New Makro store in Hua Hin

[LolaBeltran]

Love these stores !!! When does it open ?

Why? My experience with the Macro in Petburi was dreadful. I wouldnt venture into another thanks.
Why do you like these stores? I am genuinly interested.

[kendo]

Up in Surin we have a Macro and Big C one side of the main road and Tesco Lotus the other, in my opinion Makro produce fresh veg, fruit, meat, and yes even live sea food was by far better than the other two.
Kendo.

[advocate]

Far better prices, esp meat.
I've been buying from Makro in Pranburi for years, w/o a membership card.

[hollister]

Love these stores !!! When does it open ?

Why? My experience with the Macro in Petburi was dreadful. I wouldnt venture into another thanks.
Why do you like these stores? I am genuinly interested.

Everything that we need in large quantities is there in large quantities like a pack of 24 sodas at thb 5 each etc ...

[LolaBeltran]

That explains a lot guys. Thanks. Since I dont buy in large quantities and never buy meat I wouldnt be aware of the positive points mentioned above.
My one experience in the Makro in Petburi: I remember it being a big, dingy warehouse, we couldnt find anything . . .even a shopping cart ( they were all on the other side of a fence of some sort) As this was years ago, I dont remember the checkout details but I do remember it was a hassle I vowed never to repeat.

My only gripe with the current Tesco-Lotus at the mall is the endless yappy ads on the sound system and of course the unusually surly checkout girls. The store almost always has what I want and it is easy to get in and out.

[Takiap]

Well, I can confirm that Makro is indeed full service. I've just come from there and while I hate to say this, I sure am impressed. I can't see myself ever venturing all the way through to Tesco again. Not only is the new Makro just down the road from where we stay, but in my opinion, it knocks the socks off Tesco. They have all the stuff I like........deer meat, wild boar, ostrich, partridge, and even crocodile meat, and a nice selection of lamb. There's a lot more choice with fruit and veg as well, and selection of fish other seafood is superb. Can't wait to sink my teeth into some nice Yellow Tail fish, but you have to buy five, and we don't really have a very big freezer. I guess a chest freezer is on the cards.....lol.

[hhfarang]

They have all the stuff I like........deer meat, wild boar, ostrich, partridge, and even crocodile meat

You sure have unusual taste in meat Takiap... I think you mentioned once that you are from South Africa or lived there... I guess that's where that comes from.

[chopsticks]

Is it a food only Makro outlet and do you need a membership card to shop there ?

Enjoy the springbok,

[Piesat42]

I asked before I went in shopping about not having a card and the girls on the door assured me "No problem"
And it turned out to be true ... and they had Coke Zero in big bottles !!
There is also cleaning gear and household stuff and a few tv's etc

[chopsticks]

Thanks, will have a look - good that Tesco have some competition.

[nickswift]

I have just come back from Macro.

You can get a membership card if you spend 2000b they told me - even if you have no business - but you dont need a car, just walk up to check out with your shopping ans say you dont have a card, they will just scan a temp one and you pay, collect your receipt - keep receipt handy as they check it on the way out.

Yep, coke zero in stock and san mig light

[JAFO]

My GF and I went to the new Makro today as well. My GF commented on how heavily geared it is towards foreigners. In fact I noticed 4 foreigners walking the store in Makro uniforms. There are cheeses, various packaged frozen meats, a butcher section for Pork, chicken, fish and beef, fresh seafood. In the center of store is a large wine area(if you like wine). Bread area was suitable. There are a half a dozen rows right as you walk in focused on western canned, bottled foods.The produce section was nice except way to much pre-packed produce. It offers minimal electronics and has a few rows for house hold supplies.

Positives:
1) I do not have to EVER go back to Market Village.
2) For now the place is very clean and well stocked(we will see how this goes)
3) Prices were fair

Negatives;
1) You have to buy too much food on some products.
2) Most food products are frozen, prepackaged, processed food which I absolutely do not care for as I prefer daily fresh

In the end it has the flare of a huge Villa Market with some Thai products for the locals. I will continue my daily Talad trips for the fresh fish, pork, chicken, vegetables and fruits as we can get in the qty that suits my GF and I's needs. I do not want to buy a bigger refrigerator/freezer to accommodate excessive food buying.

[Dr Mike]

is it just food?

[easyas]

My GF and I went to the new Makro today as well. My GF commented on how heavily geared it is towards foreigners. In fact I noticed 4 foreigners walking the store in Makro uniforms. There are cheeses, various packaged frozen meats, a butcher section for Pork, chicken, fish and beef, fresh seafood. In the center of store is a large wine area(if you like wine). Bread area was suitable. There are a half a dozen rows right as you walk in focused on western canned, bottled foods.The produce section was nice except way to much pre-packed produce. It offers minimal electronics and has a few rows for house hold supplies.

Positives:
1) I do not have to EVER go back to Market Village.
2) For now the place is very clean and well stocked(we will see how this goes)
3) Prices were fairkro and the odd trip to Cha Am

Negatives;
1) You have to buy too much food on some products.
2) Most food products are frozen, prepackaged, processed food which I absolutely do not care for as I prefer daily fresh

In the end it has the flare of a huge Villa Market with some Thai products for the locals. I will continue my daily Talad trips for the fresh fish, pork, chicken, vegetables and fruits as we can get in the qty that suits my GF and I's needs. I do not want to buy a bigger refrigerator/freezer to accommodate excessive food buying.

Pardon my ignorance but I think Talad means local market, doesn't it? if so, which one or ones would you recommend for travelling to by car - I'm not scooter savvy and don't want to be! I know it's a bit far off but I really like the Cha Am market - plenty of parking, good quality cheap fresh Thai food. Looks as though like you I'll now totally dump MV - although my bank is there unfortunately, and keep shopping at Villa Market, but now augmented by Makro and the odd jaunt to Cha Am - unless, of course, you can come up with a HH car friendly market!

[Takiap]

They have all the stuff I like........deer meat, wild boar, ostrich, partridge, and even crocodile meat

You sure have unusual taste in meat Takiap... I think you mentioned once that you are from South Africa or lived there... I guess that's where that comes from.

Yes HHF, I am from South Africa, but strangely enough, 99% of South African would agree with your comment about me having strange tastes.....lol. As a child, I never had the chance to try any of the meats I mentioned. A little later in life ostrich meat was freely available, and by the time I left SA in 1995, it was the cheapest meat you could buy because not many people ate it. It's lovely meat, but it needs to be prepared correctly.


Wild boar I tried for the first time in Poland, and have since had it in Thailand as well, and it's been fantastic every time. Deer meat is also not enjoyed by many, but I really enjoy it. Again, very hard to come by in South Africa, other than in the form of biltong. So, while these meats are available in South Africa, you only really see them in specialty stores, and they cost the earth, apart from ostrich.


I already make my own beef biltong from time, but with Makro just down the road, I'll soon be able to make it with deer and ostrich. The biggest challenge I face then, is actually trying to secure a piece or two for myself. My wife (Thai) and kids love biltong, although most Thais are hesitant to try it.