Promenada - The Beginning of The End?

[JLT]

I visited SF Cinema at the Promenada Mall today. As usual the place was eerily quiet (on both sides) but I noticed that Uni Qlo have shut up shop and the roller-skating rink has also gone along with some of the smaller shops.

Speaking to one of the staff at SF Cinema she said that they are averaging less than 100 customers a day and that her "bosses" were constantly checking the ticket sales.

I know there are a number of different incentives to visit Promenada but without a regular, daily flow of customers visiting the stores and using the various (far too numerous?) restaurants it's difficult to see where this mall is going and how long it can survive.

It makes me wonder who was repsonsible for pulling the business plan together and how they managed to get it so wrong.

[eyecatcher]

It was the beginning of the end the day it opened......didnt it open when only two businesses were ready?

I went for the first time in the run up to xmas. I was looking for shoes. Findig or Bata sorted but they are not there just some cheap charity affair. No shoe shops.

Ok i need to destress where is the coffee shop must be at least 4; haha i didnt find one!

What a depressing place it was. I was one of 50people and felt like everyone was staring at you.

I will never go back its the biggest waste of many peoples money i think i have seen in chiang mai.

Sad for the lessees inparticular.

[bangmai]

Well, they had one fewer customers this week. I didn't take the free secret shuttle there to go to immigration, but caught a ride with my GF. It is somewhat of a PIA to get there from the west side/Nimman area....and even for those on the East side; it is easier to get to AP Plaza, Maya, or KSK.

[Greenside]

If UniQlo have really pulled down the shutters that's a serious blow indeed. They were pretty much the anchor along with Rimping, although neither could really be described as such in the normal scheme of things. To be honest I can't see the attraction of UniQlo - nice colours and an attractive store, but with prices that even on promotion look uncompetitive with Europe, let alone local vendors I don't see where they expect the volume to come from.

[bangmai]

that electronics/appliance store upstairs to the rear didn't seem to be very competitive with Siam Electronics on the items I priced.

[mania]

Agreed UniQlo is the big shop on that side but I dont see Prom closing anytime soon.

Also Uni was a pretty good store but even at Airport mall they never seem that busy

Then again it is a large store so would need a lot of folks to make one look busy

Maybe Prom should just be a giant indoor restaurant mall

BTW: Has anyone tried the nightly shows in the center section?

Was curious if the music was any good & been meaning to check it out.

[Mapguy]

I very rarely talk about shopping malls because I don't visit them very much, but I have made three or four visits to Promenada to eat or to visit Rimping. The other day I saw a news article about people being disaffected with shopping malls in America. I don't know about that, but Chiang Mai (if you are to read ThaiVisa) is enamoured by shopping malls, and so are local people.

In Chiang Mai, I would say that Promenada is probably in the right place but built too soon if you are a believer in "urban sprawl." Its design is probably too innovative for a mall, and you can become disoriented by the two buildings and where things are. If you look at Central Festival in comparison, Central Festival is a money machine. Maya is a smaller "speciality mall," with bars on the roof. With the Grandview and new Eastern hotels nearby and the Huey Kaew Super Highway and Nimmenhammen access, it attracts tourists and has some "flair."

Kad Suan Kaew, the "ugly sister," struggles on. It was poorly designed to start off with, but it seems to have a relatively strong core. Of course one should not expect to find international brand stores there. But so what? Too bad the management are such "sticky sh*ts," to translate the vernacular, about taking care of the place.

But the really hurtful effect of these malls is what they have done to ruin local businesses. Yes, malls are convenient, et cetera, et cetera, but it is sad to see smaller shops get squeezed out by malls and the "big box" stores. They obliterate a sense of place --- what is your neighborhood and what is Chiang Mai.

Perhaps it is sentimental silliness to think so, but I think it is sad.

[Paagai]

In Chiang Mai, I would say that Promenada is probably in the right place but built too soon if you are a believer in "urban sprawl."

