I recently visited two different Lotus's supermarkets and both were virtually void of customers. This is in stark contrast to my local Big C which is always busy.

Who shops at Lotus's and what do you buy there?

I did spot some good offers, mainly tissue paper, but even Central offer similar prices from time to time.

Me. And lotusesessssses express as well. My local lotuesesesesssses is generally reasonably busy. 

We do shop everywhere but NOT at Lotus's. We stopped when they eliminated the former Tesco Lotus Tea - it was the best I knew was available in Thailand. Well done Mr. Marketing Manager.

Me, me, me!!

 

But really only because it's nearer than the others.

 

There are a few things that Makro don't carry and I get beer there coz I visit Makro at 6AM and they're not selling then.

 

So I get, beer, Breeze (and Comfort), dog treats (the barkers have got a taste for the expensive Japanese "Dogaholic" ones), bathroom and kitchen paper and anything that was out of stock at Makro.

 

Usually reasonably busy at 11AM on Saturday.

Lotus North Pattaya road has always been empty when I've gone even when it was Tesco, i rarely go unless i need another option

Serious question?

Millions (of Thais) buy at Lotus, Lotus Express etc.

It can be empty mid to end month when pockets are empty.

And of course it depends on the local competition.

Since a while it's been swallowed by the mega tycoon clan (7/11, Makro, Lotus etc.).

And what I observe here is a cleanup of the selection.

Throwing out low sales stuff.

Among that a lot of "farang"/exotic stuff.

Much to my displeasure. Gets more and more unattractive.

 

15 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

Big C which is always busy

BigC Khon Kaen often dead as a dodo.

And selection for "us" very poor.

 

Makro is never that empty as Lotus or BigC.

Edited August 25, 20223 yr by KhunBENQ

5 minutes ago, Crossy said:

There are a few things that Makro don't carry

Exactly. The best path for us is Makro first and then what you don't find there look at Lotus.

Unfortunately I will have to do the 200 or 240 km roundtrip to Khon Kaen or Udon (better) to get the real goodies (once a month or so).

Lotus worse of the chains.  Shop almost exclusively at Makro (only chain alternative).  Unless up at Hua Hin, then we'll pop into Gourmet Markets @ Bluport.  Always something on sale, or a nice steak at 'U Hunt/We Cook'.

 

Fruits & veggies at local fresh market, about 50/50 w/Makro, since FM not having.

Only online, and only for delivery of bulk items, e.g., cases of bottled water, toilet paper, etc.

No, but only from habit. Shop at Big C Extra which used to be Carrefour, there and at Tops. Stuff I can't find in Hat Yai, like Yorkshire Tea, I order from Food Variety on Lazada. Things like sausages and the occasional  steaks  I order through Passion Delivery. 

On 8/25/2022 at 2:13 PM, moogradod said:

We do shop everywhere but NOT at Lotus's. We stopped when they eliminated the former Tesco Lotus Tea - it was the best I knew was available in Thailand. Well done Mr. Marketing Manager.

Let me get this straight for I got besides two likes as well one "confused" and one "sad" reaction which I do not understand. The superb tea was the only item we went especially to buy at Lotus's (formerly Tesco Lotus). Once it was eliminated there was no more need to go. I apologize to the Marketing Manager - but seriously I think it would have been better to leave this product on offer for I know many fellow members did like this product particularily well. Maybe it can be reintroduced again ? But no need to be confused or sad about this.

Edited August 30, 20223 yr by moogradod

On 8/25/2022 at 3:21 PM, KhunBENQ said:

Exactly. The best path for us is Makro first and then what you don't find there look at Lotus.

Unfortunately I will have to do the 200 or 240 km roundtrip to Khon Kaen or Udon (better) to get the real goodies (once a month or so).

Straight to villa UD town? Lol

4 hours ago, starky said:

Straight to villa UD town? Lol

Villa, BigC, TOPS at Central and Cheese2MeatYou 

Where I live, Lotus's is the main supermarket.  It's cheap and usually busy.  The frozen salmon is good.  Personally, I prefer Tops which is a 5km drive away.

Since Covid many have used home ordering rather than visiting (which was already on decline due internet) so many stores have seen less foot traffic (true everywhere in the world).  And we have used since it was started many years ago.  But since change in ownership/software have given up and only use Tops now.  

Me, for certain things.

 

For example Lotus's is the only store I found who stock the Camay soap.

Used to use it for Tesco own brand and some other western goods,  but less  and less once Tesco sold it and  those goods gradually disappeared. What was left was sold off cheap as the expiry dates passed.

