BANGKOK -- Japanese companies are eager to open more commercial facilities in Southeast Asia, hoping to develop new markets in a region where the middle class has been enjoying economic growth. But for them to gain traction with local consumers, they'll need to deliver differentiated customer experiences to stand out from the many local competitors.
On Jan. 28, the Central Village outlet mall, operated by Mitsubishi Estate Co. in a suburb about 30 kilometers east of central Bangkok, opened its new expansion. The sprawling commercial complex now covers more than 150,000 square meters, and was crowded with families carrying bags of purchased items.
