Pattaya's New Central Shopping Complex

[chillibilly]

Prescript: ok, I am writing this from a Westerner's perspective who lives in the Pattaya area and works; thus, I do not alway have time to dick around with bargaining or dealing with sign language when shopping. My time is limited.

The first time I walked in to the new Central Festival Mall on Beach Road, I thought, "Wow, I will not have to go to Bangkok and do my serious shopping. Everything is here that I need." Well, that part is true, sport shops, computer shops, cell phone shops, clothing shops, craft shops.... even banks, a clinic, and over 40?? restaurants.

But don't let the slick, modern interior fool you, the service is "same-same" as the rest of this resort town. I walked into the impressive Banana Computer shop and ask a queston to the 21 year old clerk, and the guy cannot explain to me in English about the laptop. (-mmm wouldn't he be able to speak English since most computer programs are in English?)

Next, I go to the 4th floor purposely to have my hair cut at one of the salons that I regularly go to and .... (third time this has happened) the guy no longer works there.) If you want to get a hair cut by the same person week after week, it won't happen, either the hair stylist/barber has left or is home sleeping.

I decided to forget the hair cut and go on the main floor to see what was on sale. Three out of the four stores the young clerks were either looking at themselves in the mirror or talking on their cell phones. The ultimate was the gal squatting behind the cashier counter slurping on her soup ignoring the customers walking in. Where are the managers in these places?

Before I get verbally attacked on this post about the Thai way or how I need to learn more Thai, I would expect the reason why Central was built was that it was assuming all of the international tourists and expats living/working in the area would be the influx of the business. Why would MOST Thais shop at Central if they know where to get the same (or similar) product cheaper or have the patience to bargain?

The only reason I, or any farang, go there is for conveniece; otherwise you will see me shopping or eating elsewhere in Pattaya.

So my point is this, wouldn't you think that all of these owners / companies that have invested millions of baht into these shops and restaurants at Central would do some customer service training and make sure some of the staff can speak English since the majority of their customers will speak some form of English? (Note: Most , not all, of the Pattaya young clerks one would hire locally would not be as metropolitan as the ones in Bangkok. So they may not understand how to wait on a customer--sorry.) IT is a no brainer. Until the place gets better, I'll go back to do my shopping in Bangkok.

[Jingthing]

I think those are fair observations but nobody is seriously saying that Pattaya is the same as Bangkok. And much as I enjoy trips to Bangkok, that ain't all bad.

[Soutpeel]

Having a darling wife, who is a professional shopper and by default, i have spent hours and hours in various malls in both Bangkok and at Central in Pattaya..IMHO...the service you get in Central Pattaya is absolutely no different from the service received from comparable malls in Bangkok....not really up to much...so not sure how you can single out Central Pattaya for a Whinge

[Pakboong]

Haven't been here long have you?

[LawnGnome]

Prescript: ok, I am writing this from a Westerner's perspective who lives in the Pattaya area and works; thus, I do not alway have time to dick around with bargaining or dealing with sign language when shopping. My time is limited.

The first time I walked in to the new Central Festival Mall on Beach Road, I thought, "Wow, I will not have to go to Bangkok and do my serious shopping. Everything is here that I need." Well, that part is true, sport shops, computer shops, cell phone shops, clothing shops, craft shops.... even banks, a clinic, and over 40?? restaurants.

But don't let the slick, modern interior fool you, the service is "same-same" as the rest of this resort town. I walked into the impressive Banana Computer shop and ask a queston to the 21 year old clerk, and the guy cannot explain to me in English about the laptop. (-mmm wouldn't he be able to speak English since most computer programs are in English?)

Next, I go to the 4th floor purposely to have my hair cut at one of the salons that I regularly go to and .... (third time this has happened) the guy no longer works there.) If you want to get a hair cut by the same person week after week, it won't happen, either the hair stylist/barber has left or is home sleeping.

