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Tag: Siam piwat

  • Siam Piwat uses online media to connect shoppers and retailers

    Siam Piwat uses online media to connect shoppers and retailers

    Bangkok shopping mall operator Siam Piwat has launched new retail services to engage and support customers and retail tenants during social distancing.

    The new services include Call & Pick up, Eat at home and OneSiam Chat & Shop, which allow customers to shop online via live chat at OneSiam Line official accounts, shopping centers’ social media and OneSiam mobile application.

    “Amid the current situation, OneSiam has worked in line with the government’s attempts to cease the spread of Covid-19,” said Chanisa Kaewruen, senior deputy MD of Siam Piwat.

    With Call & Pick up service, loyalty program members can place orders for grocery shopping via phone and collect their groceries at the pick-up point. Meanwhile, the Eat at Home service allows customers to order food from more than 50 restaurants at Siam Paragon, Gourmet Garden, Paragon Food Hall and IconSiam.

    OneSiam Chat & Shop is the company’s new omnichannel service, providing live chat that connects customers with shopping advocates to make purchases on OneSiam’s Line account and its other social media channels.

    “Social media has been our major platform to communicate and keep our customers updated with interesting and relevant information,” said Suthida Maleipan, deputy MD at Siam Piwat. “This is in tune with our social commerce strategy and the Chat & Shop service is expected to increase customer engagement to over 25 million followers next year.”

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  • Siam Piwat gives mall space to disabled and underprivileged suppliers

    Siam Piwat gives mall space to disabled and underprivileged suppliers

    Thai shopping-centre operator Siam Piwat has created special zones in two of its malls stocking products made by people with disabilities, underprivileged people and special-needs children.

    Called Made by Beautiful People, the products are now available at IconCraft on the fourth floor of IconSiam and in the ODS (Object of Desire Store) on the third floor of Siam Paragon. Both malls are in Bangkok.

    The initiative is an expansion of its ongoing social contribution Citizen of Love, launched in 2009 in which it aims to “share love, provide opportunities and bring pride and equality for all Thais”.

    Space for the Made by Beautiful People displays is provided free by Siam Piwat.

    “With an aim to inspire, to create opportunities and generate sustainable careers and income for the underprivileged people, the company offers full assistance for the sales and marketing of the products,” said a Siam Piwat spokesperson.

    “Products now available are from seven pioneering charitable organizations and groups:  Vocational Development Center for the Disabled, Light for the Disabilities Foundation, Anusarnsunthon School for the Deaf, Arunothai for Special Needs Project, Autistic Thai Foundation, Na Kittikun Foundation, and Sikkha Asia Foundation.

    “The ultimate goal is to culminate an empowering space, a creative showcase of their works and their talents, a place where products made by people, whose hearts know no boundaries, are connected to local consumers and visitors from across the globe,” said the spokesperson.

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  • Thailand’s Siam Piwat scoops honours at the World Retail Congress

    Thailand’s Siam Piwat scoops honours at the World Retail Congress

    Thai shopping centre operator receives accolades at World Retail Congress.

    Thai retail developer Siam Piwat has scooped two retail industry awards at the World Retail Congress recently held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

    Siam Piwat is the owner and operator of several successful Thai retail developments, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, as well as the joint venture partner of IconSiam – the US$1.7 billion riverside landmark destination that opened in Bangkok last November.

    Siam Piwat Group CEO Chadatip Chutrakul was inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame by the World Retail Congress as one of the four new members selected in 2019.

    The inductees were selected because their “ideas have shaped retailing through the businesses and brands they have created, or by their skills in running the retail industry’s giants, demonstrated clear vision, courage and determination to make their dreams a reality”.

    The World Retail Hall of Fame was established in 2007 to honour the retail industry’s most innovative and influential representatives.

    The World Retail Congress also awarded IconSiam, in which Siam Piwat Group is a joint venture partner, the top prize of Store Design of the Year 2019 as part of the annual World Retail Awards.

    The Grand Jury of the World Retail Awards said IconSiam is “breathtaking in its scope and scale and takes retail design into the future”.

    “Throughout 60 years, Siam Piwat has been a thought leader creating new prototypes and bringing new formats that have advanced the retail development sector in Thailand,” said Chutrakul. IconSiam shows that bricks and mortar still have a crucial part to play in successful retailing, and they are assets only waiting to be differently leveraged within a new paradigm. That new paradigm involves leveraging a very wide group of stakeholders by creating shared value for them all.”

    According to Chutrakul, IconSiam, with a gross floor area of 750,000sqm made the creation of shared value into a “business sustainability” strategy to help the success of such a large-scale initiative that requires the collaboration of many different groups.

