Kanyong home improvement store?

[DraxNet]

.....and let's hope there is no Powerbuy inside the new TWD.

Lol, and no there isn't.

I appreciate you getting engaged in these discussions and your comments. It shows somebody is listening and cares. Look forward to the new TWD. Will the Central #1 card work there or will TWD have its own card?

Yes (and yes)

[brummiebob]

Ok, I've never set foot in 'Professonal' Stores like Thai Wassadu but I always enjoy going to Homeworks and Homepro. I don't mind about service, I'd rather you save the cost on service staff and pass that on to customers like Ikea, rather than having them milling around doing nothing.

If you can differentiate between TWD and Homeworks by the level of service offered, those of us that enjoys doing things ourselves might gravitates toward TWD more.

By the way, What's happening to Homeworks? the ones attached to Central Malls in Bangkok's mostly closed or quite run-down. In Bangna where I have a house there's none whereas there's countless Homepros around. The Homework store in South Pattaya is the only one I go to at the moment.

[DraxNet]

Ok, I've never set foot in 'Professonal' Stores like Thai Wassadu but I always enjoy going to Homeworks and Homepro. I don't mind about service, I'd rather you save the cost on service staff and pass that on to customers like Ikea, rather than having them milling around doing nothing.

If you can differentiate between TWD and Homeworks by the level of service offered, those of us that enjoys doing things ourselves might gravitates toward TWD more.

By the way, What's happening to Homeworks? the ones attached to Central Malls in Bangkok's mostly closed or quite run-down. In Bangna where I have a house there's none whereas there's countless Homepros around. The Homework store in South Pattaya is the only one I go to at the moment.

Thanks for your feedback Bob. I'm intrigued; you say that you prefer less service on the shop floor? I welcome anyone's perspective on this, as I'm attempting to get the Thai's to ease off a little with the following customers around, but notwithstanding I still want them to be at least available for help. If I have this wrong I would love to know your perspective so I can improve the model as a whole across the business, especially in the farang populated areas.

With regards to Homeworks, no they are not closing at all (quite the reverse) but I cannot go into what's happening with them. Suffice to say Thai Watsadu is proving very popular so the business is making inroads to differentiate the brands. Which Homeworks in BKK are you referring to? The Bang Na Thai Watsadu should give you a good idea what to expect if you haven't been already.

In terms of passing savings on if you haven't been into a Thai Watsadu before, think Makro for DIY and construction. We certainly are not for just B2B though, or "professionals" and wouldn't want to alienate those consumers as most of our customer base are individual DIYers and small builders. The Pattaya store though will differ slightly in proposition because despite what you say, the influence of farang population in the area has necessitated us to do something a little different. However, the same pricing model will be present.

Hope this helps

[brummiebob]

The Homepro store I used to shop in Bangkok that was closed down is at Central Bangna,(There are Homepros at Mega Bangna, Tesco in Bangna and Paradise Park that's in the same area) and the run-down one is Future Park Rangsit.

I work retail myself and I understand the importance of service. Often there are practically free staff(PCs or Product Consultant) given by the suppliers to look after their products, and it's probably not wise to turn down such offers.

I don't mind having people around, if they are knowledgeable and is genuinely helpful, but most time at DIY stores, often I would have already more product knowledge or can learn more about the products by reading label.

Worse than unhelpful staff is that in certain stores, over-eager staff actually spoil the mood for me where I just want to browse at my leisure, often I would buy things I didn't need just by walking around the store. I actually enjoy the South Homework stores around 8-9PM as most staff are just milling around getting ready to clock off, and most of the electronics has been switched off, making things a bit more pleasant due to lack of booming stereos and TVs.

Contrast this with Homepro store in BigC Central road, the staff, although the staff are helpful and manage to get things I need quickly, If a staff is involved, they'd never managed to gruen-transfer me, often getting things I need and put it in a trolley and escort me to the Cashiers.

