New (big) Big C nearer Sukhumvit?

[patsfangr]

Friendship and Villa are other markets with a lot of "western food" options that have been very popular for years. Seem odd that they haven't sought to expand with large facilities on the east side. I know that there are faults of one kind or another with both; but any LARGE supermarket, with a decent variety of western food options (Foodland, Friendship, Villa), would surely be a welcomed, and very successful addition to the east side. All we've got over here is row after row after row of shop houses (offering little or nothing of interest to foreign residents), interspersed with mini-markets, motorbike shops, and a handful of decent new small restaurants. No major shopping options. Damn shame.

[Asiantravel]

Friendship and Villa are other markets with a lot of "western food" options that have been very popular for years. Seem odd that they haven't sought to expand with large facilities on the east side. I know that there are faults of one kind or another with both; but any LARGE supermarket, with a decent variety of western food options (Foodland, Friendship, Villa), would surely be a welcomed, and very successful addition to the east side. All we've got over here is row after row after row of shop houses (offering little or nothing of interest to foreign residents), interspersed with mini-markets, motorbike shops, and a handful

of decent new small restaurants. No major shopping options. Damn shame.

People keep referring to these perceived missed opportunities for supermarket companies on the East side area but maybe they have already carried out their research and determined there wouldn't be the threshold population in that area alone.

Marks & Spencer or Waitrose talk about needing a threshold population of 70,000 people for one of their stores to be profitable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threshold_population

[Anthony5]

Friendship and Villa are other markets with a lot of "western food" options that have been very popular for years. Seem odd that they haven't sought to expand with large facilities on the east side. I know that there are faults of one kind or another with both; but any LARGE supermarket, with a decent variety of western food options (Foodland, Friendship, Villa), would surely be a welcomed, and very successful addition to the east side. All we've got over here is row after row after row of shop houses (offering little or nothing of interest to foreign residents), interspersed with mini-markets, motorbike shops, and a handful

of decent new small restaurants. No major shopping options. Damn shame.

People keep referring to these perceived missed opportunities for supermarket companies on the East side area but maybe they have already carried out their research and determined there wouldn't be the threshold population in that area alone.

Marks & Spencer or Waitrose talk about needing a threshold population of 70,000 people for one of their stores to be profitable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threshold_population

I think Villa should consider a branch on the East side, because at least 15 of their current customers live at that side of Sukhumvit.

[MrWorldwide]

Did I say that I know how much it cost?

Only someone who is completely detached from reality would not realise that the current foodland has more than 20 million Baht of goods and appliances on it's premises, and then you don't count the real estate.

Any chance we could lighten up on the project estimates, Councillor ? No-one here is seriously proposing to build a mega-Foodland, but for some reason you've chosen to take it all very seriously. Happy to discuss Big C given that its the topic of this post but the whole Foodland thing has been a fantasy from the get go - any plans to renovate either Big C have nothing to do with Foodland AFAIK - happy to hear otherwise.

[Anthony5]

Did I say that I know how much it cost?

Only someone who is completely detached from reality would not realise that the current foodland has more than 20 million Baht of goods and appliances on it's premises, and then you don't count the real estate.

Any chance we could lighten up on the project estimates, Councillor ? No-one here is seriously proposing to build a mega-Foodland, but for some reason you've chosen to take it all very seriously. Happy to discuss Big C given that its the topic of this post but the whole Foodland thing has been a fantasy from the get go - any plans to renovate either Big C have nothing to do with Foodland AFAIK - happy to hear otherwise.

Wasn't it you who brought up the foodland subject, but after it became clear that you were talking out of your rectum, you would want everyone drops it?

I reolied to a question from Tropo, so what's your issue?

[joepattaya1961]

What if there were a Foodland, about 3 times the size of the one on P. Klang, located about 6 kms east of Sukhumvit? Would it do any business?

Isn't there anybody with both brains and money enough to do this?!

Well Patsfarang, what would you say, if Foodland moves to the current BigC Extra at Klaang, since they copied their "Extra" concept to BigC South Pattaya.

A Foodland 6 km East of Sukhumvit........feasable? Don't think so.

[Degobuy]

I live behind Big C Extra and it's as busy as always you enter through 3rd road maybe he's talking about Big C on Pattaya Thai and Sukhmavit.

[Aseansnow]

I heard the comments on 103 FM, Iv been living on the darkside for 15 years, The way Pattaya including the darkside has expanded in this time is incredible, Its such a pain going into Pattaya to shop these days, Its crying out for a decent shopping mall and farang style supermarket with instore bakery and decent butchery and fishmonger. Please get on with it.

[KittenKong]

There can be little doubt that a large store somewhere on the darkside would attract many customers who dont want to cross Sukumvit to go shopping. Even I might go there from Jomtien rather than try to get to BigC on Klang, especially for the next three years during the roadworks.

But any new big store on the darkside would not really create new customers; it would just move them from the other stores in town. So I suppose that's why the store owners haven't done it so far.