    “Our achievements were made possible because of the collaboration and co-creation of our tenants and retailers,” she said. “The benefits created by IconSiam also go beyond our tenant partners to many different stakeholders at many different levels of society including artists, craftsmen, performers, small enterprises, the surrounding communities and even the city of Bangkok, too.

    “For small businesses and artisans, we help them flourish and prosper by creating for them opportunities for new linkages, locally and globally; we help artisans, craftsmen or performers have a place on a globally visible stage to enhance the sustainability of their livelihoods, and we act as a platform that makes Thai values and all that is great about Thailand visible to the world.

    “Also, in the SookSiam zone at IconSiam, you can see how it brings together hundreds of small, mom-and-pop operations from Thailand’s 77 provinces – people who have mostly never operated out of their hometowns but are now selling on a global platform.”

    Chutrakul noted that “IconSiam has also had a transformative effect on the Chao Phraya River. We acted as a catalyst for a multi-stakeholder collaboration that embraced riverside communities, hoteliers, river-transport operators, sites of historical and cultural importance, and government agencies, which is already helping to revitalise many districts around IconSiam.”

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  • ICONSIAM in the newest global attraction in Thailand

    ICONSIAM in the newest global attraction in Thailand

    ICONSIAM, the mega city project of futuristic living and an iconic landmark of Thailand’s eternal prosperity on the Chao Phraya River, held the inauguration ceremony for Thailand’s new global attraction on the Chao Phraya River known as the “ICONIC Multimedia Water Features”, which is one of the Seven Wonders of ICONSIAM. The city project is the result of the collaboration of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Bangkok River Partners, the Association of Chao Phraya Commerce, the Thai Shipping Association as well as other related agencies and organisations.

    At over 400 metres, it is the longest water dance in Southeast Asia featuring a combination of light, colour, sound and multimedia and set in front of beautiful vistas across the Chao Phraya River. It seeks to glorify and highlight the grandeur of the river for the world to be impressed while attracting local and international visitors to the Chao Phraya River.

    Held at River Park, ICONSIAM, the opening ceremony was attended by the most distinguished people from agencies, organisations, and associations playing an important role in driving tourism in Thailand forward, together with business partners of ICONSIAM as well as many celebrities who joined to witness the momentous occasion.

    Among the well-known celebrities present were the Gubgib-Bie-Pao Pao family, Esther Supreeleela, ‘Ken’ Phupoom Pongpanupak, AF alumni namely Nim, Tee, Baimon, Focus, Mac, Ploysai, Bass, Jackie, Ice, ‘Jeab’ Sopidnapa Chumpanee Dabbaransi, ‘Mona’ Wipawee Korman, ‘Jan’ Siranuj Rojanasatien, Ploy Mahadumrongkul, ‘Kat’ Wantita Lewchalermwong, ‘Ming’ Suwara Sanitwong Na Ayudhya, ‘Yingair’ M.R. Chanladda Yukol, Lina Leenutapong Amornsiri and Jarudej Boonyasit, and many more.

    Mrs. Chadatip Chutrakul, Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., said, “ICONSIAM marks the bringing to life of the concept of ‘Creating Shared Value’ on a scale as never before been seen anywhere in the world.

    The ‘Chao Phraya Master Vision’ was announced 5 years ago, pioneering a historical and national collaboration among multiple different enterprises, the government and private sectors, historic locations, civil society, 5-star hotels and communities along the riverside.

    Since its launch, there have been many collaborations, with the best example being the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019 and its fireworks display which was viewed by more 1.5 million people.

    ICONSIAM itself welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in a single day for the event. The event brought fame to Thailand and let the world witness the grandeur and beauty of the Chao Phraya River via the world’s leading media such as CNN, BBC, and Reuters. This is a part of the collaborations envisaged in the ‘Chao Phraya Master Vision’ to help make the Chao Phraya River a significant global destination for tourism.”

    ICONSIAM is a city that is the centre of a vast array of wonders in art and culture. It offers the best in shopping and entertainment made possible through the collaboration of business organisations that are both big and small.

    A lot of individuals have come together from different professions. They share a desire to build a venue where all that makes Thais can be presented in the most exquisite way possible. They come together to build a new icon which will become a mega phenomenon that will epitomise ‘Creating Shared Value’, uniting all stakeholders and spreading prosperity to communities, society and the nation. This is embodied in every element within ICONSIAM, and especially the seven wonders.

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  • Now tourist can claim VAT refund in downtown Bangkok

    Now tourist can claim VAT refund in downtown Bangkok

    According to the announcement by the government’s Reveue Department regarding ‘Downtown VAT Refund for Tourist’, the campaign has kickstarted an initiative to set up counters in numerous locations across central Bangkok to help tourists proceed with VAT refund upon shopping at permitted VAT refundable retailers. VAT refund will be returned to tourists in the form of cash in Thai Baht, encouraging them to continue shopping in Thailand with ease and convenience. Apart from helping tourists, the campaign is initiated to promote growth and balanced income distribution to small businesses.