I decided to forget the hair cut and go on the main floor to see what was on sale. Three out of the four stores the young clerks were either looking at themselves in the mirror or talking on their cell phones. The ultimate was the gal squatting behind the cashier counter slurping on her soup ignoring the customers walking in. Where are the managers in these places?

Before I get verbally attacked on this post about the Thai way or how I need to learn more Thai, I would expect the reason why Central was built was that it was assuming all of the international tourists and expats living/working in the area would be the influx of the business. Why would MOST Thais shop at Central if they know where to get the same (or similar) product cheaper or have the patience to bargain?

The only reason I, or any farang, go there is for conveniece; otherwise you will see me shopping or eating elsewhere in Pattaya.

So my point is this, wouldn't you think that all of these owners / companies that have invested millions of baht into these shops and restaurants at Central would do some customer service training and make sure some of the staff can speak English since the majority of their customers will speak some form of English? (Note: Most , not all, of the Pattaya young clerks one would hire locally would not be as metropolitan as the ones in Bangkok. So they may not understand how to wait on a customer--sorry.) IT is a no brainer. Until the place gets better, I'll go back to do my shopping in Bangkok.

Feel better?

[thaimate]

Bangkoks gain ,our loss,by by.

[DP25]

(-mmm wouldn't he be able to speak English since most computer programs are in English?)

In Thailand it's quite easy to have almost every program on your computer in Thai. I wouldn't expect some random computer clerk to speak a word of English, after all none of the programs or websites he visits use English. Go to Pantip if you need someone to speak English, even then good luck...

the majority of their customers will speak some form of English?

Maybe for the Pattaya branch, but the vast majority of customers at Central Department stores are Thai. Expecting special hiring is asking for too much. I never speak to the clerks at Central at all, they are useless and I prefer them to leave me alone.

[anothertorres]

i know i'm nitpicking when i say this but... if the OP lives in Thailand, he needs to learn some basic thai.

[rogercw]

I live next door in View Talay 6 and I love it. Good supermarket, a branch of my bank, a food court, a bunch of American fast food outlets, and a good book store literally next door. The other shops I pretty much ignore for shopping. Walking past them most of the small ones have clerks standing at the entrances waiting for customers so I assume they try to serve customers when they get one. Most of them seem to be pretty good looking so maybe the shop owners figure looks in Pattaya pull in more sales than English skills? As for the bigger stores when I have gone in one they seem to have good stuff but high prices.

[Jingthing]

i know i'm nitpicking when i say this but... if the OP lives in Thailand, he needs to learn some basic thai.

In Pattaya, you don't need much Thai, ever, if you don't choose to bother. Of course, it always helps, and not speaking Thai is generally gonna cost you. Its a choice.

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

But don't let the slick, modern interior fool you, the service is "same-same" as the rest of this resort town. I walked into the impressive Banana Computer shop and ask a queston to the 21 year old clerk, and the guy cannot explain to me in English about the laptop. (-mmm wouldn't he be able to speak English since most computer programs are in English?)

Why do you go to an upscale mall for a computer, when you can go to TukCom and talk to numerous clerks, some who can speak English?

Next, I go to the 4th floor purposely to have my hair cut at one of the salons that I regularly go to and .... (third time this has happened) the guy no longer works there.) If you want to get a hair cut by the same person week after week, it won't happen, either the hair stylist/barber has left or is home sleeping.

There are plenty of 50-60 baht barbershops in Pattaya. If you want a salon cut, go to RPG where there are two excellent salons.

I decided to forget the hair cut and go on the main floor to see what was on sale. Three out of the four stores the young clerks were either looking at themselves in the mirror or talking on their cell phones. The ultimate was the gal squatting behind the cashier counter slurping on her soup ignoring the customers walking in. Where are the managers in these places?

Where are the customers? You don't seem to be buying anything. If you need assistance, just ask. For me, I like to be left alone rather than hounded by clerks when I'm shopping.

