This And That - Buriram And Surin

[Iambabababor]

Have just returned from finally visiting the 2 hardware stores in Buriram as outlined by kamalabob in Post 684.

I went first to Ruengsuk Construction. This is a large warehouse which seems to specialise in tiles and sanitary ware. I was immediately approached by 2 female staff who insisted on knowing what I wanted and followed me everywhere. It very soon became obvious that absolutely nothing had a price tag on. I pointed this out to the 2 girls who told me they had a catalogue, and could tell me how much anything I was interested in cost. I then told the girls that farang generally like to browse around alone and unhindered, and look and compare prices without having to ask all the time. I further mentioned that at other similar shops, IQ and Home Pro, prices were displayed. With that I left.

Next stop Home Mart just up from Tiwwikit(?). What a little gem! An excellent selection of general hardware, well presented, and individually and competitively priced. No hassle from the friendly staff. Excellent.

Then had a look at progress of makro and Big C. Makro appears to be winning the race, but it does seem somewhat smaller. I would anticipate it opening within the next 3 months with Big C around Christmas in time for the New year trade. It is to be hoped they are building a full hypermarket (possibly bigger than Surin which is a bit cramped), and they do not make the same mistake Tesco-Lotus made in Surin with their main store, which is less than a hypermarket. What future does that hold? The only time I have seen more than 20 cars there is at 6pm, when the aerobic women arrive. Looks like they will soon have to close, refurbish and re-open with a full sized store. Must be losing money and I am a shareholder!

And when Big C and Makro open in Buriram, what future for Tiwwikit? Big, fresh food much more expensive than Big C prices, and many items not displaying prices. A messy, dirty shop, aisles regularly blocked with boxes, with staff idly sitting around. Needs a good management shake-up

The latter remarks also apply to IQ at Buriram. Rather overpriced, probably due to the hundreds of girls they employ, who seem to only sit at the end of each gangway all day, doing nothing but chatter and apply their make-up. 2/3 small checkouts, which take an age to get through since none of the products are bar-coded. I feel sure they could check out 80% of the staff and reduce prices by 10%.