BoBobae Market (ตลาดโบ๊เบ๊), the largest wholesale clothing source in Thailand, is the ASEAN garment export hub, and is believed to be the cheapest garment market in the country.
It has been with Bangkok for more than 80 years and is popular with merchants who come to buy in bulk and resell in the retail market; most come from all over the country, Southeast Asia, and general customers.
There is a wide range of products to choose from, from small pieces to large ones; the location’s suitability makes Bobae grow until it has the most significant number of SMEs entrepreneurs in the clothing trade business.
The Bobae is also the country’s first clothing wholesale market. The economic value generated from the garment trade here is the highest in the country, with a transaction of approximately thirty billion baht per year; the essential primary market is Middle East countries.
Most of the clothes sold are by the dozen, and some stores do not sell retail because of only wholesale.
Because there are many manufacturers of similar products, therefore high competition forces wholesalers to create strategies to retain their old customers and add new ones for growth.
The market’s busiest and most selling time is during the Songkran (Thai traditional New Year), when vendors flock to find items related to the festival, especially floral apparel for all ages.
There are countless shops to choose from, with many types and designs of products that make it look dazzling. As for the quality of the clothing items, here is of good quality until they are popular with the general public.
The clothing wholesale business model in Bobae most are sole proprietorships, and many operators provide one-stop service, from design, production and export.
Products in this market are available in both wholesale and retail. There are all types and grades, including ready-to-ship fashions, shirts, polo shirts, t-shirts, pants, shoes, children’s clothing, adult’s clothing, printed t-shirts, sportswear, elderly’s clothing, teenage’s clothes, sweaters, student uniforms, skirts, maternity clothes, pajamas, underwear, and dresses.
Furthermore, one can find Thai clothes, boxer shorts, shorts, floral clothing, Legging pants, travel outfits, swimwear, casual outfits, military uniforms, cartoon costumes, superhuman hero costumes, equipment for selling clothes, pants, standing. There are also different hats, accessories, shoes, bags, towels, canvas, tent cloth, and miscellaneous goods.
Located on Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem Road, between the Kasat Suek Bridge and the White Bridge Intersection Khlong Maha Nak, Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, the Bobae’s neighborhood is an ancient and culturally diverse area.
Bobae Market is constantly evolving until it is now a vital clothing trading heart in ASEAN. It is also one of the most wholesale sources in the kingdom that traders in Bangkok, from other provinces, and general people come to buy products the most.
Bobae Tower, a 7-storey air-conditioned building next to the Prince Palace Hotel, is packed with more than 1000 stores. It is a wholesale source of quality clothes at low prices and the country most prominent modern and export quality clothing center, and has many regular Thai and foreign customers.
Bobae Market has both morning and daytime markets:-
- Morning Market: a wholesale market is located outside of Bobae Market. It will start trading from 2:00 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. (open every day except Monday morning). The customers are a group of merchants who choose products to be resold at the retail price.
- Daytime Market: Bobae market stalls and shops lined up in the old market and Bobae Center — from Huachiew Hospital and Mahanak Market side (open for sale every day from 3:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays are available until noon).
One can walk to the zone of shops in the commercial building and Bobae Tower (open from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. – available for sale every day).
Commute to Bobae during the day, can come by MRT to Hua Lamphong and only 3 kilometers by tuk-tuk or taxi. Or take a boat at Khlong Saen Saep to Bobae Pier.
Private cars can park at Bobae Tower, Prince Palace Hotel, Huachiew Hospital, and Sahathai Building (Hua Fong).
Source: BusinessBangkok.com’s Staff Report
