SM SEASIDE IS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT SO FAR

The SM SEASIDE is big but it is sad to say, that compared to the malls  in other parts of the world, is a big disappointment so far.

 

Don't get me wrong the mall is beautiful to look at but dont touch as they want you to get in and buy and get out.

SM has evidently made a conscious decision to make it uncomfortable for people waiting for shoppers as there are no seats anywhere in public areas for people to sit comfortably.  There are some stools with no backs now put on the upper floors but outside or inside the supermarket, department store or first floor there are few uf any even stools.  And elderly people who needs supporting backs like the resturants have, forget it...comfortable is not a priority it seems.  As long as it looks beautiful then its fine but customers want a comfortable place to sit while waiting and conveniently ....not in a far off floor as people wait.  There are a few benches at the taxi stand outside in the stifling heat so why not inside too so customers paying for the mall can enjoy inside too?

SM SEASIDE  HAS NO BENCHES OR BACKS WITH SEATS FOR CUSTOMERS TO BE COMFORTABLE OR FOR ELDERLY INSIDE IN AIR CONDITIONING IN PUBLIC AREAS THAT I SEE ...MAKE A MALL FRIENDLY FOR PEOPLE TO WAIT FOR RELATIVES SHOPPING WOULD BE WONDERFUL


NONE OF THESE AVAILABLE IN PUBLIC AIR CONDITIONED AREAS ?


There is no jeeps that can run conveniently to the mall which is a major shame....there are supposedly some buses that run to the airport and south but no online maps of the routes and no time schedule.  Even the workers have no way of getting there easily except by expensive taxis.  Vans should run frequently from downtown Osmena Circle and other parts of the city including the South bus terminal on schedules published online and in the newspapers.  Again a beautiful mall but no easy way of getting there except by taxi.  Sad

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The mall is about half empty of stores and few new brand new restuarants have been recruited to open there even though there are thousands around the world that people would enjoy.  The marketing and selling of space leaves something to be desired.

The small food court is always jam packed.  Why is not more food courts opened in such a major mall to avoid over packing?  Searching for a seat should not be a chore.  And more new restaurants too.



Why is there no senior lounge for elderly to sit and relax after shopping ?  Elderly just avoid going there now as where can they wait their children while others are doing entertainment and shopping?



The Smart cell signal is just about non existent there and Globe and Sun are the only ones available...why is not SMART a strong signal there for mall goers to use?



There is no listing of all the present stores available and their location on a map for mall goers to see what is available and where they can find it?  Publishing it online and having pamplets available at the door would be helpful in such a large mall.






Why do taxis have to go all the way around the mall to get access to roads north or downtown.  It runs up the taxi meter and it wastes gas.  Why can't taxis turn left out ot the mall except in one location....Such a cheap for mall users.  Why are not taxis directed inside the mall right out the back rather than forcing them to go completely outside and around the mall to turn left...Help mall goers save money on fares by having a rear exit to the left turn road rather than forcing them to circle the mall completely?


Why is there no map of exits and entrances to the parking garage and taxi unloading and loading so people can plan their trip in advance?  It should be published online and available to mall goers inside.



For the meantime I will avoid SM Seaside unless it is an evening trip as there is some bench and strolling areas upstairs outside to enjoy but certainly because of the hot sun during the daytime it would be impossible to use during the daytime. 

If you want to see a beautiful mall enjoy the SM Seaside but dont linger as it is not people friendly for waiting for friends or family and hard to get to without a taxi and then the taxis have to take a long way to exit because of traffic patterns.  And there are no maps showing what is available shopping or eating inside or maps showing you how to bring your car in or out.

Where are the bank atms?  Beside BDO which SM owns few other banks seem to be available in the mall to get cash to buy items.  Seems the marketing people have not met the peoples need for cash as there are customers from many other banks that want to spend at SM Seaside but cant get cash to do so?



Cebu Sunstar even had a article today in the newspaper about user friendly malls but obviously it didnt consider these points when it was written.