In the summer of 1995, Odyssey opened its flagship store in the southern suburbs of Chennai in Adyar. The idea was to make people lose themselves doing the good things in life, in a world that would make the experience as rich as their varied interests – and forget the time. Today Odyssey operates through 40 stores in 13 cities with about 2.60 lakhs sq.ft of retail space under its operations. Recognized predominantly as a book store, Odyssey has genres ranging from popular fiction, non-fiction, computing, self-help, health, management, food and drink, travel, art and architecture, children's books and so on, giving its customers a relatively wide range to choose from. Apart from books, the store has a wide range of music, movies, multimedia, stationery, toys and gifts. Odyssey maintains a good mix of products to suit customer's requirements and endeavors to keep abreast with the market dynamics and latest trends. It is then less surprising to note that the chain receives over 4 million walk-ins every year. Odyssey India Ltd recently forayed into the optical eyewear category with the launch of The Eyewear Store a hi-fashion destination for international designer sunglasses & prescription frames. Odyssey is a 100% subsidiary of Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited, publishers of newspapers, Deccan Chronicle and Financial Chronicle.