Laxmi Variety Stores

We've been here in Naya Bazar for a long time now. People know us as the place right across from the Mirza Building. It’s a busy spot in Darjeeling. We keep all sorts of different items on the shelves. Honestly, it gets a bit crowded sometimes because we try to fit so much in. If you're walking through the bazaar, you'll see us. My father started things off and we just kept it going. We sell daily essentials, small household things, and whatever else people seem to need. Sometimes the stock changes based on what we can get that week. It isn't a fancy showroom or anything like that. Just a regular store where you can find a bit of everything. We try to keep things organized but with so many small items, it’s a constant job. The weather here in Darjeeling can be damp, so we spend a lot of time making sure things stay dry and clean inside. Most of our customers are locals who live nearby or work in the buildings around here. We know most of their names by now. If we don’t have something, we usually tell people where else they might find it. It's just a simple way of doing business. We open early and stay until the market starts to quiet down in the evening. There's always something to do, whether it's counting change or dusting off the top shelves. It’s a modest shop but it stays busy.