Avenue shopping centre looking decidedly poorly

[tropo]

As long as Villa remains...

I went to Villa about 3 weeks ago. Asked for a second plastic bag, to separate some of my bought goods. The check-out girl asked for 10 baht for a second bag (and pointed to piece of paper on the counter confirming the charge) . I told her that I wasn't paying 10 baht for a bag that advertises Villa Market, and that this practice (of having to pay to advertise where I had shopped) had been stopped in the UK. I also said that I thought that 10 baht was a bit expensive anyway for a plastic bag, and she told me to f*** off. I complained to the manager, who wasn't interested, and to the two girls at "customer service". When I asked them if they thought it was okay for their staff to speak to customers in such a a way, they said they "didn't know". That made me laugh, as it is often typical of customer service in Thailand. But, I won't be using Villa any more.

I'd say the staff at Villa Market would take first prize for being the rudest in Pattaya... and that's saying something. It's so quiet that when customers do come through, they're considered a disturbance to their free time.

Watch the prices carefully upon checkout. Sale prices are often not updated in the system.

[Jingthing]

Think it's been around 7-10 years. Never been in.

Couldn't be bothered to cross the road to go have a look.

A shopping mall in sex town, big deal.

There used to be a big restaurant there, before they knocked it sown to build Avenue Mall. I think it was Vientienne, before it moved to near Big C. Always busy, with whistles blowing as the serving staff rushed to get to tables with the food. Ate there many times.

Yes i remember the restaurant and the whistling waiters.

Happy times

Vientiane is still there its further down second road as you walk towards royal garden about at Soi 13/2, the Avenue complex used to nee a very large open air bar complex

I don't think that's true.

[toenail]

The BKK company that owns this establishment most likely owns other businesses so do not care about the future of the place. I have a gut feeling the rent is too expensive which is typical in Pattaya. (Look at how many places that have moved out since it opened.)

If the owners were into making the place a success, they would need to get the city permission to build a pedestrian walkway across 2nd Road - or would it be cheaper to hire a fellow blowing a whistle to help people cross the street. Nothing on that side of 2nd Street will be successful since the traffic flow is non-stop. Many of the customers are tourists and they do not drive cars around to park in the rear parking lot.They walk...

Next- This is for the rumor mill- but the reason for some of the buildings to be emptied (such as where the hair salon was before on the 2nd floor is because a big fitness center is moving in. If that is true, then we gym rats will be happy. We all miss California Fitness.

[phycokiller]

I like the trees, its my favourite shopping mall

[onemorechang]

I like the trees, its my favourite shopping mall

You take care shopping for lady-boys .

Dangerous business, at the Tree Mall

[SantiSuk]

Funniest thing I've read on ThaiV this week. Something to do with the awkward juxtaposition of environmentalism, customer resistance, land of smiles, unexpected realism. Classic comedy material a la Little Britain/Python/Rick Mayall. Told deadpan - you quite made my day. Are u a retired comedy writer?

[SantiSuk]

I was talking about Tony Ms posting in case that's not obvious.

[Thainess]

As long as Villa remains...

I went to Villa about 3 weeks ago. Asked for a second plastic bag, to separate some of my bought goods. The check-out girl asked for 10 baht for a second bag (and pointed to piece of paper on the counter confirming the charge) . I told her that I wasn't paying 10 baht for a bag that advertises Villa Market, and that this practice (of having to pay to advertise where I had shopped) had been stopped in the UK. I also said that I thought that 10 baht was a bit expensive anyway for a plastic bag, and she told me to f*** off. I complained to the manager, who wasn't interested, and to the two girls at "customer service". When I asked them if they thought it was okay for their staff to speak to customers in such a a way, they said they "didn't know". That made me laugh, as it is often typical of customer service in Thailand. But, I won't be using Villa any more.

I'm genuinely shocked that she told you to "F.... off"!

