DIY mega stores

[Anton]

Yet one more DIY mega store, Thai Watsadu, opened on the Bypass less than 2 km away from Home Pro, other side of the road direction Joho. In Korat we already have Home Pro (3 of them), Mega Home, Global House, Do Home, SCG... I would have preferred Ikea coming to town instead of this umpteenth Home Pro replica. Instead, Ikea opened a second branch in the Bangkok area (Bang Yai). Photos taken yesterday.

[Robert]

Hi Anton,

there is another Global House on road to ChokChai. Agree with you about Ikea.

Robert

[caller]

Where I am we have Global House, south in Pranburi, Thai Watsudu, north heading towards Cha am and Home Pro, central, in Market Village Mall, above Tesco's. I suspect the latter only does well because of it's location.

I think IKEA would be generally too expensive for Korat. I use the one at MegaBangNa, which is the original, and two stores in Bkk still feeds a huge market of potential buyers, which I don't think Korat has.

[Alfie]

My experience of Thai Watsadu is that they have a bigger range of some products (tools, for example) than Home Pro and a smaller range of other products (lighting and electrical products, for example) but I suppose that might depend on the individual store.

[caller]

but I suppose that might depend on the individual store.

I think you're right, Global House here looks exactly like the one in Korat, with the huge open space in front. Thai Watsadu is on a big plot as well and if just browsing, you could spend hours there. Home Pro here is like the one in the Mall in Korat before they moved out. Land is so expensive here, that even if they wanted to move out, they'd probably have to move as far out as the others are north and south.
 

[Anton]

I've been visiting Thai Watsadu often recently, and I must admit the better I know it the better I prefer it to the other DIY megastores in Korat. Well organized, plenty of choice of items, quiet, and prices generally lower compared to the competitors.

[Roger]

I'm guessing you have 'Mr DIY' in Korat - in humble Chantaburi we have 3 at least. The local branch opened only recently and my first impression was that it was full of junk - but not just junk it seems . . . some items of amazing value   

Replacement saddle on bicycle - very good quality - a low gel version B149, medium gel B159, lotsa gel B189 - replacing something inferior that cost B700

A 4 function calculator - B16 - excellent for casual use.

A 'from the wall' low shower tap - a range of these from B29 but I paid B150 for a stainless steel version, very good quality - (Home Pro similar B 400+)

D/S tape - 5 metres B19 v Homepro B45 for 1 metre.

Good quality pair of wiper blades with carriers for a Toyota Vigo - B129

It's amazing IMO and Homepro and the local hardware shops, must be feeling the pinch. I just don't know how Mr DIY makes money -  a massive investment in very large shops and tons of stock