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PITSINEE JITPLEECHEEP
Wholesale centres are a new retail segment gaining popularity among property investors and small and medium-sized entrepreneurs amid the sluggish economy.
Both existing and new developers announced their plans in the first half of this year. They included Krungthong Group, which recently launched its second Krungthong Plaza wholesale centre on New Phetchaburi Road, and Central Retail Corporation (CRC), which will open its China World project to replace Central department store's Wang Burapha branch. Pratunam Complex, which is located on the corner of New Phetchaburi and Ratchaprarop roads, is also expected to move soon.
Also jumping on the bandwagon is Visin Poolvoraluck, who will open Metro Fashion, a modern wholesale plaza, replacing the existing Metro cinema near the First Hotel on New Phetchaburi Road next January.
''In a time of fast-changing fashion trends and rising fuel prices, consumers have changed their behaviour by shifting to shop near their homes and buy cheaper fashion items,'' said a market analyst at the Thai Retailers' Association.
''So not only community malls but also wholesale centres will cater to such growing demand.''
Pratunam has long been known as a popular Bangkok wholesale destination. Currently, there are various wholesale centres around Pratunam including City, Baiyoke, Pratunam Complex, Platinum Fashion Mall, and Krungthong Plaza.
A sales representative at Metro Fashion said the 100-million-baht wholesale centre was being built on a three-rai plot and would house 371 tenants selling fashion apparel, bags, footwear and accessories, with parking space for 200 vehicles.The complex will have seven floors, three of which will be for parking and the rest for selling various products from imported brands and baby apparel to leather products, shoes and accessories.
The company is now accepting bookings for space. The rent for a 12-square-metre shop starts from 10,000 baht per month to 40,000 baht for a larger unit, depending on location. About 90% of the retail space has already been booked.
Tos Chirathivat, CEO of Central Retail Corporation, said the company would open its China World wholesale complex in December after spending 170 million baht to renovate the Wang Burapha site. China World will house 400 retail shops with total space of 14,000 sq m.
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