Certain stores can make having no staff work and I appreciates that they are passing on saving to customers, but that requires understanding customers, as the moment you start doing things differently you'll get compared to the ones with service immediately, and having staff around is a visible thing. (Looking at how fast food stores from McDonald's to KFCs adapt to have 'service' is quite telling)

At Ikea or Makro, there's usually no staff around unless they're working on their own things, but If you need something you can usually fetch one and they'll be useful.

I know I am a minority, but since there's already consumer-oriented store (Homeworks) in Central's Portfolio where an amount of hand-holding is expected to a store catering to professionals where more specialist help might be needed, but can be provided with less staff but with more in-depth knowledge.

Again, I appreciates you taking your time to discuss things with us, I look forward to visiting the new format stores once it open.

[DraxNet]

The Homepro store I used to shop in Bangkok that was closed down is at Central Bangna,(There are Homepros at Mega Bangna, Tesco in Bangna and Paradise Park that's in the same area) and the run-down one is Future Park Rangsit.

I work retail myself and I understand the importance of service. Often there are practically free staff(PCs or Product Consultant) given by the suppliers to look after their products

Just to be clear that HomePro and Homeworks are 2 different companies? HomePro is nothing to do with Central and (because of Homeworks) I'd have been surprised that Central would let them set up shop in one of their malls but you've got one over me on that one never having visited Rangsit mall. Homeworks as I understand don't have any Bangkok locations (Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen etc; they focus more on provincial business)

Thank-you for your insights though, and I agree with you on many points. I do hope I can meet as many people's expectations as possible when we open.

[balo]

Its nice to have available staff around but if they are not able to communicate in english with farang customers , its just a waste of time really .

[brummiebob]

Sorry, to clarify, the three Homepros that I mentioned in the area are not in Central's mall but is in the area where there used to be a Homework at Central Bangna. I enjoyed preferred Homework to Homepro actually. I just saw the state of Homeworks compared to Homepros and wondered if Central is refocussing their effort elsewhere.

Maybe once the area becomes quite 'developed' with houses in estate (Moo Ban) being after certain age the level of DIY drops off and Central just moves the stores to where the battlefront is, but still doesn't explain how they let Homepros take away Bangkok.

I don't know what percentage of shoppers in a DIY store is between homeowners and contractors, but Homeworks and Homepros seems geared towards the homeowners, with healthy mix between materials, furniture and appliances. Maybe the locations of certain stores when it was attached to Mall or hypermarkets is not convenient for contractors?

I see most of the work done in my affluent estate in Bangkok (Bang Na) is tearing down the old 10-20 house and starting with new builds, so mostly the shopping for materials will be by contractors. Whereas at my in-laws house in another, more middle class suburb that was affected by the flood a couple of years back (Rangsit to the North) sees the educated homeowner shop at 'professional' or Thai-styled diy stores more than Homework or Homepros now, with stores like "DoHome" or Homemart doing quite brisk business. So maybe professional oriented stores is where the market is

[NanLaew]

Is Kanyong still trading?

Usually a good source for discounted and end of line product sales. I need to replace some faucets in the new rental house since previous renter saw fit to remove the aerators. Also need a couple of farang-sized toilet seats. Looks like the landlady just bought some cheapo replacement ones from Tesco's and they fit Mrs NL's pert arse quite well but bloody uncomfortable for me.

[chickenslegs]

Is Kanyong still trading?

Usually a good source for discounted and end of line product sales. I need to replace some faucets in the new rental house since previous renter saw fit to remove the aerators. Also need a couple of farang-sized toilet seats. Looks like the landlady just bought some cheapo replacement ones from Tesco's and they fit Mrs NL's pert arse quite well but bloody uncomfortable for me.

I think Kanyong is still trading but not in Pattaya, where the store is now completely empty and undergoing renovations. The nearest Kanyong to Pattaya is now somewhere near Chonburi city AFAIK.

Regarding aerators - I have bought them as individual items in the past, I think from Homeworks (or maybe it was Boonthavorn), so no need to replace the whole tap (or faucet as you would call it).

Proper size toilet seats - there is an "American Standard" shop on Sukhumvit Road, East side, between the new flyover and Index Store - be prepared to pay considerably more than you would for the usual 'bog standard' replacement from Tesco.