Actually, I think she probably said "F*** you!" She was asking to meet you after she finished work.

[striderman]

the restaurant on the ground floor near the escalators that closed was called all seasons

california wow, it was the entire group that went bust not just the avenue branch

the only positive thing going on right now is the planned april opening of beerfest next to au bon pain near the barracuda hotel

[Tony M]

Funniest thing I've read on ThaiV this week. Something to do with the awkward juxtaposition of environmentalism, customer resistance, land of smiles, unexpected realism. Classic comedy material a la Little Britain/Python/Rick Mayall. Told deadpan - you quite made my day. Are u a retired comedy writer?

Thank you, SantiSuk. I'm not a comedy writer by any means. I had actually pretty much forgotten about the incident, as it didn't really stand out from other "customer service" I have received in Thailand ( I'm assuming it happens to others too ? If not, then maybe it's just me who inspires such responses). I'm now leaning towards Thainess' view of the incident, that is that she was trying to arrange a meeting later that day. I guess it could have been a question, Thainess, rather than a statement

[TheCruncher]

Watch the prices carefully upon checkout. Sale prices are often not updated in the system.

But since prices in Thailand, and especially Villa, only increase these days it can only be an advatage if they aren't updated at the check out.

[tropo]

Watch the prices carefully upon checkout. Sale prices are often not updated in the system.

But since prices in Thailand, and especially Villa, only increase these days it can only be an advatage if they aren't updated at the check out.

The problem has mainly been on items marked down. They are the only items I can afford at Villa.

[Tolley]

Watch the prices carefully upon checkout. Sale prices are often not updated in the system.

But since prices in Thailand, and especially Villa, only increase these days it can only be an advatage if they aren't updated at the check out.

The problem has mainly been on items marked down. They are the only items I can afford at Villa.

I have heard people complaining about that before when I was in there.

With their mark ups Villa only need a couple of customers a day to pay all the wages and expenses

Still there are things there I cant get anywhere else so I am a regular.

[petermik]

The place has been a white elephant since day one and in no way reflects the economic climate in Pattaya. Who would build a "High End" mall outdoors in a tropical country?

And yet so many people seem willing to spend their time wandering around in often unbearable heat under tarpaulin sheets at the markets near Tukom on Tuesdays and Fridays as well as the large market areas such as the one opposite Central Festival on second road?

Yes but this market (soi Bukhaow) has "character" and much cheaper prices

[tropo]

The place has been a white elephant since day one and in no way reflects the economic climate in Pattaya. Who would build a "High End" mall outdoors in a tropical country?

And yet so many people seem willing to spend their time wandering around in often unbearable heat under tarpaulin sheets at the markets near Tukom on Tuesdays and Fridays as well as the large market areas such as the one opposite Central Festival on second road?

Yes but this market (soi Bukhaow) has "character" and much cheaper prices

You're not really getting cheaper prices at the markets. You're being sold poor quality, copy rubbish at double or triple it's real worth. You can find far better deals in The Avenue outlets and Central if you shop around for deals and you'll get better quality, genuine items.

[KittenKong]

You're not really getting cheaper prices at the markets. You're being sold poor quality, copy rubbish at double or triple it's real worth. You can find far better deals in The Avenue outlets and Central if you shop around for deals and you'll get better quality, genuine items.

Are they really genuine? I would be unable to tell. I also dont know what would be a good price.

Personally I buy my trainers from Tesco for 499B. Each pair lasts me around a year and they seem fine. I really dont give a XXXX whether they have a brand name printed on them or not.

[anto]

As long as Villa remains...

I went to Villa about 3 weeks ago. Asked for a second plastic bag, to separate some of my bought goods. The check-out girl asked for 10 baht for a second bag (and pointed to piece of paper on the counter confirming the charge) . I told her that I wasn't paying 10 baht for a bag that advertises Villa Market, and that this practice (of having to pay to advertise where I had shopped) had been stopped in the UK. I also said that I thought that 10 baht was a bit expensive anyway for a plastic bag, and she told me to f*** off. I complained to the manager, who wasn't interested, and to the two girls at "customer service". When I asked them if they thought it was okay for their staff to speak to customers in such a a way, they said they "didn't know". That made me laugh, as it is often typical of customer service in Thailand. But, I won't be using Villa any more.