That hits the nail on the head. It is far too early to start predicting its demise, this type of project is (or at least should be ) built looking at the long term return over 20-30 years. They may yet have the last laugh

[northernjohn]

It was the beginning of the end the day it opened......didnt it open when only two businesses were ready?

I went for the first time in the run up to xmas. I was looking for shoes. Findig or Bata sorted but they are not there just some cheap charity affair. No shoe shops.

Ok i need to destress where is the coffee shop must be at least 4; haha i didnt find one!

What a depressing place it was. I was one of 50people and felt like everyone was staring at you.

I will never go back its the biggest waste of many peoples money i think i have seen in chiang mai.

Sad for the lessees inparticular.

Have you ever been there?

[true blue]

It was the beginning of the end the day it opened......didnt it open when only two businesses were ready?

I went for the first time in the run up to xmas. I was looking for shoes. Findig or Bata sorted but they are not there just some cheap charity affair. No shoe shops.

Ok i need to destress where is the coffee shop must be at least 4; haha i didnt find one!

What a depressing place it was. I was one of 50people and felt like everyone was staring at you.

I will never go back its the biggest waste of many peoples money i think i have seen in chiang mai.

Sad for the lessees inparticular.

Have you ever been there?

do you just jump in on peoples posts with out first reading them,he stated he went there before xmas,duh.

[elektrified]

I don't think Promenada is going anywhere. I don't know about Uniqlo but it doesn't surprise me as the clothes were hideous and Thais didn't like them. I think they were aiming at the Chinese market to sell the clothes??? But I have only ever seen a few Chinese tourists there.

eyecatcher, there are a couple of shoe shops in the one building where the cinema is. I think the shoes on offer are all imported, but I'm not sure.

mania, the music was on Saturday and Sunday nights and they recently added Friday night too. Yes, some of the artists were excellent. Having said that, the artists performing during the Christmas holidays were not as good. I hope the others come back... It's a nice evening out with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. They have cocktails and beer on sale and priced reasonably along with the usual Thai snack foods.

I don't understand how the cinema survives but I love going as it feels like a private screening every time.

We like going there and shopping at Rimping and Tsuruha (they have good promotions), dining at the Dukes or Ragu, having coffee, and going to the cinema or listening to music outside. We also like going to Toys R Us and looking. If we see something we like, then we make note of it and buy it for whole lot less on the Internet or from contacts in Bangkok.

We've tried some of the Japanese-ish restaurants but didn't think any of them were much good so we stick with the ones we like.

[Sparkles]

I very rarely talk about shopping malls because I don't visit them very much, but I have made three or four visits to Promenada to eat or to visit Rimping. The other day I saw a news article about people being disaffected with shopping malls in America. I don't know about that, but Chiang Mai (if you are to read ThaiVisa) is enamoured by shopping malls, and so are local people.

In Chiang Mai, I would say that Promenada is probably in the right place but built too soon if you are a believer in "urban sprawl." Its design is probably too innovative for a mall, and you can become disoriented by the two buildings and where things are. If you look at Central Festival in comparison, Central Festival is a money machine. Maya is a smaller "speciality mall," with bars on the roof. With the Grandview and new Eastern hotels nearby and the Huey Kaew Super Highway and Nimmenhammen access, it attracts tourists and has some "flair."

Kad Suan Kaew, the "ugly sister," struggles on. It was poorly designed to start off with, but it seems to have a relatively strong core. Of course one should not expect to find international brand stores there. But so what? Too bad the management are such "sticky sh*ts," to translate the vernacular, about taking care of the place.

But the really hurtful effect of these malls is what they have done to ruin local businesses. Yes, malls are convenient, et cetera, et cetera, but it is sad to see smaller shops get squeezed out by malls and the "big box" stores. They obliterate a sense of place --- what is your neighborhood and what is Chiang Mai.

Perhaps it is sentimental silliness to think so, but I think it is sad.