[DraxNet]

Is Kanyong still trading?

Usually a good source for discounted and end of line product sales. I need to replace some faucets in the new rental house since previous renter saw fit to remove the aerators. Also need a couple of farang-sized toilet seats. Looks like the landlady just bought some cheapo replacement ones from Tesco's and they fit Mrs NL's pert arse quite well but bloody uncomfortable for me.

I think Kanyong is still trading but not in Pattaya, where the store is now completely empty and undergoing renovations. The nearest Kanyong to Pattaya is now somewhere near Chonburi city AFAIK.

Regarding aerators - I have bought them as individual items in the past, I think from Homeworks (or maybe it was Boonthavorn), so no need to replace the whole tap (or faucet as you would call it).

Proper size toilet seats - there is an "American Standard" shop on Sukhumvit Road, East side, between the new flyover and Index Store - be prepared to pay considerably more than you would for the usual 'bog standard' replacement from Tesco.

As mentioned KanYong as a business is no longer trading as an entity. It was bought out in July by Central Retail Group. Pattaya ex-KanYong is re-opening after extensive refurbishments on 14th Nov as Thai Watsadu. Chon Buri site is also closed with Thai Watsadu opening in Chon Buri on 22nd October. I believe the Kan Yong site still exists trading online as a Central Retail subsidiary.

Both of the products you mention will e available in both Thai Watsadu's but I quite understand if you can't wait that long for one to open!

[NanLaew]

Yup, drove past the now closed Kanyong yesterday. If Thai Watsadu is moving in, it will be a very small one. I shopped at their Kohn Kaen and new Udon Thani locations and they are HUGE byres of places akin to the size of Makro with regard to floor space and COVERED parking.

I think I may shoot over to Global House in Rayong as I reckon there's more chance of getting everything under one roof there.

PS. I noticed a lot of the stock in the new Thai Watsadu in Udon Thani had Homeworks stock labeling, on the packing cases as well as on some of the items on the shelves. I would assume that they are either affiliated with HW being the 'High Street' branding and TW the more commercial outlet? Or maybe they just bought a load of HW's overstock?

Edited September 5, 2013 by NanLaew

[LennyW]

Yup, drove past the now closed Kanyong yesterday. If Thai Watsadu is moving in, it will be a very small one. I shopped at their Kohn Kaen and new Udon Thani locations and they are HUGE byres of places akin to the size of Makro with regard to floor space and COVERED parking.

I think I may shoot over to Global House in Rayong as I reckon there's more chance of getting everything under one roof there.

PS. I noticed a lot of the stock in the new Thai Watsadu in Udon Thani had Homeworks stock labeling, on the packing cases as well as on some of the items on the shelves. I would assume that they are either affiliated with HW being the 'High Street' branding and TW the more commercial outlet? Or maybe they just bought a load of HW's overstock?

I believe there is a large Thai Watsadu on the 36 just before you come to the Rayong/Global house junction.

[DraxNet]

Yup, drove past the now closed Kanyong yesterday. If Thai Watsadu is moving in, it will be a very small one. I shopped at their Kohn Kaen and new Udon Thani locations and they are HUGE byres of places akin to the size of Makro with regard to floor space and COVERED parking.

I think I may shoot over to Global House in Rayong as I reckon there's more chance of getting everything under one roof there.

PS. I noticed a lot of the stock in the new Thai Watsadu in Udon Thani had Homeworks stock labeling, on the packing cases as well as on some of the items on the shelves. I would assume that they are either affiliated with HW being the 'High Street' branding and TW the more commercial outlet? Or maybe they just bought a load of HW's overstock?

The Pattaya Thai Watsadu will actually be the largest in terms of physical floor space because unlike the others there are multiple floors across 2 buildings. The huge sheds you refer to is the model for the other TWD's but Pattaya necessitated us doing something different. So you won't see the sky-high racking with top stock like the others etc.

Yes, we carry Homeworks stock because they are originally bought by the same company. TWD has a better ability to clear volume stock at discount prices whereas Homeworks is better at premium and selection. But the same products are available in both.

