It is Colombo's latest department store and is claimed to be the biggest mall in south Asia with a single person ownership. So we decided we should no longer postpone visiting this new fashion hub in Colombo. Given these facts,it is hardly surprising that we had quite high expectations when we entered the place. The building, though not majestic, was quite grand from outside. We entered the car park without much hassle but once inside there was a fair bit of waiting around before we finally got to a parking slot. This was disappointing, given the magnitude of the car park and that there were only a handful of vehicles. Once we stepped out we noticed that there were no sign posts indicating directions to an entrance. 'This way' said one security personnel and we headed in the direction pointed. 'Go up the way you came' said another after a bit of slope-climbing. So we ended up walking back up to the main entrance only to learn later on that there were other more convenient entrances from the car park to the mall.
After some tottering, we finally walked through the doors and into the mall, with a growing awareness of our conspicuously falling enthusiasm and the interiors didn't do a great job of restoring it!
The christmas decorations were sketchy and I was not all that impressed with the way in which items were displayed. There was of course a considerable array of clothing items, accessories, gifts etc which was a plus point. However the display and outlook which I think are extremely crucial for a department store have not been given the place of prominence they deserve. The staff seemed inadequately trained and their presence almost overbearing. I almost got shouted at for attempting to take a photograph!
Long way to go 'House of Fashions'! But in their defense, this is a huge venture and it is just the beginning. No doubt, they will turn things around. Perhaps, they should start with the simple concept 'customer is king'.
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