Kad Suan Kaew,the ugly sister as you correctly say, has been there a long time so architecturally we can forgive them for it just being a brick box. However if you took a survey on any particular day there would be a huge percentage that shop there because they can either walk there or get there easily by utilising a songteaw. Throw in a busy, well stocked supermarket,Central,all the banks and a relatively cheap food court and it is what it is ...a shopping centre. On the rare occasions we go there there is also a high volume of students who while they might not be buying high price items its provides revenue for the smaller shops,they too can access it easily from their campus.

There are simply not enough bigger retailers at Promenada to attract customers.

Unless there is a population explosion around the Promenada area,and they may have to wait 10-20 years for that to happen the owners will need very deep pockets and the small retailers will just wither on the vine.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

"Pomdada" is my kid's favorite mall.

And actually also the only one I don't hate going to. The bank branches there are also a blessing.. fast service, not too much waiting. Opened a couple accounts there.

And then I'd never thought I would ever go to a mall-based restaurant, but Duke's and Ragu made that happen.

Same with Chi Chang, the electronics & computer store. Bought a lot of stuff there again because it's such a relaxed experience, and the items I bought were the same price as in other places (I did call Siam TV to ask just in case. )

[Thailand]

Promenada simply seems to be in the wrong place.

As has been previously mentioned, turn it over to immigration to deal with the hordes then they will have too much space! (-:

[LawrenceChee]

Promenade is in talks over major changeover of hands in the coming months

The owners seem to have it in their heads and I believe the new concept will work

They are merging the concepts from Singapore and HK into a kiddie mall

Floor 1 - all sorts of kiddie clothes , school stuff etc etc

Floor 2 - schools of all kinds ballet, speech, sports, children gym etc etc

Floor 3 - intermixed with banks and the usual restaurant suspects

If they get the price right ...the boom will happen in Promenada as mothers from al over Chiangmai bring their kids there for lessons, stop over at Rimping , do their banking and then TomTom for a gossip and tea with their mums group all while waiting for kiddo to be the next champion

Enjoy the parking and less crowded cinema while it last

[mamborobert]

I'm still a fan of relocating all of the Loi Kroh bars to Promenda!....and perhaps a chunk of the karoke bars as well

Aircon, lighting, good food available, parking (undercover for bikes no less when it rains), no wandering LBs, reduction in criticism of the Loi Kroh street, bigger bars, better furniture and seating, large flat screen TVs, tuk tuk, tour buses and taxi ranks, perhaps a medical practice, neon neon neon, fully utilize the alfresco areas, decent toilets, could cater for Malaysian/Koreans/Japanese/Chinese visitors, ATMs, .plenty of places to launch lanterns/fireworks at festivals/parties, clean, no hawkers, easy obstacle free walking from one venue to another ....a veritable tourist Mecca

Done properly would sh*t on Soi Cowboy, Patpong etc but alas with current regime do not see this as a happening....maybe my dream complex name of Thaksinland is simply going to far.

I have a dream.......

[Loptr]

It was the beginning of the end the day it opened......didnt it open when only two businesses were ready?

I went for the first time in the run up to xmas. I was looking for shoes. Findig or Bata sorted but they are not there just some cheap charity affair. No shoe shops.

Ok i need to destress where is the coffee shop must be at least 4; haha i didnt find one!

What a depressing place it was. I was one of 50people and felt like everyone was staring at you.

I will never go back its the biggest waste of many peoples money i think i have seen in chiang mai.

Sad for the lessees inparticular.

Have you ever been there?

do you just jump in on peoples posts with out first reading them,he stated he went there before xmas,duh.

It's a valid question if someone says that can't find a coffee shop in Promenada... There's only about 6 that I can think of...

I ate at Duke's at Promenada yesterday afternoon around 5:00pm... I was the only customer...

This mall is fighting an uphill battle being so close the Central Festival and not having an anchor department store...

[Beng]

"Pomdada" is my kid's favorite mall.

