Alagar Store

Alagar Store is at 1/84 Damodhara Nagar in Shanmugapuram. It’s a small brick building that we’ve repainted a couple of times. I took over the shop from my father about five years ago. We sell basic things like batteries, pens, cigarettes, and snacks. It’s the kind of place where kids come after school to buy candy. We have a small wooden bench outside where the older men sometimes sit and talk. The street is usually quiet, except for the occasional motorbike. We don't have a computer system, everything is done with a notebook and a calculator. The shelves are made of repurposed wood and they lean a bit to one side. We don't really have a big selection, just the things we know people in Damodhara Nagar actually use. It’s a simple life. I spend most of my day sitting behind the counter, watching the street and talking to neighbors. The rain sometimes comes in through the front if the wind is blowing the right way, so we have a tarp we pull down. We aren't looking to expand or become a big chain. This shop provides enough for my family, and that’s what matters. We’ve been part of this community for a long time. People trust us, and we know who likes what. It’s a small, honest shop. We don’t do things the modern way, but our customers don’t seem to mind.