By IMMTeam Spencer Plaza, located at Chennai, is India’s first modern-style shopping mall, originally built in 1863 and reconstructed in 1985. With roughly 530,000 sq ft of retail space across eight floors and over 700 shops, it was once South Asia’s most iconic retail destination.
Today it retains nostalgic charm but struggles to keep pace with newer malls due to declining occupancy, dated infrastructure, and the absence of a multiplex. Still, it draws long-time patrons and bargain seekers.
Spencer Plaza Mall Facilities & Offerings
| Category | Details |
| Address | 769 Anna Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002 |
| Timings | Daily 10:00 AM–10:00 PM |
| Nearby Area | Located on the arterial Anna Salai (Mount Road), central Chennai, near Thousand Lights metro and Chennai Egmore railway station |
| Metro/Rail Access | ~0.3 km to Thousand Lights Metro (Blue Line); Egmore Railway Station ~0.8 km away |
| Shops/Brands | ~700 shops: mix of small independent merchants plus a few branded outlets like Pantaloons, Health & Glow, Landmark (now closed in many cases), and Zudio |
| Food / Dining | Traditional food court (“Akshaya Food Court”) across levels, with KFC, Saravana Bhavan, Subway, local eateries; general budget-friendly refreshments |
| Cinema / Entertainment | None onsite; visitors must go elsewhere for movies |
| Activities / Events | Limited events; some nostalgic walk-ins and small seasonal promotions, though largely inactive central atrium |
| Amenities | Multi-level parking (basement + levels 2–3) for ~800 cars, ATMs, escalators, air‑conditioning; but many elevators/rest areas malfunctioning |
Google Maps Location
Pros
- Historic landmark with nostalgic character: Often described as “the OG Chennai mall,” Spencer still holds emotional value and heritage appeal for many locals.
- Budget-friendly shopping: Offers low‑cost clothing, handicrafts, accessories, and souvenirs—prices as low as ₹100–150 for t‑shirts and Indian-style tops.
- Unique artisanal and handcrafted goods: Excellent place for handmade goods, antiques, Pashmina shawls, wooden crafts, and local design items not easily found in modern malls.
- Accessible location: Central spot on Anna Salai with metro and rail links nearby, ideal for a quick shopping excursion.
Cons
- High vacancy and aging infrastructure: Around half the shops are closed, interiors feel dated, ventilation and upkeep are poor compared to modern malls.
- No cinema or entertainment zones: Lacks multiplex, children’s zones, and modern leisure spaces—reducing its appeal as a weekend hangout.
- Aggressive haggling environment: Visitors often cite pushy shopkeepers, irritating “barkers,” and the need for constant bartering.
- Parking hassle: Convoluted entry/exit, poor traffic flow, and occasional towing issues make driving inconvenient.
In conclusion, Spencer Plaza remains a living piece of Chennai history—charming to those seeking nostalgic or budget shopping experiences. It’s a treasure trove for bargain hunters, local crafts lovers, and memory‑seeking locals. But in today’s retail landscape, it falls short of modern expectations: no multiplex, many empty units, dated facilities, and a confusing maze-like layout. If you’re around Anna Salai and want a unique, old‑school Chennai shopping vibe, it’s worth a stroll. But for a modern retail outing, malls like Phoenix or Express Avenue offer a more polished experience.