As retail marketing booms and the city gets sleeker by the moment, more and more commercial real estate gets bought up by malls. The latest mall to have caught the frenzy of shoppers in the city is Lido. Located at Ulsoor, where the Lido theatre used to be, this spankingly new shopping space sports everything from designer wear to dazzling accessories and has all the trappings of making you feel lighter by the dozen, in your wallet of course.

Buying international brands is no longer the occasional indulgence of an overseas visit. You will get them right here, in the city, and all duty free. At Lido, international brands stand cheek by jowl with their desi cousins and vie for your attention. For example, the major UK brand Next, that has opened its outlet here, is stocked with women’s wear, shoes, bags and accessories like belts and beads. It also has a men’s line of clothing and some really cute stuff for kids. The price tags though are on the higher side, yet if you compare them with the international prices you know you are getting a fair deal. The line is very “British”, so don’t expect screaming neon-coloured anythings!

Right next door is Guess, which unlike the outlet at Garuda Mall, is better stocked and has a range of apparel for both men and women, as well as women’s bags and shoes. The store also stocks a few pieces of fabulous Guess luggage and watches and belts for both men and women. The best part of Guess’s coming to Bangalore is that now you get to flaunt a pair of the legendary Guess jeans, well only if you have that kind of money to splurge on!

Body Shop also has an outlet at Lido; step into the store and get heady over all the colourful and aromatic bottles, tubes and boxes of fruit-infused cosmetics. The products here are definitely some of the best in the world and if you haven’t tried the shower gels yet, it’s time you went and got some. While you’re there don’t forget to pick up a pot of their flavoured lip balm as well.

Marks & Spencer and Pantaloon too have tempting store space here. Among others that have set up shop are Jealous 21, the lingerie brand Etam and Titan.

So get brand conscious, make Lido your next fashion destination.