If you're going to go to GBH in Rayong, come and see me at the Thai Watsadu in Rayong (about 3 km further along) and I will see if I can help. (Just ask for the farang and they will know who you mean!)

[NanLaew]

Yup, drove past the now closed Kanyong yesterday. If Thai Watsadu is moving in, it will be a very small one. I shopped at their Kohn Kaen and new Udon Thani locations and they are HUGE byres of places akin to the size of Makro with regard to floor space and COVERED parking.

I think I may shoot over to Global House in Rayong as I reckon there's more chance of getting everything under one roof there.

PS. I noticed a lot of the stock in the new Thai Watsadu in Udon Thani had Homeworks stock labeling, on the packing cases as well as on some of the items on the shelves. I would assume that they are either affiliated with HW being the 'High Street' branding and TW the more commercial outlet? Or maybe they just bought a load of HW's overstock?

The Pattaya Thai Watsadu will actually be the largest in terms of physical floor space because unlike the others there are multiple floors across 2 buildings. The huge sheds you refer to is the model for the other TWD's but Pattaya necessitated us doing something different. So you won't see the sky-high racking with top stock like the others etc.

Yes, we carry Homeworks stock because they are originally bought by the same company. TWD has a better ability to clear volume stock at discount prices whereas Homeworks is better at premium and selection. But the same products are available in both.

If you're going to go to GBH in Rayong, come and see me at the Thai Watsadu in Rayong (about 3 km further along) and I will see if I can help. (Just ask for the farang and they will know who you mean!)

Thanks for that. Since I am a relatively new TW convert (the Udon one only opened about 3-4 months ago) before we relocated here, I will pop down your way over the weekend.

Is there an outlet of the other relative newcomer to the home stuff supplier down your way as well? Is it Home Hub or Do Home or similar?

[DraxNet]

Yup, drove past the now closed Kanyong yesterday. If Thai Watsadu is moving in, it will be a very small one. I shopped at their Kohn Kaen and new Udon Thani locations and they are HUGE byres of places akin to the size of Makro with regard to floor space and COVERED parking.

I think I may shoot over to Global House in Rayong as I reckon there's more chance of getting everything under one roof there.

PS. I noticed a lot of the stock in the new Thai Watsadu in Udon Thani had Homeworks stock labeling, on the packing cases as well as on some of the items on the shelves. I would assume that they are either affiliated with HW being the 'High Street' branding and TW the more commercial outlet? Or maybe they just bought a load of HW's overstock?

The Pattaya Thai Watsadu will actually be the largest in terms of physical floor space because unlike the others there are multiple floors across 2 buildings. The huge sheds you refer to is the model for the other TWD's but Pattaya necessitated us doing something different. So you won't see the sky-high racking with top stock like the others etc.

Yes, we carry Homeworks stock because they are originally bought by the same company. TWD has a better ability to clear volume stock at discount prices whereas Homeworks is better at premium and selection. But the same products are available in both.

If you're going to go to GBH in Rayong, come and see me at the Thai Watsadu in Rayong (about 3 km further along) and I will see if I can help. (Just ask for the farang and they will know who you mean!)

Thanks for that. Since I am a relatively new TW convert (the Udon one only opened about 3-4 months ago) before we relocated here, I will pop down your way over the weekend.

Is there an outlet of the other relative newcomer to the home stuff supplier down your way as well? Is it Home Hub or Do Home or similar?

Apologies, because I am a lazy farang I am not working this weekend, but nonetheless you're welcome to pop to Rayong. There is an notable increase in the number of farangs shopping there since I've been in Rayong for 3 months; not sure if that's the season and a lot are returning to their beach homes? Notwithstanding they're getting better at looking after English speakers.

Do Home is fairly new, but still older than us, nearest though I think is Chachengsow (sorry, I know that's a poor spelling). Hardware House has a brand new depot on Highway 36 into Rayong about 25km from Sukhamvit Rd junction in Pattaya. Home Hub have opened up in Ubon Ratchanthani and Khon Khaen but again, I don't think there are any nearby?