The Life Centre, a new-concept lifestyle mall on Sathorn Road, will serve the modern Bangkokian, who tends to be more health-conscious and highly demanding when it comes to health and wellness products and services. It is also expected to help promote Bangkok as a regional medical hub.

Prasert Sriuranpong, vice president for marketing and business development at Siam Retail Development, said the 14,700-square-metre, four-storey shopping venue was developed by Quality Houses and is connected to its 58,000-square-metre, 30-floor Q House office complex on Sathorn. Quality Houses allocated Bt3 billion for the interior work.

"We've created this new innovation by developing a new retail concept, one that caters to the changing lifestyle of Thai consumers, who are addicted to health and well-being," said Prasert.

The Life Centre opened in mid-May. Siam Retail Development was awarded a five-year contract from Quality Houses to run the shopping complex and handle all marketing activities and leasing contracts with businesses that want to open outlets there.

"Thai consumers have changed their lifestyle, and health and wellness services and products have become a daily part of that lifestyle," said Prasert, giving regular trips to fitness centres as one example of how Bangkokians have grown increasingly health- and beauty-conscious. Health and wellness are serious issues to Bangkok residents, and related businesses enjoy a great future potential.

"The Life Centre is clearly positioned as Bangkok's boutique shopping mall with a difference. It's the only shopping centre where consumers can find an all-inclusive range of first-class health and beauty products and services. More than 40 principal outlets in the complex offer a variety of related products and services, such as specialised healthcare clinics, beauty centres, a fitness centre, a spa and several restaurants," said Prasert.

He said about 90 per cent of all retail space in the complex had already been leased, and 60 per cent of all retail outlets had already opened. All outlets should be open for business by October.

"We expect 4,000 to 5,000 shoppers will visit the Life Centre every day. Targeted are white-collar workers and residential consumers, including expats, who are in offices and homes within a three-kilometre radius from the complex," said Prasert.

He predicted the shopping centre would generate Bt87 million a year in revenues from leasing retail space.

Prasert said the shopping mall was divided into four zones that feature more than 40 major retail outlets.

On the ground floor is the Food, Beverage and Services Zone, while the Beauty and Cosmetics Zone can be found on the first floor.

The Healthcare Clinic and Spa Zone is located on the second floor and the Fitness Zone on the third.

Prasert said a co-promotional campaign that includes discount coupons and gift vouchers would focus on Quality Houses properties in Bangkok's Sukhumvit, Sala Daeng, Phetchaburi, Wireless and Thong Lor areas. The promotion is aimed at enticing residents of serviced apartments, particularly foreigners, to visit the shopping complex.

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

The Nation