 

Now mostly use Tops or occasionally Makro. Also the local talad for fish and veggies.

I shop at lotus because its easier to find a parking space and there are fewer customers. I prefer to shop in peace. 

For me going shopping is a major experience. But in saying that, certain criteria have to be met for me to actually enjoy the visit.

 

A couple of years ago I was unfortunate enough to pick up a cart that was determined to not go where I pushed it. I complained to one of the workers and she simply laughed. That was Ban Dung Tesco. I didn't go back there for over 12 months. But that was 7 years ago. Now that same store is a 'Lotus', and more importantly, has a nice 20 baht shop outside. I like the bargains at the 20 baht shop. Earphones 20 baht; Set of 12 batteries 20 baht; selection of screwdrivers and spanners, again all 20 baht.

 

Now when I go to Big C, I rush off to the pet food section. If tinned cat food is on a special I usually buy 10 tins. If it's the usual price of 36 baht I buy 4 or 5. The cheapest cat food in Lotus is 40 baht.

 

A few years ago there was a check-out girl in Tesco that was - shall we say - well endowed.   Very efficient she was. Her till was always popular. But she left and I don't go in there anymore. But not because she is not there.

 

 

one of my friends had some serious issues with lotus. not 1 but i think 3-4 times.

he bought something and went to the cashier to pay, then he realized they charge him more than the price tag. So, he mentioned the situation and the cashier was like ohh sorry they forgot to change the price. My friend is really good at law and he know all. So, he asked for the manager. in this case actually the customer MUST pay the price on the price tag with no arguments. So the manager accepted easily and he paid the same as price tag. he also demanded some money because of some reasons, they told him to take this matter to higher position and will let him know. Few days later the exact same thing happened at the same place! and same situation.. and yes i know impossible and 3rd time another day!! in 3rd time he refused to leave the louts and asked for a immediate solution.  And he got some backup from thai consumers there too. because they had the same issue. Well at the end lotus gave him 10.000 baht gift card and asked him to close the case. he got the gift card and lotus seriously checked the price tags and replace them. 

 

what happened to me is, i found out dated products at MaxValue. well i didnt do anything but warned the stuff. They all suddenly gather around me and tried to stop me taking pictures or talking with other people WHICH i was not going to do because i was in a hurry. but it was a scene how they panicked! 

Edited August 31, 20223 yr by problemfarang

In Pattaya ,we use it,same as bi c and other stores ,wife likes Makro always fresh veg .but we have a car so easy to shop for us . shame lotus stopped doing the cat food our cat loved.

4 hours ago, phetphet said:

but less  and less once Tesco sold it and  those goods gradually disappeared. What was left was sold off cheap as the expiry dates passed.

So I am not alone with this observation. Obviously a big cleanup.

It is worth remembering that Tesco is now out of the Lotus thing, there will be changes..

Me wife shop at Lotus's's.

 

Many place in Thailand have no  alternative.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 31, 20223 yr by Old Croc

I only go there for KFC. 

They don't sell anything I want at a price I'm prepared to pay. 

 

I used to shop there for tea bags and gravy granules, but they don't sell them any more. 

Edited August 31, 20223 yr by BritManToo

6 minutes ago, starky said:

So complete fabrication and bs based on nothing? Well this is thaivisa.

Its ASEAN NOW now 

 

I shop in this order

 

1. Makro

2. Big C

3. Tops

 

There's nothing offered in Tesco that I cannot find elsewhere at a cheaper price

3 minutes ago, EricTh said:

 

I shop in this order

 

1. Makro

2. Big C

3. Tops

 

There's nothing offered in Tesco that I cannot find elsewhere at a cheaper price

I don't go to Makro. It's just too far away. Go to Big C once a week.

 

Used to go to the supermarket in the Ban Dung bus station, until I discovered the most outrageous rip off (well documented in Thai Visa archives). Don't go in there now because of that. But do use the ATM outside.

 

That's it with the supermarkets. Seven eleven if daughter wants a cheeseburger or something, and we are passing. But even 7/11 leaves a sour taste in my mouth due to a altercation with a manager in West London. Serious stuff; the local MP got involved.

19 hours ago, moogradod said:

Let me get this straight for I got besides two likes as well one "confused" and one "sad" reaction which I do not understand.

"...I got ... one "confused" and one "sad" reaction...".

 

You care?    Good grief.

Shop at the Lotus'ss mini markets almost daily, good fresh meats and veggies, milk etc.

3 within about 5 minutes drive from where we live.