Department store in a mall

@stuckonu (726)
Philippines
September 30, 2011 7:33am CST
I have an embarrassing experience today, well, not really embarrassing but a little awkward. I have read from a Facebook post that there will be an ongoing sale this weekend at a certain mall. I went there expecting that there will be a Department Store like any other malls here in Manila. However, when I got there, I ask a janitor where the Dept. store is, but to my surprise, he said that there was none. It was for the uber rich people and I think they don't need department store as they shop per brand and boutique. Do you think it is a good idea if all malls have their own department store so that the class distinction will not be that obvious?
4 people like this
9 responses
pahak627
@pahak627 (4558)
• Philippines
30 Sep 11
Yes, I guess there must be department stores in a mall. I admit that I'm not comfortable in some boutiques I guess I don't belong there. I had an experience in a boutique. There was an item that I planned to buy in a boutique I asked for my size from a sales clerk as I was determined to buy it. You know what the sales clerk said to me, "Naku Ate mahal po yan." I can't remember what I said to her but I bought the item. There's discrimination in boutiques. In fairness, it's not true to all boutiques, there are still some boutiques with sales clerks who are polite.
1 person likes this
mantis36
@mantis36 (4219)
• Philippines
1 Oct 11
I think i have some common idea on the reason's why the sales clerk said that: to think of it, a common scenario is many of the customers enter on a boutique and majority of the customers only ask the price of that item but in fact they will not buy, more and more customers only asks, so, the sales lady wishes to record her voice on a recorded cassette tape that when played: "99.95 Philippine pesos sir, ma'am" whenever the customer will ask, the sales lady will push the play button on cassette and again... a voice record for a customer to hear "99.95 Philippine pesos sir, ma'am" hehehe... if you are one of the previous worker as a sales lady, you will realize this.... and if you have a friend when malling, sometimes you may notice him/her asking the sales lady but in fact your friend having no plan to buy that item.... i too make it when i go malling buy re-arrange their product pretending that i will buy something but in fact, i have no plan to buy at all.... and when in turn, i am working as a sales lady soon the different customer will retaliate to what i did before hahahaha
helloiam
@helloiam (21)
• United States
30 Sep 11
I think all malls should have a department store. Where I live, all the malls in my area have atleast one department store and business is always blooming in that department store. You should try to contact the mall state your opinion on this because they always want feedback from cosumers. Boutiques are okay, sometimes you can find some really cool one-of-a-kind pieces there.
1 person likes this
secretbear
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
2 Oct 11
Hi stuckonu! I think it's better if a mall has their own department store like SM and Robinson's. These malls both issue privilege cards which you can only use for shopping in their own department stores and other accredited stores. If a mall does not have its own department store, then there won't be a need for privilege cards which I think, is one good strategy to encourage customer loyalty.
laydee
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
30 Sep 11
Well, I think they do that in order to 'classify' people. What good would it do if their target market are high society? I mean if their target market don't really like to go on department stores, then why build it? I know it sound pretty rude, but perhaps it's not their priority to serve those in the lower classes. Have a great MyLot experience ahead!
1 person likes this
maezee
@maezee (41988)
• United States
2 Oct 11
I have been to some high end malls before too - I feel out of place! When I was in Las Vegas, there was one "mall" with Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chloe(?), Chanel, and a bunch of other places that I wouldn't even DARE to step in. I think I would have had a heart attack if I saw any of the price tags in those stores.
lologirl2021 (Holly)
@lologirl2021 (5542)
• United States
30 Sep 11
Im not sure if i would even go to a mall without department stores. Im not a fan of boutiques becasue the prices are to high and i dont have that type of money just laying around to buy things. I like purchasing things from stores i like and department stores that im already familiar with. I usually just always go to the same mall or go to an outlet mall to get better prices too. Shopping inside is more fun so i usually always jsut go to that mall to enjoy the company and have fun too.
1 person likes this
2wicelot
@2wicelot (2945)
•
1 Oct 11
It is probably a niche store targeting only the super rich people. You can not blame them for having such a business model that is what there clientèle they cater for. But then it doesn't matter at all, if you have the money you can as well shop there too. Probably with some my lot earning s you would be able spend some cash over there.
Kiki Stamatiou
@Keola12 (820)
• United States
1 Oct 11
I think that department stores should be for everyone regardless of social class.
Triple0
@Triple0 (1904)
• Australia
1 Oct 11
Really? From where I come from, every shopping mall has at least one shopping mall in it. I usually go to the suburb shopping malls where they have branded stores and boutiques but also a big departed store located all the way at the back. Departed stores are great! They have everything you need and it doesn't distinguish between you and other people. The price is just right for everyone and their products still do have good quality. But most of the time, the department stores don't have the things I want, I like the more expensive branded stuff but I just don't have the money. But I'm always seeking a bargain! Suburb shopping malls are not that bad but the city ones are super expensive.