The landmark Asiatic store at Churchgate, South Mumbai, is set to close on July 31 for renovation. Located opposite the bustling Western Railway station, Asiatic has long been a go-to destination for anything and everything—from crockery, jewellery, stationery, and food to apparel, bags, leather goods, and even a popular photography studio.

On Tuesday afternoon, most staffers were busy packing up. Several shelves in shops within the store were being cleared out, and small cartons were being carried outside. Many outlets were offering discounts of up to 20 per cent. “We’ve been told to vacate by Wednesday,” said one shop attendant. “Asiatic is going in for renovation and will reopen in about five months. Many of us are returning to our main outlets elsewhere in the city. We are unaware of the details.”