Surat, May 8 – Established in 1982 under the guidance of Mohamadbhai Surti, MG Market on Ring Road remains one of Surat’s oldest and most reputable textile hubs. Known for its wide range of fancy sarees, printed sarees, embroidered work sarees, and lehengas, the market is home to around 80 active shops that cater to retailers across India.
According to market secretary Sandeep Shah, under the leadership of president Madan Bafna, the market has retained its prominence by offering sarees of all varieties and price ranges, attracting buyers from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Sandeepbhai of Vidhi Prints, a well-known store in the market, shared that their focus is on fancy sarees and that their long-standing clientele includes many from southern and western India.
Veteran merchant Mahendra Solanki of Maharani Sarees, who has been in the industry for over 35 years, explained that his store offers printed and fancy sarees ranging from Rs. 145 to Rs. 1,000. However, he raised concerns about the rise of digital marketing, claiming it has contributed to a 50% decline in physical footfall and asserting that offline business still holds greater trust among traders.
Another trader, Arun Agrawal of Samadhan Sarees, active since 2001, said his shop caters to both budget and premium segments with sarees ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs. 2,000. Agrawal has adapted to the changing times by leveraging both offline and online platforms, including a dedicated YouTube channel under the name ‘Samadhan’ to reach a wider audience.
However, Agrawal warned fellow traders and visiting buyers about the growing menace of unauthorized middlemen operating outside the market. From rickshaw drivers to hotel staff, several individuals have been reportedly engaging in commission-based dealings that misguide customers and affect genuine businesses. He also cautioned against fraudulent online sellers who accept digital payments but fail to deliver goods.
In a poignant closing statement, Agrawal stressed the importance of social awareness and ended with a powerful message: “If you don’t save daughters, where will you find daughters-in-law?” His words served as a reminder that business success and social responsibility must go hand in hand.
MG Market, despite the challenges of the digital era, continues to represent the enduring strength and adaptability of Surat’s textile legacy.
