Why super-regional mall Megabangna is the ultimate family shopping destination in Bangkok.

by Percy Roxas

When Megabangna (●02 105 1000; www.mega-bangna.com) opened in 2012, it was billed as the largest low-rise shopping mall in Southeast Asia. Other malls in the region might refute that claim but Megabangna is certainly large; humongous in fact, even by Thai standards. With more than 800 shops and restaurants, parking spaces for 9,000 vehicles, 200 leading fashion boutiques and 100 international cafés and dining venues, 30 kids and baby stores, and a variety of entertainment offerings, it is certainly a “super regional mall,” as its vice president of marketing Nattaporn Runghajornkin describes it.

And if Megabangna is a “super regional mall,” then Runghajornkin must be a “super guy.” Armed with a masters’ in commerce and economics from the University of New South Wales, Australia, among other credentials, he is not only the “face” of Megabangna but also the main catalyst for its rapid success.

From the beginning, Megabangna’s concept was strong and clear. It is a destination for the modern family. “We know who our market is. We have strong core values, and we’re very family-friendly. That’s what differentiates us from others,” said Runghajornkin.

“There is something for every member of the family here. Everyone can enjoy the various activities and events. Our shops and tenants fit all demographics … and the end result is happiness for all. That is why our current slogan is: “Megabangna: Your Space, Your Happiness.”
With about three million people visiting per month and more at the weekends, Megabangna is obviously a solid success. “Our visitor numbers are increasing at an average of eight percent per year, and we are about to hit 35 million visitors this year. Indeed, we see a very good trend in growing visitor numbers,” he said. “Business growth for our tenants is also on the up, at about 20 percent year on year.”

Now in its third year, the first low-rise regional shopping center in Southeast Asia is celebrating its success with an ever-increasing high standard of service.

Megabangna has earmarked more than THB 10 million to open three new zones to meet the changing lifestyles of its customers to become the ultimate family destination. To quote Runghajornkin, it will be “a shopping center for all the family filled with shops, restaurants and services from leading brands, which is spacious and comfortable.”

“Megabangna’s commitment and services continue to meet the changing needs and lifestyles of people coming to the center,” he explains. “According to a recent study, clients demand a shopping center with products, services, and facilities in one zone; they want all the services and facilities to be in one place.

“In response to this, we’re giving customers newly designed and improved zones where the tenant selection and layout will meet their demands. We place high importance in making sure that customers are satisfied every time they come to Megabangna.” Runghajornkin went on to say that they expect to attract more customers with the new zones.

The first zone to officially open is “Mega Money,” which has a sleek new look that has been very well received by all of the leading financial institutions, from banks and financing companies to loan and insurance firms.

“In addition to rental space for new stores, this zone will also offer a range of stylish and innovative financing companies,” says Runghajornkin. “The Mega Money Zone offers a wide range of QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants) to suit different lifestyles in a grab-and-go style, with ready to serve food such as Sunrise, Subway, and Pizza Hut Express. The innovative financing services here boast a unique concept inspired by 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York, and the products and services here are provided by financial institutions, insurance companies, banks, and currency exchange services, such as Thailand City Life Promise, Securities Asia Wealth, TISCO, and many others.”

Zone II is called “Thai Bazaar”, which will be located in the newly opened entrance to the parking spaces in the basement, close to the main entrance near the information counter. Here, customers will find Thai souvenir products such as food, drink, clothing, jewelry, and decorations. Also in this zone are handmade bags, and porcelain and ceramic ornaments that have been made in Thailand.

For foreigners, “The Tour” will be highly appealing. “Because of Megabangna’s location, which is just 20 minutes from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, this zone will further support our expansion that involves targeting foreign visitors,” he adds.

Another newly updated zone has a variety of styles to suit the different lifestyles of the center’s customers. This is known as the “Jewelry Zone”, which has an improved layout, allowing paying customers to shop more comfortably and conveniently. Each store offers decorative patterns according to the character of the products and it is worth noting that some clothing stores have moved to a new area called the “Fashion Galleria.” This is Megabangna’s main fashion zone, which is a convenient area to buy fashionable products. It offers a superior shopping experience, as well as all the full comforts that Megabangna always provides.

The shopping center sector is going to grow, says Runghajornkin, and for places like Megabangna, the challenge is how to always remain on the top of the game. “And we’re ensuring we achieve just that,” he concludes. “As for myself – I love retail, I love brands, and I love dealing with customers so it’s very exciting. You can even say that here, I am living the dream!”