I've been in Bangkok the last week and it's been amazing! There are about TEN huge, airconditioned shopping malls as well as a plethora of street markets. I've literally shopped till I've dropped. And so cheap! Also makeup, beauty products, bags and shoes. It's so vibrant, fun and lively, a real joy.
I'm not saying this to make pp jealous, but there's been a lot of threads on here these past few years bemoaning how difficult it is to buy decent clothes, especially in the high street and the contrast has got me wondering WHY is it so different Here and why can't the UK create what Bangkok has?
Other obvious differences that may help explain it is the cost of Labour is so much cheaper, there's no social security so pp have to work, they still mainly use cash and I don't think internet shopping has taken off in the same way. Also, because of the extreme weather, huge airconditioned malls make a lot of sense, and you can get a massage, beauty treatments, play games, eat and go to the cinema in them.
Just makes me sad, how much we've lost in the UK, and seeing how another country is doing it so much better, why can't we do it in the UK?
Here's an article with more info.
www.wanderwithjo.com/bangkok-shopping-guide/