If the rumors are to be believed, ICONSIAM, Bangkok’s newest riverside megamall will open this November. Set on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River, the development will include luxury stores, restaurants and entertainment facilities. (So basically, it’s a Siam Paragon by the river.) Before you complain that the city already has too many malls, ICONSIAM promises a number of attractions even non-shoppers would enjoy, including an expansive riverfront promenade, a cultural museum, the Sook Siam food and culture bazaar, and, most importantly, Bangkok’s very first Apple Store. Let's see what we can expect at this exciting opening, and don't forget to watch this space for more updates.
ICONSIAM
1. ICONSIAM observation tower
Situated next to the ICONSIAM complex will be a 459-meter observation tower, although it will probably take a few more years to complete.
It’s confirmed! Bangkok’s very first Apple Store will open at ICONSIAM. The exact store location hasn’t been announced, but it’s most likely to be in a position facing the Chao Phraya, providing millions of photo opportunities from across the river. But Apple recently announced more Bangkok-based job openings (they were heavily recruiting last year), and insiders are guessing that a second Apple Store might just open somewhere else in town.
3. The first Takashimaya Bangkok outpost
Takashimaya, one of Japan’s oldest department stores, is teaming up with local retailer Siam Piwat to open its first outpost in Thailand at ICONSIAM. Called Siam Takashimaya, the Japanese mall will be taking up 36,000 square meters across seven floors of the riverside complex. While we’re expecting a deluge of imported fashion brands, we’re more excited about the Japanese food and sweets that will be available in the food zone.
4. JD Sports' first Bangkok Flagship
ICONSIAM is bringing the UK-based multi-label sneaker store JD Sports to Bangkok, opening the first flagship at the riverside complex. Born in 1981, JD Sports is one of Britain's largest retailers of training shoes and athletic gears with more than 400 stores in the UK and Ireland as well as Europe and Asia.
5. @cosmn
Bangkok is now having quite a fair share of Japanese-hailing beauty store and @cosmne, a popular Japanese multi-brand cosmetic shop, is soon to be added to the long list. The brand is opening South East Asia’s first flagship at ICONSIAM.