PHUKET: A battle against overspending is taking place on Phuket that is enmeshed in secrecy, yet it's helping to stave off inflation and, to an extent, retain Phuket's own curious and perhaps marketable culture.
At a time when international franchises loom everywhere, SuperCheap local stores are springing up virtually overnight in more locations.
The mother of all SuperCheaps remains in Thepkasattri Road, headquarters since 1984 where many cost-conscious Phuket people shop for almost everything, including kitchen sinks.
Just about the only thing you won't find there is air conditioning.
Owned by a Phuket family, the brand has suddenly been expanding over the past six months into convenience store outlets . . . with cool air.
''Hey, there's another one,'' has been a frequent cry lately around Phuket.
It's true that the Tops brand is now out there as well among the 7-Elevens and the Family Marts, plus Tesco Lotii of varying sizes, but it's the SuperCheap outlets that seem to be multiplying particularly speedily lately.
And that's a good thing.
Inflation clearly has a toe-hold on Phuket and the fact that Phuket has the highest minimum wage of 221 baht a day among all 77 provinces is a sure sign that prices are moving higher, faster on ''international'' Phuket.
Promising Phuket lowest income earners more has become an issue for the July 3 election on the island, and throughout Thailand. But with the promises come concerns that prices will rise even faster.
SuperCheap's expansion is likely to keep prices lower. The brand is said to grow most of its own produce and that certainly helps to keep prices competitive.
The SuperCheap HQ is high on the list of alternative Phuket tourist attractions, a huge tin shed where department store meets supermarket meet fresh market, and where prices are never less than affordable.
Although the brand is clearly expanding and competing directly with 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Tesco Lotus, the people behind the brand are saying nothing.
SuperCheap does the talking for them, we figure, and the SuperCheap brand is talking commonsense. Anyone can now check out all the convenience stores, and compare prices.
Mom and Pop shops could now be disappearing on Phuket, but where they once stood a fascinating Phuket battle is taking place.
Long may Phuket prices be supercheap.
At a time when international franchises loom everywhere, SuperCheap local stores are springing up virtually overnight in more locations.
The mother of all SuperCheaps remains in Thepkasattri Road, headquarters since 1984 where many cost-conscious Phuket people shop for almost everything, including kitchen sinks.
Just about the only thing you won't find there is air conditioning.
Owned by a Phuket family, the brand has suddenly been expanding over the past six months into convenience store outlets . . . with cool air.
''Hey, there's another one,'' has been a frequent cry lately around Phuket.
It's true that the Tops brand is now out there as well among the 7-Elevens and the Family Marts, plus Tesco Lotii of varying sizes, but it's the SuperCheap outlets that seem to be multiplying particularly speedily lately.
And that's a good thing.
Inflation clearly has a toe-hold on Phuket and the fact that Phuket has the highest minimum wage of 221 baht a day among all 77 provinces is a sure sign that prices are moving higher, faster on ''international'' Phuket.
Promising Phuket lowest income earners more has become an issue for the July 3 election on the island, and throughout Thailand. But with the promises come concerns that prices will rise even faster.
SuperCheap's expansion is likely to keep prices lower. The brand is said to grow most of its own produce and that certainly helps to keep prices competitive.
The SuperCheap HQ is high on the list of alternative Phuket tourist attractions, a huge tin shed where department store meets supermarket meet fresh market, and where prices are never less than affordable.
Although the brand is clearly expanding and competing directly with 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Tesco Lotus, the people behind the brand are saying nothing.
SuperCheap does the talking for them, we figure, and the SuperCheap brand is talking commonsense. Anyone can now check out all the convenience stores, and compare prices.
Mom and Pop shops could now be disappearing on Phuket, but where they once stood a fascinating Phuket battle is taking place.
Long may Phuket prices be supercheap.
There's another thing you will not find at SuperCheap - Health Inspectors.
Posted by Chris on June 9, 2011 15:47