<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Residents of Sadar and nearby wards have something new to look forward to — the city’s first large-scale shopping mall, <em>Crown Plaza</em>, opened its doors this week, marking a major milestone in the region’s development.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Located near the old bus stand, Crown Plaza features over 40 retail outlets, including branded clothing stores, a supermarket, a food court, and a small multiplex with two screens. The mall is expected to attract shoppers not just from the city, but also from surrounding villages and semi-urban neighborhoods.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>At the inauguration ceremony, local MLA Suresh Meena called it a “sign of growing aspirations” in the area. “Ten years ago, people had to travel 50 kilometers to the city center for branded shopping. This mall will keep money and jobs in our local economy.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Over 300 people — from sales staff to security guards and housekeeping workers — have been hired, with preference given to local youth. For many, it’s their first steady job with a regular salary.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“My son will be working at one of the stores here. He used to travel to the city every day for work, spending half his income on bus fare,” said Mrs. Kamla Devi, a resident of Shaktipur.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Shopkeepers from nearby local markets have mixed feelings. Some fear that the mall could draw customers away from small businesses. “People will still come to us for daily needs and affordable goods,” said Ramesh Jain, who runs a general store nearby. “But yes, competition will increase.”</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Developers say the mall also includes ample parking space, a children’s play area, and plans for weekend events like flea markets and local artisan stalls to support the community.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->