I've often found myself walking some of the older traditional malls and been a bit dismayed by then. Soriya, Savanna and City Mall are like ghost towns at the best of times, with most of the units unused and the ones that are used seem to be nothing more than indoor market style stores.

Half of me thinks about the potential that seems to be being overlooked, but then I'm reminded that for the majority of the population, they simply can't afford to shop in expensive western style malls. If they could, I'm sure there desolate malls would be much different.

The fact there there are modern malls spring up all over the place is a sign that the economy is changing fast. I just fear that for a great many people, they will still be left behind.

Speaking of which, has anyone been to Exchange Square? Small but very modern mall but again, like a ghost town. There's a reasonably large supermarket on the second floor and I'm often the only customer in there. I often wonder what happens to all the fresh fruit and vegetables they clearly never sell.

often wonder what happens to all the fresh fruit and vegetables they clearly never sell.

I think the same when I go to Pencil s/m. I noticed they try to save on electricity by turning most lights and the air-con off . Won't be long before they close down.

xandreu wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 3:51 pm The fact there there are modern malls spring up all over the place is a sign that the economy is changing fast. I just fear that for a great many people, they will still be left behind.

Speaking of which, has anyone been to Exchange Square? Small but very modern mall but again, like a ghost town. There's a reasonably large supermarket on the second floor and I'm often the only customer in there. I often wonder what happens to all the fresh fruit and vegetables they clearly never sell.

The thing is stuff is cheaper in the markets and local stores than in the malls. Malls cater to middle class+ and expats.

I go to that Lucky Premium at Exchange Square occasionally. Last time I saw a black chick buying cubed watermelon packed in polystyrene and cling wrap, for which she paid more than an entire melon from the market.

timmydownawell wrote:The thing is stuff is cheaper in the markets and local stores than in the malls. Malls cater to middle class+ and expats.

Malls absolutely cater to the middle class+ and expats. Aeon gets this. The Japanese prioritize the experience at the mall. Something different at every level. Clearly marked signs in English. Well maintained facilities. Western and international snacks and foods everywhere. Aeon 2 is even going after the less wealthy with their shrink wrapped and pre made food that can be paid and microwaved at the cashier.

The Khmer for Khmer malls don’t understand this. They try to bring the Khmer open air markets into the mall. Khmer only signs, confusing layouts, poorly maintained.

Also, they can’t compete on price to a Russian Market seller.

As an eternal traveler in the Kingdom of Wonder - my prediction - Aeon will slowly eat the lunch of these Khmer only malls.

Will be interesting to see how Chinese Malls fare.

Overall it's just more modern high end sales, it could be to attract such people as Chinese, whom it has been said will buy 70% of new accommodations being built, surely to live here and pay the prices quoted for new builds, there must be also areas to buy quality goods, also being attractive and with food courts, and recreation facilities. Or do the sellers of apartments think there prospective buyers are only going to be full time casino gamblers.
But then again this is the kingdom of wonder, and out of the capital city, the new markets and malls may have 20% occupancy due to high shop rentals, with the same goods sold in the old markets and shops. Back in and around the capital there so far chain outlets, coffee shops and food retailers, cinema's. But of course import goods, that at this time I would say the most important. Due to the one's whom have overall control of the said goods, being the importers are the overall winners.

December 27, 2019
Third Aeon Mall receives official approval

From being a duo, Aeon Malls are set to become a trio with a third gaining approval from the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) and scheduled to open in 2023.

The CDC said it had approved the project among others in a news release.

According to the CDC, the new investment project of Aeon Mall (Cambodia) is located on Samdech HE Blvd, the so called 60-Metre Street in Chak Angre Krom commune, Meanchey district, in southern Phnom Penh.

The investment amount was registered as $289.6 million.

According to Aeon Mall’s website, the Aeon Mall Cambodia No 3 – its tentative name – will cover 174,000 square meters (sq m).

Ann Thida, associate director of real estate company CBRE, said yesterday that the new investment shows the retail sector is in demand.

“In the southern part of Phnom Penh, there is no supermarket or mall yet opened, so it shows the potential,” Thida said. “The investment is in the centre of an area with potential because many middle class people will move there.”

In the same area of Samdech HE Blvd, property projects – both commercial and residential areas – are being constructed. Those developers include Chip Mong Group constructing Chip Mong Landmark 60M on 100 hectares of land and Borey Pheng Hout investing in Star Diamond mall and residential projects, as well as other property investments.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50674131/t ... l-approval

And Aeon 3 is on the way!

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50674131/t ... l-approval

OML

I have noticed a lot of AEON Max Value stores opening here. A new one at Chak Angre and another ready to open any-day soon at Takhmau.

I wonder if they are to become the '' 7/11 '' of Cambodia.

phuketrichard wrote: ↑Mon Aug 26, 2019 10:03 pm

....Aeon 2 is even going after the less wealthy with their shrink wrapped and pre made food that can be paid and microwaved at the cashier.

Its hardly a less wealthy option here in Thailand
In all the central mall supermarkets in Thailand, you can buy pre prepared meals, also farang food and great deli sandwiches. Thats in addition to great food courts with great prices.( meals often between 60- 100 baht)
great value for ur $$$

Its just a pity that there is no middle/upper class outside of PP, SR and the Chinese in Snooky to justify any malls or supermarkets to open elsewhere.

I'm glad there are not shopping malls all over Cambodia.
Yet.