Iconic department store redecorated to resemble a grand palace in striking silver and gold makeover
Tuesday, 11th November 2008: Colombo's shoppers can step into a world of palatial elegance this festive season at Odel, following the transformation of the iconic lifestyle retailer's landmark Alexandra Place department store into a glittering edifice of Silver and Gold in celebration of Christmas.
The 35,000 square-foot colonial era building has undergone an Rs 6 million makeover inside and outside to match the chosen theme for this Yuletide season -- 'Picture of Elegance' – offering shoppers an oasis of style and grace reminiscent of a bygone era of grandeur.
Grand chandeliers dangle from the ceilings, striking silver and gold patterned wall paper adorns the walls, and ornate picture frames embellish the displays, creating a setting far removed from the mundane and crowded spaces that shoppers have come to accept in the festive season.
"We wanted to give shoppers an extra-special experience this Christmas," said Otara Gunewardene, Odel's founder and CEO. "Shopping during the festive season can be a hassle, and we know that our customers have their share of pressures and stress. Here, for at least one brief, shining moment, they can step out of the mundane and into a world of elegance and style."
"Odel has become much more than a location for shopping," she noted. "People come here to meet friends and relax over a snack or a glass of wine, to have fun browsing, or simply to take a break from the hectic world outside."
With this in mind, Odel has made arrangements for a choir, opera singers and a jazz ensemble to entertain visitors on alternate days throughout the Christmas season. The popular store Santa Claus will be back with gifts for children, spreading good cheer among the naughty and the nice.
A huge range of Christmas theme gift items in Silver and Gold, the latest in high street fashion and all the accessories, food, beverages, gift wraps and trinkets that make up a shopping list at Christmas have already been brought in from all parts of the world.
"Christmas always comes early to Odel, and this year is no exception," Ms Gunewardene added.
Launched on November 8, the luxurious new in-store décor of Odel Alexandra Place will be extended to Odel outlets at Kohuwela, Ja Ela, Majestic City, Dickman's Road and the Bandaranaike International Airport by 20th November, and will remain in all outlets till 11th January.
As is customary, the 'Lipton's Circus' roundabout outside Odel will also be decorated in the same silver and gold theme for the festive season.
Odel is Sri Lanka's best-known and most successful department store offering customers a range of products from designer wear and high street fashion and accessories to homeware and leisure products, gourmet food and wines, exotic jewellery and perfumes. The Odel website
www.odel.lk offers online shoppers the same Odel experience from the comfort of their own homes or offices, with sophisticated, seamless e-commerce functionality.