[bkkjames]

There can be little doubt that a large store somewhere on the darkside would attract many customers who dont want to cross Sukumvit to go shopping. Even I might go there from Jomtien rather than try to get to BigC on Klang, especially for the next three years during the roadworks.

But any new big store on the darkside would not really create new customers; it would just move them from the other stores in town. So I suppose that's why the store owners haven't done it so far.

There is a medium sized Tesco on chaiyapruek 2. Much bigger than an express and much smaller than the one on sukhumvit

[patsfangr]

What if there were a Foodland, about 3 times the size of the one on P. Klang, located about 6 kms east of Sukhumvit? Would it do any business?

Isn't there anybody with both brains and money enough to do this?!

Well Patsfarang, what would you say, if Foodland moves to the current BigC Extra at Klaang, since they copied their "Extra" concept to BigC South Pattaya.

A Foodland 6 km East of Sukhumvit........feasable? Don't think so.

Never happen, Joe. Why would Big C give up a store with all the traffic that they get there?

Yes, I'd like that. But it doesn't address the primary reason for my raising the issue - the hassle of getting to and from a supermarket on the west side of Sukhumvit from here on the east side. I'd be perfectly happy with a major Big C or Tesco-Lotus over here. Happier with a more "western" supermarket. But anything would be better than the glut of small stock, limited variety mini-marts we have now.

[patsfangr]

There can be little doubt that a large store somewhere on the darkside would attract many customers who dont want to cross Sukumvit to go shopping. Even I might go there from Jomtien rather than try to get to BigC on Klang, especially for the next three years during the roadworks.

But any new big store on the darkside would not really create new customers; it would just move them from the other stores in town. So I suppose that's why the store owners haven't done it so far.

There is a medium sized Tesco on chaiyapruek 2. Much bigger than an express and much smaller than the one on sukhumvit

Been there, James. It's about the same size as the one behind Numchai. Neither has the variety of produce my (Thai) wife wants. Nor do they have a large variety of many other products. More than the mini-marts, yes. But still no where near the supermarkets. And they don't include large sections for non food or related items either - such as stationery, electronics, hardware, etc. (And no little coffee shops for me to sit in and wait for my wife to finish her 2 hour plus shopping trips either!) :-) They just don't meet the definition of "supermarket", or the needs of those who want to shop in supermarkets.

[MrWorldwide]

Wasn't it you who brought up the foodland subject, but after it became clear that you were talking out of your rectum, you would want everyone drops it?

I reolied to a question from Tropo, so what's your issue?

No, it wasnt - unless I also login under the board name patsfangr - see post #13. My issue is that you appear to be taking this very seriously given that its not on anyone's radar expect the aforementioned board member. I made a throwaway comment in reply to his wishful thinking post and you've chosen to deride me - that's how threads go downhill. Any chance we can get back to Big C ?

[KittenKong]

There can be little doubt that a large store somewhere on the darkside would attract many customers who dont want to cross Sukumvit to go shopping. Even I might go there from Jomtien rather than try to get to BigC on Klang, especially for the next three years during the roadworks.

But any new big store on the darkside would not really create new customers; it would just move them from the other stores in town. So I suppose that's why the store owners haven't done it so far.

There is a medium sized Tesco on chaiyapruek 2. Much bigger than an express and much smaller than the one on sukhumvit

Indeed. I've seen that one.

I was thinking more of a giant one with full bakery, butchery, fish counter etc, and a full range of imported items.

[PattayaPhom]

Even if true, a location on Sukhumvit would hardly be ideal. Once onto Suk, which currently can only be entered or crossed from north of P. Nua, or south of P. Tai on the east side; one would then have to drive a considerable distance to get back home.

What is needed, and has been needed for several years, is a major supermarket a few kms east of Sukhumvit; perhaps on Soi Siam CC, east of the intersection with Nonprue Road (traffic signal 4.5 kms east of Suk); or on Chayapornwithi, again, east of the intersection with Nongprue Road. Both are major, 4 lane roads, with, it appears, plenty of space in the areas mentioned to build a full size supermarket with adequate parking. As noted many times before, there is now more than adequate population, both Thai and falang, on the east side to support such a business.

At any given time in Big C or Lotus guesstimate 50% customers are tourists, they certainly wouldn't be interested in going out that far to shop

[emilymat]

I posted before about Big C in Klang. I packed in going because, going early was offset by the lack of cashiers on the tills. Honestly, I spent 30 mins shopping on my last visit at 9am on a Saturday and nearly 20 mins in a queue at the checkout.

For some time there has been talk of a big development - including a large supermarket - on the stretch of land on the bend of Soi Siam Country Club, just before the lake. This may or may not materialise but certainly little or nothing is happening yet.

Those ads about Big C on the radio can drive you crazy. "The money you save means I don't have to work"! I don't think anyone can say Big C is particularly cheap.