    As one of the founding parties of VAT Refund Center (Thailand) Co.,Ltd, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. is proud to be the official partner and the representative to assist tourists with VAT refund processes in these 5 locations across Central Bangkok; Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Central Chidlom, Robinson Sukhumvit,  and The Emporium. As one of the partnering department stores, Siam Paragon has completed all preparations to help and service incoming tourists at the highest capacity.

    Senior Executive Vice President for Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. retail business development division Charnchai Cherdchoowongtha-nakorn said, “Siam Paragon is delighted to fully support the government’s policies and work with the Revenue Department. ‘Downtown VAT Refund for Tourist’ is set up to be a key area on G Floor where tourists can find conveniently, as it is located by one of our entrances connected to BTS Skytrain and taxi stops. Additionally, adept, knowledgeable and service-minded staff have been assigned to accomodate tourists with paperwork and essential procedures in order to fully and successfully comply with policies from the Revenue Department.”

    “Not only will shopping tourists of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery find it convenient to proceed with VAT refund at Siam Paragon, all tourists who have purchased goods, in accordance with all policies by the Revenue Department are welcomed to complete all necessary procedures at our department stores. The convenience of VAT refund at Siam Paragon is extremely helpful for those who have purchased in the popular shopping destination Siam as hundreds of SME businesses, small retailers and corporations are located in the area, covering an vast space of 2,000,000 sqm, with over 20 hotels to accommodate international tourists in more than 3,000 rooms available – with extra support from Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain system, connecting Ratchathevi and National Stadium to Siam station.”

    “According to statistics, out of 400,000 – 500,000 shopping tourists per day at One Siam, an average of 938 VAT Refund Form ( P.P. 10) have been filled each day from shops and retail spaces in Siam Paragon, totaling to a signification amount of 342,494 applicants.”

    “Based on Siam’s all-round advantages, we are confident that our VAT refund counter on G Floor of Siam Paragon will be the key point of service for all international tourist groups. Not only will these counters help tourists in making better decisions about visiting Thailand, the amount of amount refuned back to them will potentially be spent on additional purchases in Thailand. Consequently, it would help boost our economy. I can see this initiative having positive influence on the number of Thailand-bound tourists – more by volume and frequency,” Charnchai stated.

    The initiative of establishing VAT refund counters directly impacts the tourism industry on multiple levels: 1. Amount of retained money which tourists have spent after receiving VAT refund helps small retailers and businesses, which, in turn, strengthens Thailand’s economy; 2. The growth in sales volume and sales value is proportional to the rate of economic growth and revenue from tourist spending; 3. A significant decline in VAT refund at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airport reflects positive a sign of service improvement; 4. VAT refund for tourists promotes better opportunities for local retail shops to generate more sales.

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  • Bangkok’s IconSiam launches tonight

    Bangkok’s IconSiam launches tonight

    Six years in design and construction, Bangkok’s US$1.6 billion IconSiam development will finally be officially launched tonight before opening its doors to the public tomorrow morning. With 500 stores, more than 100 restaurants and 14 cinema screens, a luxury apartment tower and a Mandarin Oriental hotel, the ambitious development is probably the most significant addition to Asia’s retail landscape in decades.

    Tonight, 10,000 businesspeople, retailers, media and guests have been invited to an opening ceremony which kicks off a weekend of festivities costing US$30 million. A fleet of 1500 drones organised by Intel will take to the sky above the Chao Phraya River and a “famous US singer” whose identity is being kept a closely guarded secret, will perform on stage somewhere along the 400-metre riverfront promenade of the building.

    Tickets to the invitation-only event, which also features a raft of Asian entertainers, fireworks, light and water shows, have been trading online for 10,000 THB (US$300), despite never being sold in the first place.

    Tomorrow, thousands of Thais are expected to visit the 750,000sqm venue, with stores offering rewards for early customers – like H&M issuing a 20,000 THB voucher to its first – and Apple is expected to draw long queues for its first official retail outlet in Thailand.

    About 80 per cent of the stores at IconSiam will be open for business tomorrow, the balance opening in ensuing weeks as fitouts are completed and approved by offshore head offices. But the project is still not complete. Several stories above the retail and dining area remain under construction, scheduled to open in July. They will house a world-class 6500sqm River Museum, a 3000-seat concert hall and other community facilities.

    Defining IconSiam is not easy.

    “It’s not a mall. It’s not a mixed use project,” IconSiam MD Supoj Chaiwatsirikul said last night. “It’s a destination.”