Before I get verbally attacked on this post about the Thai way or how I need to learn more Thai, I would expect the reason why Central was built was that it was assuming all of the international tourists and expats living/working in the area would be the influx of the business. Why would MOST Thais shop at Central if they know where to get the same (or similar) product cheaper or have the patience to bargain? The only reason I, or any farang, go there is for conveniece; otherwise you will see me shopping or eating elsewhere in Pattaya.

So my point is this, wouldn't you think that all of these owners / companies that have invested millions of baht into these shops and restaurants at Central would do some customer service training and make sure some of the staff can speak English since the majority of their customers will speak some form of English? (Note: Most , not all, of the Pattaya young clerks one would hire locally would not be as metropolitan as the ones in Bangkok. So they may not understand how to wait on a customer--sorry.) IT is a no brainer. Until the place gets better, I'll go back to do my shopping in Bangkok.

Central was built to cater to Asian tourists and a few western and Thai tourists. Look at the restaurants, mostly Japanese. I wouldn't buy anything there, nor would I buy anything in any of Central's malls, with the exception of Toys 'R Us in Cental World. I do like the restaurants in all of their malls, and the malls are enjoyable places to window-shop or attend a film. I've never had a communication problem at the malls either, but I'm not stupid enough to actually go shopping there.

[IanForbes]

You think you have it bad. Why just today I went into three different shopping malls here on Vancouver Island and not one of them understood me when I asked a question in Thai. All I got was a strange look and a big "Huh?"

[tuky]

Actually, the OP is going about the wrong way.

After much frustration I learnt that it is best to send 'er indoors to do the shopping whilst one sits outside with a cold beer.

No frustrations, no problems, no worries.

Enjoy your beer, have one for me.

[Jingthing]

Look at the restaurants, mostly Japanese.

Thais are crazy about Nippon food. These are mostly for Thais.

[zaphodbeeblebrox]

Look at the restaurants, mostly Japanese.

Thais are crazy about Nippon food. These are mostly for Thais.

I don't see a lot of Thais eating at Mos burger. I see Japanese and Koreans.

[Jingthing]

Check out Fuji. Mos Burger is burger.

[anothertorres]

Look at the restaurants, mostly Japanese.

Thais are crazy about Nippon food. These are mostly for Thais.

I don't see a lot of Thais eating at Mos burger. I see Japanese and Koreans.

cheeseburgers are not indigenous to Japan.

[DP25]

MOS Burger in Bangkok is almost entirely Thai.

[Jingthing]

MOS Burger in Bangkok is almost entirely Thai.

I noticed that too.

[verydumbubba]

Delusions of Grandeur, No?!

Bubba

My time is limited.

[Jingthing]

My time is limited.

Sadly, whose isn't?

[threelegcowboy]

Well this shopping center has picked up business in the last few years. The clerks are now as trained as they ever will be. Are your views still the same?

Recently I have made friends with emoloyees of this shopping center. If you think this place treats thier employees well you are mistaken. Managers break promises made when employee is first hired. This business is no different from the other rip off places to work in Patters. Gosh what a beautiful place to look at but....

[PattayaParent]

Your problem OP is the assumption that Central Pattaya was built for foreigners to shop in, it wasn't, it was built for the Thais that come to Pattaya from Bangkok at the weekends to shop in.

And as for most computer programmes being in English you obviously need to get out more and see the many other language versions of Windows including Thai (available for the 16 years I've been in Thailand) Vietnamese, Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, German and even American.

[billaaa777]

Central was built to cater to Asian tourists and a few western and Thai tourists. Look at the restaurants, mostly Japanese.

There are FAR more American restaurants in the mall than any other nationality, it is not even close.

[Soutpeel]

Managers break promises made when employee is first hired. This business is no different from the other rip off places to work in Patters.

And this is different how from business'/managers the world over...

