The Mall Group spends 17 billion THB in a facelift

The Mall Group plans to spend up to THB17 billion (US$544.2 million) initially to overhaul its Bangkok complexes.

After 35 years it is aiming for a fresh image as e-commerce buffets the retail industry.

“We are confident the new look will pave the way for a new chapter in Thailand’s retail
landscape, as store design, shopping ambience, and product and service offerings become more cool and chic,” said The Mall Group senior executive VP Achara Umpujh in an interview.

With its tenant leasing agreement about to expire, The Mall Ngam Wong Wan will be first up for a facelift in August, pegged to cost THB3.5 billion and take nearly two years to complete.

The company will also spend THB6 billion to demolish The Mall Ramkhamhaeng and rebuild it. Work starts next month and is expected to take about two and a half years.
Finally, major renovations for The Mall branches in Bang Kapi, Bang Khae and Tha Phra will be done in parallel and be completed within the next five years.

After completing its remodelling work, the company will update other business units such as Be Trend, Power Mall and Sports Mall.

Meanwhile, group chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh will launch the EmSphere retail project near The Emporium shopping complex this year following two years of delay.