I suppose many, like me, who live by the lake, are now having to change shopping habits as travelling to Pattaya in the car (can't shop on m/bike) is a major logistical problem trying to gauge best route and time.

[NanLaew]

Just think; in about 3 years from now when the tunnel is completed, all the incredibly challenged dark-siders will be able to resume trawling for overpriced, poor quality goods a the current Big C Extra, including the glacial check-out lanes again.

[BB1950]

For all you wishful thinkers out there!

Have you ever seen a Big C or Tesco/Lotus superstore/hyper-mart built anywhere in Thailand since 2006?

When did Carrefour decide to quit doing business in Thailand and put the Carrefour stores up for sale in Thailand?

Do you know why?

When did a mini-Big C or mini-Tesco/Lotus start appearing?

I'll bet you, you didn't see any pre-2006 anywhere in Thailand!

Instead, there was a rapid expansion of Big C, Tesco/Lotus, and Carrefour superstores/hyper-marts being built all over Thailand!

When did the rapid expansion start? Who was prime minister at the time?

Who was complaining to the government about the rapid expansion of superstores/hyper-marts taking place at the time?

What was done about the massive complaints and when?

What happened in 2006?

Unless the politics and business restrictions changes radically, you won't see another Big C or Tesco/Lotus superstore/hyper-mart will built anywhere in Thailand again!

Quit talking about building a Big C Tesco/Lotus superstore or hyper-mart on the east-side!

It has nothing to do with demographics!

The talks are all just only rumors!

Usually the rumors turn out to be a mini-Big-C or mini-Tesco/Lotus.

Haven't you wondered why?

It'll never happen anywhere soon!

[pegman]

Amazing Thailand. A whole thread based on maybe something an 80's "Smashie and Nicey" style DJ might or might not have said.

There is a fading sign on Theprasit Road hailing the fact that Foodland is coming soon to Jomtien....I am not about to go purple in the face holding my breath for that to happen...

For those that don't know, look up Harry Enfield...ref DJ style.

The story I read said in a year or 2 depending on economic conditions. Sooner the better I hope.

[NanLaew]

Back on Fabulous 103 FM, it sounds like Big C are promoting their Pattaya Tai @ Sukhumvit location as the solution to the traffic woes, not their former Carrefour edifice. Has anyone shopped at the Big C Pattaya Tai and seen any big changes for the foreigners like a new butchers section, more imported goods, etc..?

[Anthony5]

Back on Fabulous 103 FM, it sounds like Big C are promoting their Pattaya Tai @ Sukhumvit location as the solution to the traffic woes, not their former Carrefour edifice. Has anyone shopped at the Big C Pattaya Tai and seen any big changes for the foreigners like a new butchers section, more imported goods, etc..?

I suspect they just try to talk up their dead shop at Pattaya Tai. Don't expect any improvements, Big C only goes the opposite direction, as talk is cheap.

[NanLaew]

Back on Fabulous 103 FM, it sounds like Big C are promoting their Pattaya Tai @ Sukhumvit location as the solution to the traffic woes, not their former Carrefour edifice. Has anyone shopped at the Big C Pattaya Tai and seen any big changes for the foreigners like a new butchers section, more imported goods, etc..?

I suspect they just try to talk up their dead shop at Pattaya Tai. Don't expect any improvements, Big C only goes the opposite direction, as talk is cheap.

That's why I am asking if anyone has actually visited Big C on Tai and observed any of the changes that they are claiming in adverts and promo news slots on 103? When I started this thread, they had a promo on the radio where they mentioned that the farang manager of their butcher shop and other staff had worked hard on moving some part of their Klang operation to the 'new' location without specifically saying it was the Tai shop, just claiming it was more accessible.

I am a very infrequent Big C or Tesco-Lotus user but I guess I will go and have a look myself.

[ThaiBob]

Back on Fabulous 103 FM, it sounds like Big C are promoting their Pattaya Tai @ Sukhumvit location as the solution to the traffic woes, not their former Carrefour edifice. Has anyone shopped at the Big C Pattaya Tai and seen any big changes for the foreigners like a new butchers section, more imported goods, etc..?

I suspect they just try to talk up their dead shop at Pattaya Tai. Don't expect any improvements, Big C only goes the opposite direction, as talk is cheap.

That's why I am asking if anyone has actually visited Big C on Tai and observed any of the changes that they are claiming in adverts and promo news slots on 103? When I started this thread, they had a promo on the radio where they mentioned that the farang manager of their butcher shop and other staff had worked hard on moving some part of their Klang operation to the 'new' location without specifically saying it was the Tai shop, just claiming it was more accessible.

I am a very infrequent Big C or Tesco-Lotus user but I guess I will go and have a look myself.

I was there this afternoon. The bakery, butcher's section looked the same to me. The section where they have the barbecue chicken may have some new items but I'm not sure. Any improvements are minor and mostly hype.

Edited March 10, 2015 by ThaiBob