Located at the corner of Ring Road in the bustling Salabatpura area, Shri Rohit AC Textile Market stands as one of Surat’s most prominent textile markets, particularly known for its saree and lehenga trade. Established in 1988, the market comprises a total of 200 shops that offer a wide variety of fabrics and clothing items.
Sanjay Tulsiyan, the president of the market and owner of Jai Hanuman Silk Mills, shared insights into the current state of the business. Originally from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, Tulsiyan has been active in the saree trade in Surat for the past 25 years. He noted that the rising demand for garments has led to a nearly 60 percent decline in saree sales. Changing preferences among the younger generation, who are increasingly drawn to ready-made garments, have contributed significantly to this shift in market dynamics.
A ten-member committee oversees the functioning of the market. The current team includes Sanjay Tulsiyan as president, Ashish Mohta as vice president, Sajjan Poddar as treasurer, and Hemantbhai as secretary. The market sees a combination of both wholesale and retail activity, with approximately 40 percent of business conducted through wholesale and 60 percent through retail. While two shops deal in dress materials, the rest remain focused primarily on sarees and lehengas. Notably, the market also offers sarees at subsidized prices for tribal communities, with entry-level pricing starting at just ₹40.
Sajjan Poddar, the market’s treasurer and owner of Shiv Priya Silk Mills, also hails from Bihar and has been involved in Surat’s textile trade for the past 12 years. His business has a strong presence in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and he continues to rely largely on offline channels for transactions. He emphasized that despite the growing popularity of online commerce, his business has not been negatively impacted. According to him, many customers still prefer the tactile experience of physically examining fabrics before making a purchase.
To ensure the safety of traders and customers, the market is equipped with CCTV surveillance, security personnel, and fire safety systems. These measures provide a secure and comfortable shopping environment.
Shri Rohit AC Textile Market remains a vital part of Surat’s textile legacy. Its convenient location, diverse range of traditional products, and commitment to customer service make it a dependable destination for both traders and shoppers seeking authentic Indian attire.