I doubt you will be missed T.B.H .All over Europe you will be charged far more for just one plastic bag ,and there is a good reason for than . .

[anto]

>>Actually, I think she probably said "F*** you!" She was asking to meet you after she finished work.<<

She wasnt but that gave me a laugh .

[homeseeker]

agree she probably said or meant "F*** you". And her being an "old" bag, you could pay her less than 10 baht!

[Asiantravel]

In a similar vein..... The Bay Mall seems to have ground to a halt as well.

you mean construction has stopped?

It just looks like another version of Royal Garden Plaza to me

Maybe they are on interior fit out but the place looks like a ghost town whenever I go past.

I stopped and had a good look this morning and they are not on interior fit out. You are right it looks like the whole place has come to a sudden halt.

I guess from the moment a building like that starts to be built until now a lot of things can happen such as the downbeat expectations regarding global economic activity since October of last year.

[Dirk_brijs]

this is a prime example how some people with money here are stubborn with what they do they dont care if it works or not if it works great if the concept doesnt work so what why even try to change it???

This is a prime location and everyone with a little brain could turn this in the busiest and most financial successfull place in Pattaya but than again why try they have a concept and thats what they stick with.

Anyway if any of their management reads this I am available lol and dont come cheap if a new concept is wished for lol.

[gk10002000]

The place has been a white elephant since day one and in no way reflects the economic climate in Pattaya. Who would build a "High End" mall outdoors in a tropical country?

Yeah, a terrible place. Doesn't fit any needs. A bad mix of indoors and outdoors, not easy to walk between stores or floors. McDonalds might be the only steady rent payer!

[fred110]

As long as Villa remains...

I went to Villa about 3 weeks ago. Asked for a second plastic bag, to separate some of my bought goods. The check-out girl asked for 10 baht for a second bag (and pointed to piece of paper on the counter confirming the charge) . I told her that I wasn't paying 10 baht for a bag that advertises Villa Market, and that this practice (of having to pay to advertise where I had shopped) had been stopped in the UK. I also said that I thought that 10 baht was a bit expensive anyway for a plastic bag, and she told me to f*** off. I complained to the manager, who wasn't interested, and to the two girls at "customer service". When I asked them if they thought it was okay for their staff to speak to customers in such a a way, they said they "didn't know". That made me laugh, as it is often typical of customer service in Thailand. But, I won't be using Villa any more.

The 10 baht fee is more to discourage use of plastic than the price of the bag. You could bring back the used bags or get a cloth bag.

[fred110]

The best thing about the Ave is the movie theater and the 99 Baht pizzas....

I like the American Diner. I get the grilled chicken salad and you can get as much as you want from the salad bar.

[onemorechang]

The 10 baht fee is more to discourage use of plastic than the price of the bag. You could bring back the used bags or get a cloth bag.

In a different country i would believe that.

But in Thailand , no way mate , it Bs.

they don't give a shit about the environment.

Also there price mark up is high, if i want a second plastic bag, you need to give it

free or the shopping stays. ( stupid shop )

[tropo]

The 10 baht fee is more to discourage use of plastic than the price of the bag. You could bring back the used bags or get a cloth bag.

In a different country i would believe that.

But in Thailand , no way mate , it Bs.

they don't give a shit about the environment.

Also there price mark up is high, if i want a second plastic bag, you need to give it

free or the shopping stays. ( stupid shop )

It would be fair enough if the bags were strong. The only shop in Pattaya with strong bags that I know of is Friendship. The worst are at Big C. You need double bags to carry a few liters of milk.