    The story of how IconSiam investors acquired the 8.8 hectare riverfront site gives an insight into how the project evolved into much more than a shopping centre. The owners of the land had been approached many times over the years, including by cashed up foreign developers. But they wouldn’t sell – until Siam Piwat CEO Chadatip Chutrakul talked to them, promising to create something that could showcase Thai culture and history to the world and be something all Thais could be proud of.

    Since then, IconSiam’s operational team have worked with Thais literally the length and breadth of the country to involve them in the project. Artworks and sculptures have been selected from 100 artists, mostly Thai, to appear throughout the complex, a 1.6 hectare space called SookSiam (“a city of Thai happiness”) will feature products and cultural heritage of the nation’s four regions, showcasing their handicrafts, performing arts, food, beverages “and local wisdom” in a single destination promised as “immersive, emotional and entertaining”.

    “IconSiam inaugurates a globally innovative model for destination development that moves the project away from being a mall or a mixed-use complex to being an inspiring destination,” explains Chutrakul.

    “It’s a place to regenerate and refresh, to be inspired and seek new ideas, and a place to discover the best of Thailand and the best on offer from around the world.”

    Unprecedented coordination has taken place with city and government authorities to enhance the transport system surrounding the site. A new skytrain track – aptly called the Gold Line – is under construction linking two other rail routes and which ultimately will make it a 20-minute railway journey from downtown Bangkok to the river. The company has built its own wharf in front of the building and worked to enhance a network of 73 river piers making it easier to reach the venue. Some 45,000 Thais travel along the river using public transport every day and they are starting to find that more convenient than ever.

    Work is continuing with landowners and hotel properties along the waterfront to create a public walkway, opening up the riverfront to the people for the first time in centuries.

    SiamPiwat’s Siam Paragon shopping centre which, when neighbouring properties Siam Center and Siam Discovery are added, create the city’s largest single shopping destination, attracts about 250,000 visitors on a typical weekend day. The company expects IconSiam to draw as many as 400,000 once the project is fully operational. About 60 per cent of those will be Thais, the balance tourists, although it is obvious from the size and scale of the luxury duplexes facing the river – bearing brand names including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier and Hermes – that the ratio will be quite different zone-by-zone: This part of the project is very clearly designed to appeal to the growing legions of Chinese tourists heading to Thailand.

    Another key retail drawcard of IconSiam will be the country’s first Takashimaya department store spread over several levels and including a comprehensive food and grocery offer as well as fashion and accessories.

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  • IconSiam Bangkok due to open November 9

    IconSiam Bangkok due to open November 9

    Bangkok’s massive IconSiam development will open on November 9, its developers have confirmed.

    The US$1.67 billion complex being constructed on a 400-metre-long stretch of the Chao Phraya River will feature 14 flagship stores of internationally renowned brands, many of them taking space in the ultra-luxury 25,000sqm glass pavilion called IconLuxe, located next to the river and featuring the longest pillarless glass facade in the world.

    The development will be home to two shopping centres, whose tenants will include 188 brands and store concepts from around the world making their debut in Thailand, including duplex maisons for luxury brands.

    IconSiam CEO Supoj Chaiwatsirikul says IconSiam will represent “a completely new business model for destination development” in Thailand.

    “We are committed to making IconSiam a new national landmark and an exciting global destination. We have therefore placed particular emphasis on becoming the location of choice for the flagship stores of the world’s finest brands as well as introducing many firsts and innovations at the various outlets.”

    The development will comprise a 750,000sqm mega-destination featuring not only two shopping precincts, but theme parks, a museum, hotel and apartment towers.

    “IconSiam will excite visitors with a rich diversity of offerings, including art and culture, in addition to extraordinary dining and shopping possibilities,” said Chaiwatsirikul. “The project is co-designed and co-activated in collaboration with enterprises of all sizes and with people from all walks of life, and the benefits of the project are shared among all parties.

    “We have made every participant in IconSiam – whether they be outlets selling products, or designers and artists showcasing their creations, or even neighborhood communities helping in our operations – an inseparable part of our business model and they play a part in shaping our development.”

    Flagships line up

    Flagship stores at IconSiam will include the largest Adidas Original store in Asia, H&M-owned fashion label Cos, an Aland lifestyle concept store from Korea, and local accessories brand Naraya. H&M will open a three-level store.

    UK retailer JD Sports will open its first Thai store at the development and Nike’s store will be the first in Asia with a Kicks Lounge.

    The retail development is anchored by Thailand’s first Takashimaya department store from Japan which plans to introduce 170 brands into the market for the first time.

    Details have yet to be released about world-class restaurants and a rooftop bar planned for the complex. Besides those, IconSiam will feature seven food and beverage zones, each with a different atmosphere and concept. Tenants will include Singapore’s Jumbo seafood restaurant and Taiwan’s Harbour restaurant.