And actually also the only one I don't hate going to. The bank branches there are also a blessing.. fast service, not too much waiting. Opened a couple accounts there.

And then I'd never thought I would ever go to a mall-based restaurant, but Duke's and Ragu made that happen.

Same with Chi Chang, the electronics & computer store. Bought a lot of stuff there again because it's such a relaxed experience, and the items I bought were the same price as in other places (I did call Siam TV to ask just in case. )

Agreed...Chi Chang offers excellent service. The Rimping is a good one. Easy parking too. Only the food court lacks in regard of choice.

[alfieconn]

If UniQlo have really pulled down the shutters that's a serious blow indeed. They were pretty much the anchor along with Rimping, although neither could really be described as such in the normal scheme of things. To be honest I can't see the attraction of UniQlo - nice colours and an attractive store, but with prices that even on promotion look uncompetitive with Europe, let alone local vendors I don't see where they expect the volume to come from.

To be fair Greenside the quality is a lot superior than you would get at a local vendor and the prices are on a par with other outlets at Airport Plaza and Festival !

[Dante99]

Promenade is in talks over major changeover of hands in the coming months

The owners seem to have it in their heads and I believe the new concept will work

They are merging the concepts from Singapore and HK into a kiddie mall

Floor 1 - all sorts of kiddie clothes , school stuff etc etc

Floor 2 - schools of all kinds ballet, speech, sports, children gym etc etc

Floor 3 - intermixed with banks and the usual restaurant suspects

If they get the price right ...the boom will happen in Promenada as mothers from al over Chiangmai bring their kids there for lessons, stop over at Rimping , do their banking and then TomTom for a gossip and tea with their mums group all while waiting for kiddo to be the next champion

Enjoy the parking and less crowded cinema while it last

Not too sure about the Kiddie Mall idea but do think it is very likely that the Promenada will be sold.

[elektrified]

I ate at Duke's at Promenada yesterday afternoon around 5:00pm... I was the only customer...

Having been to Promenada at least 40 times, I can assure you that was a "one off" although 17:00 is sort of between lunch and the dinner hours. It is almost always completely packed (with perhaps 70% Thais) day and evening.

[anonymouse]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

It was the beginning of the end the day it opened......didnt it open when only two businesses were ready?
I went for the first time in the run up to xmas. I was looking for shoes. Findig or Bata sorted but they are not there just some cheap charity affair. No shoe shops.
Ok i need to destress where is the coffee shop must be at least 4; haha i didnt find one!
What a depressing place it was. I was one of 50people and felt like everyone was staring at you.
I will never go back its the biggest waste of many peoples money i think i have seen in chiang mai.

Sad for the lessees inparticular.

Have you ever been there?

do you just jump in on peoples posts with out first reading them,he stated he went there before xmas,duh.

In his defense it might have been this comment 'Ok i need to destress where is the coffee shop must be at least 4; haha i didnt find one!

You'd have to be blind to miss the plethora of Coffee shops in this mall.

Personally I think the Mall looks good, Rimping is nice as well as Dave Dukes two restaurants, the cinema is fine and you don't find yourself packed in like sardines when viewing here. The negatives are that it is a pain to get to if you are using public transport and a real lack of interesting shops.

[Gonzo the Face]

I'm still a fan of relocating all of the Loi Kroh bars to Promenda!....and perhaps a chunk of the karoke bars as well

Aircon, lighting, good food available, parking (undercover for bikes no less when it rains), no wandering LBs, reduction in criticism of the Loi Kroh street, bigger bars, better furniture and seating, large flat screen TVs, tuk tuk, tour buses and taxi ranks, perhaps a medical practice, neon neon neon, fully utilize the alfresco areas, decent toilets, could cater for Malaysian/Koreans/Japanese/Chinese visitors, ATMs, .plenty of places to launch lanterns/fireworks at festivals/parties, clean, no hawkers, easy obstacle free walking from one venue to another ....a veritable tourist Mecca

Done properly would sh*t on Soi Cowboy, Patpong etc but alas with current regime do not see this as a happening....maybe my dream complex name of Thaksinland is simply going to far.

