CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Fabric shops in Chiang Mai have been forced to hold massive clearance sales after severe flooding damaged their inventory, October 20. Local residents flocked to the shops to take advantage of steep discounts.
Chiang Mai Jaidee, one of the fabric shops in the Kad Luang area of Waroros Market in downtown Chiang Mai, has drastically lowered prices, offering fabric for as low as 10-40 baht per meter—far below the usual price of 200-300 baht. Anuchon Mano, an employee of the shop, explained that they had initially taken measures to protect the store, expecting flood levels to be manageable, similar to the 2011 floods. However, the water rose unexpectedly high, reaching waist level, causing extensive damage to the fabric in the store and storage warehouse.
The store’s owner decided to sell off the damaged fabric at a loss before ordering new stock. Many other shops in the area have also been forced to sell flood-damaged fabric at discounted prices.
Customers who visited the shop mentioned plans to use the fabric to make clothing, curtains, and bedsheets. Meanwhile, the Chiang Mai Municipality deployed water trucks to clean the streets around Waroros Market, reducing dust and preparing the area for the return of tourists. (TNA)