    Fitness First will open its largest Thai venue yet.

    Opening festival

    Chaiwatsirikul says IconSiam has budgeted THB1 billion (US$31 million) on an opening and launch festival, including extensive international communications.

    “Because IconSiam will be a showcase for the very best that Thailand has to offer and serve as a platform to propel Thai brands, products, artists, artisans and Thai culture onto the global stage, we are investing heavily to make IconSiam globally visible. We want IconSiam to be a magnet for the country, capable of drawing hundreds of thousands of international and local visitors a day, and to bring honour to Thailand,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the development’s two luxury residential towers remain under construction. The 70-floor, luxury Magnolia Waterfront Residences with 379 residential units is 90 per cent complete, while the 52-floor, super luxury The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok with 146 units is 80 per cent complete.

    IconSiam is being developed by three Thailand companies: shopping centre operator Siam Piwat, which owns Siam Center, Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery; residential developer Magnolia Quality Development Corporation; and multinational conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group.

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  • US-based Simon Property inked Siam Piwat deal

    US-based Simon Property inked Siam Piwat deal

    US-based shopping mall operator Simon Property is planning expansion of its outlet malls format into the Southeast Asian market.

    The company has operated an outlet in Malaysia’s Johor since 2011, and opened a new property in Genting Highlands, near Kuala Lumpur, last year. Its first premium outlets in Thailand will open in Bangkok by the end of next year in collaboration with local property developer Siam Piwat.

    Simon Property’s director for international development and finance Uchenna Akujuo said the company’s success in the development of premium outlets, of which 29 out of 100 are outside the US, has stemmed from its strong relationship with top global brands, and revealed that Asia and Southeast Asia remain a strategic focus.

    “We are bringing to Thailand and Bangkok high-quality brands and a shopping experience. We understand the needs of customers and tenants. We are able to leverage different customers all over the world whether in Asia, North America or Europe,” he said.

    The company’s joint venture with Siam Piwat will see it developing three locations in Thailand within the next five years.

    Siam Piwat first executive VP for business development and investment Chollachat Meksupha said the company will invest around THB4 billion (US$123 million) into the first outlets.

  • @Cosme cosmetics debuts in Bangkok

    @Cosme cosmetics debuts in Bangkok

    Japanese company istyle cosmetics is partnering with Siam Piwat to open @Cosme stores in Bangkok.

    The joint venture in which istyle holds 70 per cent is called istyle Retail Thailand and will operate five @Cosme stores in the country.

    The first Thai @Cosme store is set to open at the new development IconSiam by the end of this year, and the second will open at Siam Center.

    “We have studied the Thai market and found that Bangkok’s GDP is high and consumers in Bangkok, compared with consumers in other countries in this region, are the top spenders on beauty and cosmetic goods,” said Kei Sugawara, director, CFO and senior VP of global at Istyle Inc.

    “The @Cosme retailing concept that merges online consumer engagement with offline sales is extremely innovative and will be exciting for Thai consumers. Next to that, this joint venture will facilitate the arrival in Thailand of many new, high quality Japanese beauty brands that have not been available to consumers in Thailand,” said Usara Yongpiyakul, CEO of Siam Piwat Retail.

    The joint venture expects the total sales earned by @Cosme stores to reach Bt300 million (US$9 million) in the first three years.

    Currently, @Cosme has stores in Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan.

    Thailand is among several new markets istyle is planning to expand in during the next three years with a goal of 50 to 60 new stores planned.

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  • ICSC picks Siam Piwat’s ‘Siam Discovery’ as world’s best designed

    ICSC picks Siam Piwat’s ‘Siam Discovery’ as world’s best designed

    Bangkok’s Siam Discovery shopping centre has won the top Viva Award from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) for its “cutting-edge design”.

    Siam Discovery, owned by Siam Piwat, was chosen from hundreds of projects around the world for the honour, awarded during the ICSC’s annual leasing convention in Las Vegas.

    Siam Piwat CEO Chadatip Chutrakul said the award proves “Thai creativity and collaboration can take the country’s flag to the top, even on the world stage”.

    “Siam Piwat’s strategy for growth is to do things in retail and retail development that have never been done before in Thailand or even the world. We are committed to being a thought-leader on the global stage through co-creation with retailers and other partners in our developments.”

    The ICSC’s Viva Awards are presented annually, judged by an independent jury to “recognise the best-of-the-best in the world of retail development”. The judges praised Siam Discovery for being transformative.

    “Siam Discovery is a highly imaginative project that gets away from individual stores and walls and into an immersive open experience. It is the first mall development that makes retail an experience as well as the spaces in between being exciting and stimulating. Siam Discovery brings the latest digital technology offerings to create an interactive and experiential retail environment,” the judges agreed.

