The Jharcraft mega store in Ranchi. File picture

Jamshedpur residents will have to wait longer to get their first Jharcraft store.

The state’s handicraft and handloom corporation, which has earned international accolades with its organic tussar and has 36-odd outlets across the country, has been scouting for store space in the steel city for five years, but without desired results.

Managing director Dhirendra Kumar is now planning to seek help from Tata Steel. “We will write to the steel major soon,” he added.

At present, Biponi — a store at Kalamandir in Bistupur — displays Jharcraft products along with other items because there is no exclusive showroom. The basic criteria for opening a Jharcraft showroom is 5,000sqft carpet area and a prime city location.

Sometime ago, the handicraft and handloom corporation had tried to ink a deal with a local businessman, but it did not work out.

Kumar admitted that Jharcraft had held talks with Dinesh Sonthalia, who had even agreed to provide 15,000sqft floor space in Sakchi.

“In December last year, we had our discussion with Dinesh Sonthalia who was keen to give us a floor of his building in Sakchi, but the deal had to be scrapped owing to non-agreement of some terms and conditions,” said the managing director.

Although, Jharcraft is popular for its silk, it also manufactures 13 other products such as dokra, lac, and pearl jewellery and terracotta home décor items.

“We are keen on opening a big showroom in the steel city, but things have not been favourable till date. If anybody is interested, they are free to approach us,” Kumar added.

Although, there may not be an exclusive showroom for Jharcraft, but that has not deterred the handloom corporation from taking up new projects in the steel city.

With help from Jharcraft, some 15 students of School of Hope — a cradle for the mentally challenged — have been learning to knit since April. Jharcraft has provided five frame looms, five charkhas, a wrapping drum and other accessories that are required to run the loom.

Among its upcoming projects, the handloom corporation will start an apparel training centre for self-help groups in Seraikela next month.