Koh Samui Shopping Centers - Shop and Center Overview

The local population of Samui is 55 thousand people. Several times that number come as tourists. This requires an appropriate trade infrastructure, the rapid development of which has been observed since the late 1990s.

Makro

Under the name Makro there are two small wholesale hypermarkets, which are usually used by the local population of the island. The assortment offered is huge, has a Thai specificity, but the number of items is not inferior to similar shopping centers in other countries. Red meat, chicken, eggs, milk and non-food items are on sale. Traditionally for Thailand - a wide range of seafood, vegetables and fruits.

What is produced, harvested or grown on Samui is cheap. A kilogram of salmon, for example, will cost only $10. The cost of products not typical of Thailand, roughly the same price in stores at home (this applies, in particular, pork, chicken) or much higher.

For products such as cheese, milk, pasta, potatoes, and many others, prices are high. For example, a kilogram of potatoes costs $1.2-$1.5 - and these are not selected, not packaged potatoes.

But all the same, Makro makes it possible to save significantly. Many owners of private small stores, market stalls, come here to buy products, buy in small bulk, and then sell at their place at a higher price - a scheme that works everywhere in the world. Most products at Makro can be bought in standard retail quantities. It makes sense to visit this hypermarket for those who want to save a little money.

Tesco Lotus

A chain of shopping centers where you can not only buy products, but also:

• clothes and shoes;
• household chemicals and appliances;
• mobile technology;
• books;
• cosmetics;
• medications.

In addition, the supermarket in Chaweng is available:

• movie theater;
• bowling;
• hairdressing salon;
• playground with slot machines.

A large area is devoted to catering. The cafes in Tesco Lotus get good reviews: the food is very good and the prices are quite reasonable. For example, a huge plate of tom yam is $3.

Speaking of supermarket grocery prices, they are moderate, but higher than the Macro on 20%-30%.

Central Festival

One of the last to be built, Central Festival immediately became what it is in other Thai cities - a first-class shopping center. For such a small island with predominantly one-story buildings, it is huge: two hundred stores are spread over three floors. It's not as democratic as Tesco Lotus, but if you want imported clothing from global brands or imported foods, Central Festival is the place to go. A separate supermarket sells electronics and home appliances.

Otherwise, it offers a standard set of entertainment: bars, cafes, restaurants (different cuisine), cinema, attractions, children's area.

Big C

A famous mall in Samui. Big C is inferior to Central Festival in size. In terms of prices and products offered - closer to Tesco. On the first floor of the shopping complex are numerous stores selling textile, footwear, souvenirs. Grocery supermarket is on the second floor. The range of products is wide. Despite the similarity to Tesco Lotus, the Big C will be slightly more expensive.

Next to the supermarket there is an area with cafeterias and restaurants. The shopping center has a hairdressing salon and a children's goods store.

Tops Market

A well-known supermarket among tourists in the center of Chaweng. In addition to its location, it is convenient because it is located in a separate building, without associated entertainment venues. This is a real supermarket in the traditional sense of the word. The store offers a wide range of products, alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, household chemicals, etc.

Prices at Tops Market are immodest in comparison with the stores considered above: a kilo of chilled pork costs from $5, and a chicken carcass - $11. The high prices are compensated by the consumer loyalty programs: there are always positions with discounts up to 50%.

The advantage of Tops Market is the presence in the range of European goods, such as Belgian chocolate.

The store practices online shopping: you can place an order on the supermarket's website, and it will be delivered anywhere on the island.

Samui Mart

The store is recommended primarily because of its low prices. Here you can buy both food and shoes, clothing, including children's, household goods, pets, etc. The range is narrower than in the malls discussed above, but the democratic pricing policy gives Samui Mart a significant advantage.

Wharf Samui, 7 Eleven and Family Mart

A mini shopping center on Bophut Beach. Several stores with clothes and shoes, souvenir shops, cafes. All very well maintained, not crowded. If you are not a fan of big shopping malls, you will like Wharf Samui.

The convenience stores with a small, unpretentious assortment and reasonable prices are everywhere on Koh Samui. They are open 24 hours a day.