    Chutrakul described the centre as “a game-changing, hybrid retail destination where products, services, and activities are brought together in a way that suits the lifestyle of millennials”.

    “Products are grouped without the constraints of a particular brand or school of design, in a way that puts the needs of the customer at the centre. Millennials want to discover their own style while exploring new experiences with other people. Here, they can experiment and discover what they like and what expresses their own identity best,” said Chutrakul.

    Siam Discovery opened its doors to visitors in 1997 and underwent a THB4 billion rebuild before reopening in 2016 in its new, award-winning guise.

    During the past two years, Siam Discovery has won six global awards from prestigious competitions in the world of retailing, including World Retail Awards – Store Design of the Year 2017, for being world’s best designed development.

    View the gallery of Siam Discovery’s interior below :

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  • Takashimaya is more losing money than profit

    Takashimaya is more losing money than profit

    Just one of Japanese department store chain Takashimaya’s three overseas stores is currently trading at a profit.

    But the company says it believes it can make them all profitable by 2023, including a fourth store set to open in Bangkok late this year.

    The successful store is on Singapore’s Orchard Road, which opened in 1993 and is reportedly earning more than 3 billion yen (US$27.2 million) annually.

    The chain’s Shanghai store, which opened in 2012, has been hampered by delays in the completion of neighbouring projects which would have drawn higher visitor numbers, along with administration costs running over budget. According to a report published by Nikkei, the store is expected to post its seventh consecutive loss in the 12 months to February next year, but should make money in 2020.

    The Ho Chi Minh City store in Vietnam, which opened in 2016, has “struggled from the start” according to Nikkei, its offer apparently too expensive for middle-class Vietnamese consumers. The company plans to boost sales by “broadening offerings of everyday items for families” which it hopes will lead it into profit in the 2022 year.

    The planned Siam Takashimaya store will be one of the anchors of Siam Piwat’s IconSiam, currently under construction and scheduled to open late this year – possibly in October.

    Takashimaya anticipates the Bangkok store to be profitable in its first year, thanks to rent concessions.

    The company’s president, Shigeru Kimoto, said it plans to continue Southeast Asian expansion, despite the challenges to date because it sees potential in the region.

    “In the long term, we seek to capitalise on Asia’s growth,” he said.

  • Siam Piwat adds top brands under ‘One Siam’ banner

    Siam Piwat adds top brands under ‘One Siam’ banner

    Four global brands have opened stores in the One Siam precinct in downtown Bangkok, two of them the retailers’ largest concept stores in Southeast Asia.

    Siam Piwat, parent of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, is combining the properties under the One Siam banner to entice shoppers and encourage cross-patronage.

    The new stores are:

    • Spanish brand Cos, a subsidiary of H&M, has opened its first store in Thailand, taking 546sqm on the first floor of Siam Paragon.

    • Onitsuka Tiger, a subsidiary of Asics, has opened its largest store in Southeast Asia, taking up 300sqm of the ground floor of Siam Center.

     

    • Thai bag, shoes and accessory brand Lyn has opened its first concept store in Thailand on the ground floor of Siam Center.

    • Tokyo dessert brand Croquant Chou Zakuzaku has opened its first Thai branch, on the mezzanine floor of Siam Center.

    Cos MD Marie Honda, describing Thailand as “a vibrant country,” has high expectations for the brand in its newest international market. “We hope our customers will enjoy this new location, which brings to life our commitment to functional design and quality.”

    Croquant Chou Zakuzaku is the latest brand from Bake Cheese Tart Thailand company, serving what it describes as a “wearable choux” concept. “Each choux is unique in an unconventional way and like a fashion item to enjoy any time,” the company said of the concept. The shop also sells soft-serve ice cream made from Hokkaido milk.

    The new Lyn concept store is decorated with black glass and gold metal, designed to portray its “affordable luxury” market positioning and an identity of “trendy, sexy, elegant and sophisticated”.

    Mayuree Chaipromprasith, senior executive VP to Siam Piwat says the One Siam malls are drawing steady enquiry from international brands seeking retail space because of the group’s focus on innovative lifestyle.

    “We focus on offering new concepts to develop new projects, retail businesses and a variety of cutting-edge lifestyle concepts which never existed before in Thailand, or even for their first time in the world,” she said.

    Meanwhile, the Ecotopia zone on the fourth floor of Siam Discovery has introduced some new brands for a health-conscious clients: Bija – skincare products based on rice; Greenhouse & Thlos – organic products that support communities; ZweetHerb – sugar substitute derived from natural stevia; Hyper Design Lab – home decor products designed from natural and wasted materials.

