Talking about shopping in Bandung is almost nigh impossible to commit without also mentioning Factory Outlets, since they are truthfully an indispensable part of Bandung shopping experience. There are a large number of Factory Outlets available in Bandung, with some of them clearly more distinguished than others.
One of the more distinguished ones that I want to talk about a little in this post is STAMP Factory Outlet. (more…)
Of all the shopping malls that are available in Bandung, Cihampelas Walk–more famously known as Ciwalk by the locals–is perhaps the one that I prefer visiting the most. It is not the largest nor the most complete, but one thing that I like about Ciwalk is how it manages to successfully confer a rather pleasant atmosphere all-around, where anyone can either dine, shop, or just fooling around in a comfy, cozy, and perhaps most importantly, friendly environment.
The mall itself features primarily an outdoor concept, where a large portion of its area is located outdoor. I have heard that they are trying to evoke the sense of walking through European streets, and although it is pretty debatable whether they are successful or not (and if they are, to what degree) in achieving that objective, the outdoor concept for me is a lot of improvement when compared to places with traditional indoor concepts such as Bandung Indah Plaza or Bandung Super Mall.
Shopping Malls. What can we do about them? The big, expansive, multi-floor air conditioned buildings where shops, stores, dining spots, food courts, cinemas, and other places where you can shop and spend your money to your heart’s content congregated together in one concentrated place for the convenience of people with a penchant for shopping. Be happy or not with them; whether you think their existence beneficial or harmful to the masses; it is undeniable that they have a tremendous effect on many people everywhere they are built, and that their presence often construed as a sign of a ‘proper’ city—a sign of a city’s increasing economic capacity and welfare.
Before I am continuing with my nonsense drabble however (one of which I am partially confused myself, hahaha), I would like to introduce to you some of the more famous Shopping Malls in Bandung. This post is the first part of a series of posts about Bandung Shopping Malls in this blog.
Cihampelas Street is one of the most famous places to visit in Bandung, and only a short observation is required to understand why. Rumored to be the longest stretch of continuous road in the world dedicated wholly to garment/fashion shopping, Cihampelas Street is filled from the beginning to the end with numerous shops and stores, all vying to invite customers to visit their places with their own unique decorations, promotions, and selection of items to purchase. It is perhaps no wonder then, that this street is always seemingly crowded with people unable to resist its temptation.
On my previous post I talked about the phenomenon of Factory Outlet in Bandung; how they can provide a shopping haven for fashion-inclined shoppers, and how they are so numerous in Bandung it seems like anyone can always see one no matter where in this city. That is not to say, however, that the multitude of Factory Outlets available in Bandung like mushrooms in rainy seasons is always advantageous for a shopper. Looking for the perfect shop that combines all the best ingredients can be as difficult of searching a needle in a very thick haystack, and there is that worrisome tendency that while it is true that Factory Outlets sell products at more affordable prices, the products themselves may not necessarily be enough to satisfy those with an eye for quality. It is then important to find a place where everything is fused together into perfection; where atmosphere, diversity, price, and quality all blend together to create the ideal place for all of your fashionable shopping needs.
Introducing: Rumah Mode, the premier Factory Outlet in Bandung.
