A world of shopping in one
According to the official Fact Sheet, "every trip (to a mall) should be about the fulfillment of one's desire to buy something that one loves - rather than regretting what one cannot buy..." With a range of offerings that encompass more than 500 stores, 50 restaurants, 21 cinemas, a bowling hall, Kids' Zone and Learning Centre, two anchor department stores, as well as a trendy food court, the largest supermarket in Asia and an outdoor square for large-scale events like Bangkok's official New Year countdown party, there certainly is something for everyone. The developer's 'Real Shopping' philosophy means that a lot of care has been taken to ensure a healthy balance between the brands 'we dream to buy' and a wide range of brands and products which one can readily afford to buy.
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The 26 billion baht development, of which the first phase was launched in September 2006 with 70% of the project completed, is already drawing and 'wowing' the crowds with its slick, modernist architecture and spectacular designer components. The exterior features a state-of-the-art 400-metre long glass facade that, at a cost of 600 million baht, is also the longest of its kind in Thailand. Formerly known as World Trade Center, the newly branded CentralWorld, expected to by fully completed by the end of 2006, is still home to the very popular department stores Zen and Isetan. The mall's make-over, however, has not just involved some cosmetic changes to give it an image boost - instead, it has been fully redesigned and revamped, and is brand spanking new for all practical purposes. All that remains of the former glory days, of course, is its location slap-bang in the heart of the Chidlom 'battleground of the malls' with direct Skytrain (BTS) access, and the popular outdoor square area. The two famous shrines are still there too, mind you, just moved a little bit more to the right.
The shopping street concept - in a mall
To prevent shoppers from getting lost, and to help circulate people to all areas and prevent clustering, a clear traffic circulation system was devised that enhance vertical and horizontal movement around the six interconnected shopping zones, each offering a different ambiance and certain unique features. There are also more than 100 escalators, as well as see-through lifts. CentralWorld's retail layout is influenced by the shopping street concept, allowing shoppers to spec several storefronts at a glance, whilst its overall design has placed a lot of emphasis on natural light / daylight that filters through the many skylights and open wells. Spectacular sculptures by famous artists are used as decoration features, and a glass mobile consisting of 3,500 glass balls hanging in an open well has had the crowds in awe.
CentralWorld is on the forefront of technological sophistication too. Two of Southeast Asia's largest LED screens, measuring 9 x 16 metres, overlook the outdoor CentralWorld Square and will be used to broadcast major events. Inside, giant LED screens are also used to broadcast activities from one zone to another. More than 250 interactive LCD monitors and directories have been installed throughout to provide an estimated 150,000 shoppers daily with information and shopping directories. And the 40 ATM machines scattered around are also the largest number in any commercial complex in Thailand.
Shopping heaven
Specialised anchor 'mega-stores' - measuring between 2,000 and 8,200 square metres - include SuperSports, PowerBuy, B2S, Central Food Hall, SB Furniture and Toys 'R' Us. The department store Zen spans seven floors, while Zen World on 13 floors offer a fitness centre, spa, yoga, beauty centre, as well as an educational and tourist promotion centre. Among the 500 world-class stores count 35 flagship brands like Zara, Miss Sixty and Timberland, and 36 'first stores' - the likes of the English brand Next, Country Road from Australia and Singapore's Raoul brand. Good news for parents is the Kids' Zone and Learning Centre and Thailand Knowledge Park (TK Park), where specialised supervision is provided in an 'edutainment' environment. Go right ahead, here you can drop the kids off with a clear conscience that they will have fun and their minds stimulated while you're getting a good old-fashioned dose of retail therapy.
The indoor parking lot - the largest in Thailand - measures 287,000 square metres and can accommodate 7,000 vehicles. Already completed is the 45-storey CentralWorld Offices, one of the city's most modern skycrapers. A 17,000 square meter Convention Centre with a pillarless convention hall is due for completion at the end of 2006, while a 500-room, 55-storey five-star hotel will swing its doors open in 2008.
CentralWorld has arrived. Bigger. Better. And, unmistakably, a shopping experience not to be missed. All that's missing is mini golf karts for rent. Oh, what bliss...
Open: 10:00 - 21:00
Location: Ratchaprasong intersection, Pathumwan
Skytrain: Chitlom or Siam
Learn More about CentralWorld: Isetan Department Store, Zen Department Store, CentralWorld Food Court, Factsheet, Convention Centre |
