• Central Retail Strengthened Its Leadership As The Top Retailer In Tourist Areas – As Thailand’s No.1 province in making the highest GDP from tourism, Phuket was selected for the THB 1.3 billion project, “Robinson Lifestyle Shopping Centre and Department Store Chalong” to welcome growing tourist traffic during economic recovery. The opening was also aligned with Phuket’s development plan in becoming the centre for tourism education and service innovation for sustainable development and international standards. The first phase was set to welcome customers on 20 September 2023 and full service would be in place by the end of this year.
• ‘More Than A Lifestyle Destination Shopping Centre’ Strategic Direction – Not only this latest location would be the perfect destination for Eat-Shop-Play, but it was also planned for better quality of lives, socioeconomically and environmentally, in a sustainable manner, as its strategic direction encompassed on becoming the Lifestyle & Experiential Community. The shopping center was designed under ‘Retailtainment’ concept, bringing Carnival Village to life, reflecting the uniqueness of Phuket – in particular Chalong – residents, while delivering different and beyond shopping experience.

Mr. Philippe Broianigo, Chief Executive Officer - Property and Business Development, Robinson Lifestyle under Central Retail, said, “Chalong is one of Phuket’s strategic locations. As a commercial centre of the gulf, featuring Chalong port and many tourist attractions, Chalong has become a popular tourist destination. Phuket also experiences growing population, where three out of four population are of working age, making it a high-potential location. Our success with Robinson Lifestyle shopping centre Thalang in the previous year strived us to continue our expansion, resulting in the 28th branch, Robinson Lifestyle Shopping Centre Chalong making Robinson Lifestyle the shopping centre the retailer with the most coverage in 25 provinces in Thailand, also intended to be a flagship store with a unique design concept that reflects Chalong people’s lifestyle. Crafted as ‘Carnival Village,’ the latest addition offers ‘Retailtainment’ experience to all shoppers, spanning over 43,000 square metres and 3 floors. It comes with 3 new and more experiences to become ‘More than a lifestyle destination shopping centre, consisted of:

1. More than Eat–Shop–Play : Robinson Lifestyle shopping centre Chalong delivers unique shopping experience that reflects the identities of the community, while offering ‘Eat-Shop-Play’ solutions in one location, transporting everyone to the new era of one-stop destination for every lifestyle. The shopping centre is divided into four highlight zones:

   1. Food Paradise (Eatery) – This zone features restaurants of various nationalities and delicacies, with leading supermarket like Tops, and other major brands like Starbucks, MK Restaurant, Yayoi, Pancake Corner, and Bonjour;
   2. EVERYDAY A FOOD HOUSE – This zone is consisted of restaurants and seating areas for dining and relaxation. Customers will enjoy enhanced convenience with the first-ever “EVERYDAY Grab & Go at” Robinson Lifestyle Chalong;
   3. Fashion Carnival (Fashion Zone) – Update customer’s style and fashion trends daily in the joyful environment, aiming to deliver happiness in your shopping experience at Robinson, Supersports, THULE, Beautrium, and Watsons.
   4. Magic Carnival (Tech Zone) – Latest technologies and gadgets to stay connect can be found here from Banana IT, Jaymart, True Shop, AIS Shop, and Big Camera;

   Moreover there are special promotions, with complete services, and amenities, including parking space of more than 1,500 cars, wheelchairs service, touch-free elevators, free Wi-Fi, charging station, prayer room, rest area, and co-working space. The mall also features Phuket’s first Major Cineplex, bringing cutting-edge screening technology, Laserplex, carnival-themed movie theaters, major titles throughout the year.

2. More than sustainable community development : The shopping centre aims to operate in alignment with the province’s sustainability policy under three pillars:

   1. Economic sustainability – Support local SMEs and startups by providing commercial space for local products, expanding business opportunities, and creating jobs for wealth distribution;
   2. Education – Provide financial support for “Funtastic English Class for Kids #2” project in hiring native speakers to teach English and support school supplies for students at Baan Chalong School to develop English skills for future education and job opportunities;
   3. Environmental sustainability – Focus on Green Energy, including alternative energy and clean energy, in alignment with CRC Net Zero mission. Solar rooftop and high-efficiency chillers are installed to reduce carbon dioxide emission. The mall also worked closely with Thai Watsadu to support surrounding communities in building effective drainage system to drain waste water and reduce floods in the area.

3. More than design : Distinctive design reflects the community’s uniqueness and the lifestyle of its residents, bringing ‘Carnival Village’ concept to Chalong residents and tourists who will be excited with Retailtainment experience. Fun-filled space and celebration will play a big role in making lasting impression on any visitor.

   Mr. Olivier Bron, Chief Executive Officer - Central and Robinson Department Store, under Central Retail, the representative of the major business partner and Robinson Department Store executives, discussed the expansion, “Phuket is another province that Robinson Department Store has experienced positive feedback and has forged long relationship with shoppers in the area. Currently, Jungceylon Patong location and Thalang location have been the province’s staples. Additionally, we heard our customers’ feedback on the shutdown of the 28-year-old legendary Robinson Department Store Phuket, sealing our confidence in Phuket, where its residents remained loyal and welcomed our store. That is why we have been working tirelessly with Robinson Lifestyle shopping centre for this latest location, Robinson Chalong, which is not too far from the original Phuket location. We aim to deliver beyond shopping experience. From our consumer studies and customer database, we have developed services that fit the needs of Phuket shoppers of all generation and worked to be one with the community – from its sustainability design that is not only environmentally friendly, but also incorporates Phuket’s unique identities and context into its design, resulting in metalwork from the tin mining industry, vibrant colors in each zone, and the use of raw finishing, recycled wood, as well as local handcrafts in the decoration of Robinson Chalong. Another key strength lies in our partner brands of over 350 brands who jointly create special shopping experience over 7,600 square meters and two floors. The first phase will be accompanied by special marketing campaign, “Robinson Big Sale,” running from today – 19 October 2023. We will also run various campaigns throughout our store and through all shopping channels, including Robinson Chat & Shop, Personal Shopper On Demand at 1425, Personal Assistant, Central App, website (www.central.co.th), and Facebook Fanpage: Robinson Department Store to deliver daily happiness to our shoppers and truly become the complete lifestyle destination centre in Phuket.

Mr. Philippe Broianigo, closed, “Robinson Lifestyle shopping centre Chalong does not only aim to attract both local residents and tourists. We are more than confident that Chalong’s location will be our flagship store and a complete lifestyle destination in the area, catering to the diverse needs of Thai and foreign shoppers alike. We have strategic development plans for this location and others to Lifestyle and Experiential Community reinforce one position as centre of community and grow sustainable together.”

Robinson Lifestyle shopping centre and Robinson Department Store Chalong will be open everyday, from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm For more information and updates, please visit: Facebook Fanpage: Robinson Lifestyle Chalong and Facebook Fanpage: Robinson Department Store