Kalaivanan Traders

Over at 30 Ayyankulam Street in Tiruvennanallur, things are pretty steady. Kalaivanan Traders isn’t a big operation, just a shop where we keep our stock and talk to customers. The street is one of those typical ones where everyone knows who lives in which house. We spend a lot of time outside on the step, watching the world go by when things are quiet. Inside, the shelves are filled with whatever we’re trading at the time. It’s mostly manual work involving moving boxes and checking lists. Computers aren't used for everything here; we still prefer notebooks and pens. The floor is made of smooth stone that stays cool even when it’s hot outside. Doors open early to catch the morning breeze. Tiruvennanallur is a quiet place for the most part, but Ayyankulam Street can get busy when deliveries show up. Big banners and fancy marketing aren't found here. Just the name on the wall is enough. Regulars are known by their first names. Sometimes more time is spent talking than actually working, but that’s part of being a local business. The place is kept clean, or at least we try our best. It’s just us here, making a living and providing what the local people need without making a big fuss about it. It’s a simple way to spend the day and we like the neighborhood. We'll be here tomorrow too for sure.