General Shops

General Shops is based in the Bhojubeer area of Varanasi, right near the Sabji Mandi. Being close to the vegetable market means that our days start very early. When the farmers and sellers arrive, the whole area becomes very lively and we open our doors to serve them and the early morning shoppers. We carry a wide range of products, from cooking essentials like salt and spices to household items like buckets and brooms. The shop is often a bit crowded because we try to stock so many different things. You have to navigate around sacks of potatoes or crates of soda sometimes. We don't have any professional staff or fancy uniforms. It’s just a few of us who know where every single item is kept. The atmosphere is very local and informal. People come in to buy their groceries after they finish at the mandi, and there’s always a lot of talking and bargaining going on. We don't have a website or do any kind of marketing. We just rely on the fact that we are in a good spot and have what people are looking for. On hot days, we keep the fan going and maybe sit outside for a bit if it’s slow. It’s a busy life, especially in the mornings, but we like being right in the heart of the market activity in Bhojubeer.