One of India's oldest malls, spread across a historic Mount Road site.
Spencer Plaza at 768-769 Anna Salai (Mount Road) is one of India's oldest shopping malls, occupying a historic site in central Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is listed here as a market-style shopping complex because most of its floors are filled with small independent shops rather than large anchor brands. Typical goods include clothing and ready-made garments, electronics and mobile accessories, handicrafts, leather goods, gifts, shoes and fashion accessories. Prices range from about ₹200 for small items to ₹10,000 for better leather goods, electronics and clothing.
The vendor mix is broad: some shops are established retailers with tagged prices, while many smaller units operate in a bazaar style where bargaining is customary. The ratio of authentic goods to souvenir trinkets depends on the shop, so visitors buying handicrafts, leather or electronics should compare several outlets, check brand authenticity, and ask for bills and warranty cards on electronics. Bargaining is common in the smaller shops, with final prices often well below the first quote, while chain stores and branded outlets are fixed price. Cash, UPI and cards are generally accepted, although some small shops prefer cash. India does not run a routine tourist GST refund, so visitors should plan on the quoted price.
The atmosphere is busy and somewhat labyrinthine, with narrow corridors and multiple levels that can be disorienting on a first visit. Crowds peak on weekends and evenings, and weekday mornings are generally calmer. Hours are approximately 10AM to 9PM daily. Food options include small cafés, juice stands and snack counters inside the complex, with many more restaurants, bakeries and tiffin places along Anna Salai outside. Higginbothams bookshop and the Poompuhar handicrafts emporium are within walking distance, which makes the area a convenient one-stop zone for books, crafts and clothes. Visitors should keep valuables secure, note the entrance they used to find their way back, and check electronics carefully before paying, since returns are often limited.
| Hours | Daily approx 10AM-9PM |
|---|---|
| Price | ₹200-10,000 (approx $2.10-104 USD) |
| Address | 768-769, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002, India |
Location
768-769, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002, India
13.0644, 80.2620 View on map
Highlights
- One of India's oldest malls on historic Mount Road site
- Clothing, electronics, handicrafts and leather goods under one roof
- Bazaar-style bargaining in smaller shops
- Walking distance to Higginbothams and Poompuhar
Tips for visiting
- Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and easier browsing.
- Bargain in the small shops, but expect fixed prices at chain stores.
- Check electronics carefully and ask for a bill and warranty card.
- Note the entrance used, as the multi-level corridors can be confusing.
- Compare handicraft prices with Poompuhar's fixed prices nearby before buying.
Frequently asked questions
What can be bought at Spencer Plaza?
Shops sell clothing, electronics, mobile accessories, handicrafts, leather goods and gifts. Prices range from about ₹200 to ₹10,000.
Is bargaining accepted?
Yes, in smaller independent shops bargaining is common. Chain and branded stores generally use fixed prices.
What are the opening hours?
Hours are approximately 10AM to 9PM daily, though individual shops may vary.
Is there food inside the complex?
Small cafés and snack counters operate inside, and Anna Salai outside has many more restaurants and bakeries.