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  • Siam Piwat lighted up Lunar New Year with performances

    Siam Piwat lighted up Lunar New Year with performances

    Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, unites the three shopping centers under the banner of “One Siam” to host “Siam Delightful Chinese New Year” with a generous budget of 50 million Baht. On the theme of “Lantern Festival”, the event has illuminated with 999 dazzling sculpted lanterns that symbolize prosperity to welcome the Chinese New Year. The grand spectacles from China and fortune-enhancing activities are in the line-up to promote Chinese art and culture and further strengthen Sino-Thai relations. Also featured on the occasion are special offers, co-sponsored by Kbank Credit Card, for Thai and Chinese visitors during the Chinese New Year. The festivities are slated to run from today to 18 February 2018 at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery.

    Mayuree Chaipromprasith, Senior Executive Vice President – Marketing of Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. reveals “To promote the tourism sector during the Chinese New Year which is a festival of joy for both Thais of Chinese descent and Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, the three shopping centers at Siam area, consisting of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, unites under the banner of “One Siam” to hold “Siam Delightful Chinese New Year”. Each venue promises a motley range of lively activities, highlighting the image of One Siam as a popular destination for holidaymakers from all over the world. This year, we bring to you a special treat of “Digital Angpao (Red Envelope)” so that you can give your blessings away via such platforms as Facebook and our website. A variety of prizes including gift cards and discounts are also up for grabs. Another way to join in the fun is by downloading our AR application called Flash Venture to find and catch all of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals scattered throughout the three shopping centers.

    On the opening day 15 February 2018, Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Siri Vadhana Phannavadi personally graciously visited the festivity and watched the show welcoming by Pasinee Limatibul, Board of Director of Siam Piwat Co.,Ltd and executives of the company. The event was also joined by celebrities such as Kleddao Panichsamai, Sopitnapa Chumpanee, MR Chanladda Yukol, Prakarn Raiva, Wantita Liewchalermwong, Lina Leenutaphong, Pimpisa Chamanan, and Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying. Moreover, there were a phenomenal line-up of spectacles such as Chinese New Year Drum, a drum show fronted by starlet Nicha Nattanicha, interspersed with a graceful dance performed by native Chinese dancers and a Chinese lion dance featuring Mario Maurer, the biggest Thai heartthrob for Chinese fans. We are committed to bringing you joy and happiness over the Chinese New Year and this is our New Year gift for you.

    From today until 18 February 2018, at Parc Paragon of Siam Paragon, you will be impressed with 999 colored sculpted lanterns symbolizing prosperity and wealth. The installations in the shape of 12 Chinese zodiac animals measuring 2.5m in height dot the open space dwarfed by the 5-meter-tall dog-shaped centrepiece marking the Year of the Dog. Meanwhile, the Chinese Cultural Center of Thailand has joined hands to bring in a host of unforgettable productions involving an exuberant blending of China’s unique ethnic culture with Han Chinese influences. The shows, delivered by over 100 members of performance crews from the city of Hangzhou, in Zhejiang Province, China, include a graceful style of various dances, the jaw-dropping Kongzu acrobatics, and displays of ancient Chinese magic. The festival will also present a showcase for music played with Suona, a Chinese traditional musical instrument.

    Explore Chinese culture and dive into a whole heap of immersive experiences by sitting back and relaxing in our reproduction teahouse or ornamenting yourself with ancient Chinese outfits topped with Chinese makeup looks brought to you by professional makeup artists. Feel free to take as many pictures as you like to remind you of your fond memories with us. The M Floor of Siam Paragon is adorned throughout with good luck symbols such as red dogs, plum blossoms, and bamboo twigs in the hope that every customer is blessed with wealth, health, and happiness all year round. Don’t miss the giant lantern that stands bright in the Hall of Fame section on the M Floor. Revel in music rendered with Guzheng, Erhu and Xiao. Keep your peepers peeled for demonstrations of rope braiding, courtesy of Huachiew Chalermprakiat University. Admire the lit-up plum blossom-decorated arches spotting the entire area of Parc Paragon.

    As for the cutting-edge Siam Center, it is home to a massive selection of high-end fashion brands and creative artworks. No doubt it is tasked with mounting an exhibition of sculptures, designed by up-and-coming collage artist Nakrob Moonmanas, on the theme of All We Need is Love. All kinds of love, be it familial or romantic, are beautiful and make the world a better place. In celebration of the power of equal love, we are proud to present a collection of lantern-mounted photographs. The pictures interconnected with Chinese-inspired chinoiserie patterns feature couples of various nationalities from all walks of life dressed in red, the symbolic color of good fortune.

    Come experience the wonderful “Siam Delightful Chinese New Year” festival where many vibrant activities are in action. Special offers are up for grabs from today to 11 March 2018. In the meantime, from today until 18 February 2018, keep your eye out for a Chinese lion parade giving out red envelopes loaded with 9 million Baht’s worth of discount coupons and gift cards, courtesy of over 500 popular shops in the three shopping centers.