[simon43]

The ultimate was the gal squatting behind the cashier counter slurping on her soup ignoring the customers walking in. Where are the managers in these places?

She probably WAS the manager

Simon

[JAFO]

Why shop at any Central Mall? Everything is way overpriced being you can walk around the corner and get it for a heck of a lot less. I am not cheap but sheeeesh you have to be practical.

I agree that Central Malls are quite busy with Thai folks, but next time you happen to be in one look at how many of them actually have bags where they purchased items. Seriously, I tend to see most walking, window shopping, enjoying the free AC, checking out the display events and use the bathrooms.

The biggest sales are the kiosks with coffee's, teas, fruit drinks, pretzels and ice cream. Of course Topps seems to have a lot of Thai's with disposable income buying much higher priced foods. I suspect Topps in Pattaya even more so if there is one in it. I do not go to Pattaya for a host of reasons. Far to many better places to visit IMHO. But that may be a different thread altogether....

[JSixpack]

Why shop at any Central Mall? Everything is way overpriced being you can walk around the corner and get it for a heck of a lot less. I am not cheap but sheeeesh you have to be practical.

Around the corner sells all the fake goods; naturally it is cheaper. I've pretty much stopped buying that stuff because of the low quality. Not worth it in the end.

I agree that Central Malls are quite busy with Thai folks, but next time you happen to be in one look at how many of them actually have bags where they purchased items. Seriously, I tend to see most walking, window shopping, enjoying the free AC, checking out the display events and use the bathrooms.

Sorry, doesn't mean anything, about like naively judging how many units of condo building are sold by the number of lights on at night. The point is that the shops are selling enough to stay in business. Now, I've had to wait in line with the Thais on several occasions to purchase this or that.

@chillibilly, on 2009-07-22 09:39:45:

I would expect the reason why Central was built was that it was assuming all of the international tourists and expats living/working in the area would be the influx of the business.

A common misconception based on wishful thinking and delusions of farang grandeur. It was most recently asserted with utter conviction in the Carrefour/Big C Extra thread. Surprise, Big C had stated publicly and explicitly that their purpose with Big C Extra is to serve the needs of Thai shoppers, nobody else really (though in fact they have thrown a few bones to the farangs as well). It must be so for any large retail establishment here.

So PattayaParent has it almost right:

Your problem OP is the assumption that Central Pattaya was built for foreigners to shop in, it wasn't, it was built for the Thais that come to Pattaya from Bangkok at the weekends to shop in.

I would however add in the middle class Thais living in PTY and in surrounding towns, of which there are far more than you might think. These are people who, before, usually had to travel to Robinson's in Sriricha, which has done well over many years serving them.

[thaibeachlovers]

I live next door in View Talay 6 and I love it. Good supermarket, a branch of my bank, a food court, a bunch of American fast food outlets, and a good book store literally next door. The other shops I pretty much ignore for shopping. Walking past them most of the small ones have clerks standing at the entrances waiting for customers so I assume they try to serve customers when they get one. Most of them seem to be pretty good looking so maybe the shop owners figure looks in Pattaya pull in more sales than English skills? As for the bigger stores when I have gone in one they seem to have good stuff but high prices.

Re the good looking clerks at the door, one of the banks often has an exceptionally cute girl waiting to greet customers. Can't say I've seen that tactic used even in Bkk, but I like it.

dam_n, I love Pattaya.

During the week, few of the clothes shops have any customers. To open a clothes store there, you need deep pockets.

[Thongkorn]

To attract high class customers you have to have high class assistance in the shops, Pattaya is trying to change its self , from a sex tourist place to a family orientated place so we get told by the Mayor, so in that case start training the staff properly and maybe pay then a descent wage, And forget that its the Thai way because many people don't want it they want good service with a smile and helpfully comments about the goods that the customer is trying to buy. sorry but the Thai way and chill don't cut it anymore , because many other Asian country's are vying for the Tourist trade.