China General Store

Down in the Sabji Mandi area of Balkeshwar in Agra, you'll find us. China General Store has been a part of this market for a long time. It’s a very active place, especially in the mornings when the vegetable sellers are out. Outside our door, there is always a lot of noise and activity. All sorts of general items that people need for their daily lives are sold here. From little things like buttons and thread to bigger kitchen supplies, we try to keep it all. Because the shop is a bit narrow, we have to stack things high. You’ll see me or my son reaching up for items all day long. Many years of wear show on the old cement floor. Becoming a giant chain isn't something we want. We just like being the place where neighbors stop by to grab a packet of biscuits or some tea leaves. Dust from the Agra air gets on everything, so we are always cleaning the jars on the counter. It’s just part of the job. Names of most local families are familiar to us. Working in the mandi and seeing the same faces every day is a simple way to live. Rules aren't really a thing here; we just try to be helpful and keep the shelves full. Standing and moving boxes is what the job is, and we are used to it by now.