  • Muji expansion in Thailand at Siam Discovery in Bangkok

    Muji expansion in Thailand at Siam Discovery in Bangkok

    Muji Thailand has opened another store in Bangkok, its second in little more than a month.

    On Wednesday, Muji opened its doors in the Siam Discovery shopping centre.

    MUJI at Siam Discovery_3

    Yuki Yamamoto, director and GM of Muji’s parent Ryohin Keikaku Co and Naratipe Ruttapradid, senior executive VP operations division with Siam Discovery’s parent Siam Piwat (pictured) performed the opening honours.

    Mr. Yuki Yamamoto, Director and General Manager, Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.  along with Miss Naratipe Ruttapradid, Senior Executive Vice President Operations Division at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. opened the new ‘MUJI’ store at 2 nd Floor, Siam Discovery. Customers will get special offer and can buy the special exclusive tote bags at Bath of 99 only at MUJI, Siam Discovery branch.

    Muji Thailand reopened its store inside the Zen department store at Bangkok’s CentralWorld shopping centre in September. That store, which originally opened on the fifth floor of Zen in 2012, has been relocated to the fourth floor.

    It is the largest of all Muji outlets in Thailand with a floor area of 878sqm.

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  • Siam Piwat reinforces its position as ‘the Icon of Innovative lifestyle’ with another success

    Siam Piwat reinforces its position as ‘the Icon of Innovative lifestyle’ with another success

    Siam Piwat, owner and operator of the world-renowned retail destinations such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery as well as main partner and owner of ICONSIAM, the iconic landmark of Thailand’s prosperity by the Chao Phraya River, has further cemented its position as ‘the Icon of Innovative lifestyle’ in the retail and real estate business after Thailand’s only hybrid retail store Siam Discovery – The Exploratorium has won the World Retail Award for Store Design of the Year — another testament to the company’s success in retail business expansion, ushering in new chapter in the history of Thailand’s retail industry by becoming the first and only corporate from Thailand to receive such accolade from this prestigious award show.

    In winning the World Retail Award for Store Design of the Year, Siam Discovery – The Exploratorium not only beat its world-class competitors but was also the only Asian mall to rank in the top ten for the Best Experience Initiative category.

    Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., stated, “After having launched our five-year policy and investment plan in 2014, Siam Piwat has consolidated its position as the ‘thought-leader’ and aims to incorporate ‘novel experiences that meet the customers’ needs’ in its every core business. We have invested in new businesses, especially retail businesses, and introduced new ideas to expand the success of the retailers and our business allies, so that we can always offer fresh and exciting experiences.

    Following the core investment plan, Siam Piwat has written a new phenomenal chapter in Thailand’s retail history by relaunching Siam Discovery as the country’s largest lifestyle specialty store. Siam Discovery – The Exploratorium is a conceptual twist on medium-size retail business by incorporating innovative ideas, a proof of Siam Piwat’s much-coveted success in making a difference in retail industry.

    “We understand that the life cycle of retail business has been shortened considerably: some product categories/ brands achieve huge popularity for only a limited period of time due to consumers’ continuous search for newness as well as the rise of e-commerce and online shopping. Siam Piwat puts each and every detail into consideration for each and every project. All the projects that have been developed during the past 3 years follow 4 key strategic rules to ensure long-term success: 1) To innovate and stay ahead of others  2) Being customer-centric  3) The Creation of Shared Values and 4) Building Partnerships,” added Chadatip.

    To Innovate and Stay Ahead of Others

    Creating innovations and offering different, exhilarating experience has been the core of Siam Piwat’s development projects. Each and every project comes with a new, unique modern lifestyle concept that belongs to a class of its own and at times, is the first of its kind in Thailand or even in the world.

    Being Customer-Centric

    Technology has brought a dramatic change in consumer behaviors, most notably higher competition as a result of fast connectivity and accessibility and long-term consumer behavior has become much more difficult to predict. Siam Piwat has readied our operation in preparation for those rapid changes and an understanding of consumer group and their diverse needs is essential for our business development.

    The Creation of Shared Values

    Siam Piwat has set a goal in creating brand value for not just Siam Piwat’s own business, but also brands and products of tenants and partners by revolutionizing the marketing plan. Transforming “shared values” into “commercial values” is the heart and soul of successful brand management, hence the utmost need to create bond and loyalty among customers by making it relevant to their fast-changing everyday life.

    Building Partnerships

    Siam Piwat believes that through partnership and collaboration with stakeholders, we will create a long-term engagement that leads to healthy growth of business. If we do it in the right way, it can bring about business sustainability.

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