We enter, and are transported into a kingdom.

The well dressed guards say 'Varungal' to every one in the milling crowd at the small entrance. A lot of pretty maidens, dressed in rich robes and jewellery, greet you with lovely smiles.

The kingdom, or the palace, is inside Pothys, T Nagar.

In what can be called the best marketing strategy since the 'Best Kanna Best' (Kungumam ad) bombarding, Pothys, a famous textile shop in Panagal Park, has been converted, almost, into a palace for its shoppers. The ground floor has the scene of a king's durbar, where ministers and courtiers discuss various issues. Here, children queue up to take photographs with the majestic king.

'Katradhu Tamizh' Ram's next Diwali in Suburbs Rajini Still In A Dilemma! அஜீத் பேட்டி? ராம் இயக்கத்தில் சேரன்? கமல் பாராட்டிய டைட்டில்்

As we move upstairs, there's a 'kili josiar' (parrot astrologer) who tells everyone who comes to him that they have a great future, and there's a palm reader who stares at your hand for a full minute and says the same thing - that I have a future as bright as the sun.

Moving on, there are lots of games and cool prizes for winning them.

Shoppers (children and women) can have a shot at a fish's eye by looking at its reflection in water and can 'try their hand' inside a lion's head. A slippery carrom board, sword-and-stick games, shooting an apple with an arrow, tests of strength... the games are really good, and engage the shoppers (especially children).

Talking of children, there's a magic show too in a corner; you get to see cool, simple tricks done close to you and you still can't figure out how these magicians do it!

The idea of having a palace inside a textile shop is a brilliant marketing strategy, keeping in mind the Chennai family market segment. It makes the average man think that he can actually enjoy an evening with his wife and kids without spending a single rupee.

Some do achieve this, but most people are lured into buying something from the shop. That's where this shop has an edge over other similar shops in the Panagal Park area - it entertains you, it engages you... and finally makes you buy. The person who designed this 'Pothys Palace' idea sure has a shrewd business brain.

The Pothys palace is the perfect choice for spending an idle evening.