Unveiling Kolkata's century-old shopping mall that shaped the city's commerce landscape | Watch Video

Shopping malls have become an integral part of modern cities, and Kolkata is no exception. With a plethora of malls such as South City Mall, Forum Mall, Diamond Plaza, Lake Mall, and Avani River Side Mall, the city has embraced this urban trend. However, many may not know that the first shopping mall in Kolkata was not a recent development, but rather dates back a whole century. 

Kolkata's first shopping mall was established a remarkable 118 years ago, during the British colonial era. Situated in the bustling Dharmatalla, now known as Esplanade, this historic building still stands today as a testament to the city's rich past. The structure, known today as the Metropolitan Building, Kolkata, was constructed in 1905. During this time, Calcutta (now Kolkata) was a significant hub for the British administration.

The origins of this pioneering shopping mall can be traced to the friendship between two British entrepreneurs, Robert Laidlaw and Edward Whiteway. In 1881, they co-founded the Whiteway Laidlaw & Company, which rapidly gained prominence across India. Their textile business became highly successful, leading to the idea of opening a grand shopping space that offered various goods under one roof.

With the assistance of the renowned construction company Mackintosh Burn, the Whiteway Laidlaw Department Store came into existence in 1905. The sheer size of the store's building left the city in awe, serving as a symbol of Kolkata's growth and development during the colonial era. Back then, the concept of shopping malls wasn't prevalent, and these types of establishments were referred to as departmental stores.

The significance of this first shopping mall, situated in the heart of Kolkata, highlights the city's historical ties with commerce and innovation. The Whiteway Laidlaw Department Store stands as a remarkable reminder of the early days of modern retail, showcasing how Kolkata played a role in shaping the commercial landscape of India.