Locations: Silom Centre, Central Chidlom, Central Pink Lao, Central City Bangna, various other locations
Expect to find: Sherlock Holmes look-alikes, moleskin journals and fountain pens.
Value: A good place to find a quality gift for someone. Or reasonably-priced clothing, shoes and apparel.
Verdict: Excellent for flash-shopping.
Central Department Store is one of the best places to go if you need something specific, and don't want to be distracted along the way. Everything is where you would expect to find it, and you can feel confident it is of pedigree quality. Outsized clothing for towering Westerners can also be found. Pretty much everything covered here is tasteful and sensible - nothing too risqu-. This is where you come to repair your watch, or get an alarm clock that will wake you and won't land up in the heap of all those who have gone before.
There is quite a good selection of watches, journals, briefcases, wallets and fountain pens, if you're looking for something that will last. Well stocked, with a layout that is easy to figure out, Central is defined by its reliability - something to appreciate in an unpredictable city like Bangkok. Popular with working-class Thais, expats and regular visitors. At the Central flagship store in Chidlom the bar has been raised significantly...
Central Chidlom
Dubbed as the Central Group's flagship store, Central Chidlom first opened its doors in 1973, and continued to grow under the adopted "one-stop-shopping" philosophy. And that it is, indeed, as you'll find virtually everything you need under one roof. Compared to other department stores, Central Chidlom may be humble in size. However, it packs big with top local and international labels such as CK, Miss Sixty, Energie, Marks & Spencer, Guess, Jim Thomson boutique, MUJI, a popular Japanese 'no-brand quality goods' shop offering everything from cotton swabs to casual clothes, and much more. There are also special services for tourists, such as VAT refunds, interpreters, a shipping service, currency exchange, easy-shopping service and the best of all, the 5% discount for tourists. All you need to do is present your passport to the Customer Service counter and they'll give you a Tourist Discount Card, which entitles you to a 5% discount on all purchases.
The Seven Heavens
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Standing seven stories tall, Central Chidlom welcomes shoppers with 'Heaven of Luxury' (on the first floor), offering top-end cosmetics, fragrances, designer boutiques, luxury watches and jewellery. The second floor, titled 'Women's Dream Wardrobe', features the kind of trendy clothes, shoes, handbags, and fashion accessories every woman dreams about. On the third is 'Young & Ideas Unlimited / Precious Time', where watches, clocks, stationery and unisex casual wear can be found. Guys will love the 'Men's Fashion Statement' floor as various brands of shirts, ties, trousers, business wear, luggage, sports apparel and equipment are on offer. If you're looking to spruce up your home, try 'All About Home' on the fifth floor. Here you'll find a fantastic range of home decorations as well as Power Buy, a shop specializing in audiovisual, cameras, computers, music instruments and home appliances. Kids fret not, loads of toys, gifts and games can be reveled in on the sixth floor. Also on the 'Top of the World' floor is a large B2S store which has a nice array of Thai and English books, CDs, DVDs, and stationery.
Food, Glorious Food!
Start your gourmet adventure at the Oriental Shop on the ground floor. Alternatively, get something from the recently-revamped supermarket - one of the best in Bangkok - and enjoy it at the designated eating areas either indoors or, if you prefer a breeze, alfresco. Featured on the upper floors are the chic Greyhound Caf- serving Thai fusion food and Food Loft, an up-scale food court offering scrumptious Thai and international cuisine. There is at least one caf- or restaurant on each floor, so when in doubt, consult the floor plan or ask the department store's friendly staff. Bon app-tit!
Open: 10:00 - 22:00
Location: Chidlom
BTS: Chidlom station (the walkway takes you straight to the department store's second floor) |
