He said after Suvarnabhumi Airport opened, several residential property projects were launched on Srinakarin Road, most of which will be completed next year, adding to the number of local residents. This is a positive development for the retail outlets in Seri Centre.

Vorrapong said the shopping complex would spend Bt20 million to renovate 1,000 square metres of its first floor next year, turning it into a fashion zone in response to customer demand. The company expects total revenues to grow 10.5 per cent next year, with some of that coming from adjustments to rental fees and the rest from new customers opening new shops.

For this year, Seri Centre expects total revenues of Bt350 million, up 12.2 per cent from last year. Its occupancy rate is 94 per cent of its total retail space of 80,000 square metres. The centre attracts an average of 40,000 shoppers each weekday and 50,000 a day on weekends.

Vorrapong said consumer spending this year had been slightly lower from last year, because shoppers remained concerned about their future earnings. However, he believes consumer spending will improve next year, due to a clearer political situation and continuing economic growth.

Somluck Srimalee

The Nation