I had heard so much about Spencer Plaza at Mount Road that I had to take a quick look.
There were hundreds of shops spread over a very large area. If you have the time, do make a trip here.
Other shopping options are the City Centre, near Marina Beach, which houses a theatre and a food court.
Looking for cotton and silks? Try the market in T-Nagar. For sarees go to RMKV, Potthy's, Nalli or Saravana stores.
Photograph: Rediff archives
Also read: The holy magic of Rewalsar