visit.
They also had a wide range of products. Cameras, accessories, phones, TV, laptops, refrigerators, male grooming etc etc. It was actually exhausting to check out everything. It is also a plus that you can buy lot of stuff from one store :)

Staff:  The staff, dressed in white and light blue, actually blend in with the surrounding. You never notice them but they will appear magically when you need help with something. Unlike some stores where the staff is keeping a hawk eye on  you, I found the staff pretty relaxed and cool . We checked out  digicams and my friend had lots of questions about the models which the staff was able to answer. I was helped with the grooming products I was eyeing. Two of the products have made it to my list :)

Schemes:  No matter how affluent you are, everyone likes attractive offers! The store offers some real good deals. I liked the extended warranty offers and extended service offers they had. The installment offers also looked good for grabs. The best part about the schemes was that they were displayed on the goods. I found it helpful in making an informed choice. Refrigerators, washing machines etc had different stickers. One having extending warranty price, one having payment options, one having sale offer.

Security:  Last but not the least comes the aspect of security. I was just discussing with a blog friend about how the store had no baggage counter and we had to carry our stuff around ( I had just returned from college and it was a rainy day so we had umbrellas as well) to which he said, "That's good na, you can keep everything with you." That's one way of looking at it. Not everyone is comfortable with leaving their belongings, specially a laptop, at the baggage counter. So I guess that's their point of security.
The exit door beeps if you are carrying anything from the store :P One has to produce the bill at the door in that case !
Another funny thing happened. I was looking around when a woman was checking ipods. She lifted the piece from its panel and the buzzer went off. She panicked (anyone would !) and placed it back but the buzzer kept roaring for sometime. She quickly made her way to other station, visibly embarrassed.
However, the same caution does not extend in case the customer loses something. So take care of your belongings!


I finished my walk around the store and was stunned to get an apple ipod shuffle at the end of it. I was told that the goodie bag will be sent by mail. :D
                                   

                       
It was an altogether fun experience :)
Thanks to Indiblogger and Reliance Digital.