GAYSORN CALLS FOR LOWER FASHION DUTIES

Thailand competes with Hong Kong and Singapore for luxury shoppers, so the government needs to lower duties to attract this segment, says Mrs Satima, adding that retailers have talked about reducing import duties with many governments, but nothing ever happens. 

Gaysorn Land Asset Management Co, the operator of Gaysorn shopping centre, is urging the government to review the structure of import duties on luxury fashion and brand name products to increase the country's competitiveness against Hong Kong and Singapore.

Deputy general manager Satima Tanabe said the import duty for fashion products is 20-30%, quite high compared with other countries, meaning higher prices for shoppers.

RATCHAPRASONG OFFERS SHOPPING THERAPY

Gaysorn’s Pure Reward campaign aims to soothe shoppers, says Ms Satima (right).

Major shopping malls in the Ratchaprasong shopping district launched marketing strategies to lure back shoppers who shied away during the floods.

Chai Srivikorn, president of the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA), said the decoration budget for retailers and hoteliers was increased to over 10 million baht, up from 8 million last year, to boost shopping sentiment.

Apart from the New Year Countdown, many activities were added such as concerts and beer gardens in new locations. The RSTA Winter Sales will run from Dec 1 to Jan 31, 2012.