I have a dream.......

Would you adjust the name to Porn-mans-aid ...... could save a lot of money on signage.

[Diplomatico]

I'm still a fan of relocating all of the Loi Kroh bars to Promenda!....and perhaps a chunk of the karoke bars as well

Aircon, lighting, good food available, parking (undercover for bikes no less when it rains), no wandering LBs, reduction in criticism of the Loi Kroh street, bigger bars, better furniture and seating, large flat screen TVs, tuk tuk, tour buses and taxi ranks, perhaps a medical practice, neon neon neon, fully utilize the alfresco areas, decent toilets, could cater for Malaysian/Koreans/Japanese/Chinese visitors, ATMs, .plenty of places to launch lanterns/fireworks at festivals/parties, clean, no hawkers, easy obstacle free walking from one venue to another ....a veritable tourist Mecca

Done properly would sh*t on Soi Cowboy, Patpong etc but alas with current regime do not see this as a happening....maybe my dream complex name of Thaksinland is simply going to far.

I have a dream.......

Nana North?

Khao Soi Cowboy?

[northernjohn]

It was the beginning of the end the day it opened......didnt it open when only two businesses were ready?

I went for the first time in the run up to xmas. I was looking for shoes. Findig or Bata sorted but they are not there just some cheap charity affair. No shoe shops.

Ok i need to destress where is the coffee shop must be at least 4; haha i didnt find one!

What a depressing place it was. I was one of 50people and felt like everyone was staring at you.

I will never go back its the biggest waste of many peoples money i think i have seen in chiang mai.

Sad for the lessees inparticular.

Have you ever been there?

do you just jump in on peoples posts with out first reading them,he stated he went there before xmas,duh.

I don't care if he was there the seventh day. How in the hell would you come up with a figure of 50 people in a mall that has two buildings and several floors. Do you believe every thing posted on Thai Visa with out thinking?

People make mistakes when they post but some are out right fabrications and any one with the sense God gave a goose would know it. Or maybe you have never been there and have no idea of the size and lay out of the mall.

[clokwise]

Their "haunted house" thing still seems to be going, or did they just not have any resources to take it down after Halloween?

I was at Promenada last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the outdoor music and food thing. And it was packed (mostly well to do Thai families). One band consisting of 3 young Thai guys were possibly the best western music cover band I've ever heard in Thailand, even despite not having a drummer. No hint of any accent, they were superb musicians, and they played really cool obscure songs.

[Somnambulist]

What are the hours and days for the live music? tia

[mania]

What are the hours and days for the live music? tia

Looks like 5-10:30 Sat & Sun

But elektrified said Fridays too?

Could be they have not updated their website

http://www.promenadachiangmai.com/th/news-events/Great%20Night%20Out%20@%20Prom/48

[maanoi]

The cinemas rent is on a commission based deal (which im guessing most if not all malls do with cinemas?) Having said that I doubt they can even pay the staff and electric bills.

[elektrified]

What are the hours and days for the live music? tia

Looks like 5-10:30 Sat & Sun

But elektrified said Fridays too?

Could be they have not updated their website

No.

It's more like 18:30-23:30 or even later, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday is a fairly recent addition - about 2 months now. I wouldn't use their website as a reference as the outdoor music thing has taken on a life of its own. For a while they also had a boot sale with classic cars on Saturday nights but now that seems to be gone. The first few months they had some really great artists that rotated but now that has changed again and there are different artists there now. Like I said earlier not as good as the groups before, but still good.

For the first few months I rarely ever saw another farang there, but recently I have noticed a lot more farangs there on weekend nights so it seems to be catching on. Just a word of warning: stick with beer as the ladies who pour the cocktails - as nice as they are - don't mix very good drinks. They are always mixed way too sweet.