I posted last weekend about our trip to Adana Optimum Outlet. I wrote that article to point out the positives and to praise the good new thing happening here in Adana. Before this topic is too old however, I have to ask the question: Why would you open a shopping center before it’s ready?! We went there on the opening day. The place was packed with people, but over half of the stores had not yet opened. I was there again 6 days after the opening and it was still far from complete. Now don’t think this is a “soft open”. They had concerts, comedians and ice skating performances. Unfortunately half of the stores and attractions were not yet open.
I just found this to be strange and funny. Most significantly the two cornerstone stores 3M Migros and KoçTaş were not yet open and will not open until 3 weeks from the “Grand Opening”. Nor was the cinema or the lazer tag or the bowling alley; all things that were meant to set this mall apart from any other in the region. Burger King and Popeyes Chicken were receiving their startup inventory at 6:00 pm on Friday Night (opening night.) Arbys wasn’t yet open.
I don’t get frustrated with the lack of efficiency that much anymore here in Turkey, but sometimes it just befuddles me. Why wouldn’t you capitalize on that first day? Enjoy this little album of evidence that Optimum Outlet Adana was not ready to open last weekend.
This was clasic, we had to walk up the escalator like it was a staircase. One of the elevators wasn't working right so the doors had to be pried open manually.
5M Migros, The Hipermarket - cornerstone store. not yet open until April 22 (2 weeks after grand opening)
Bowling, Cinema, Lazertag, Paintball... not so fast. Come back when we're ready for you.
Children's Playland. Turkey's Most fun place... open April 19 (see you in two weeks)
This Whoe entrance looked like a construction zone outside. This polite lady told me that cameras are forbidden inside... seriously? Don't all Turks have one on their phone?
Check Out the Diamond Shop behind that lady... Not yet.
Ice scating manager - no clue what's going on. Don't ask that guy a question, you won't get a strait answer.
KoçTaş the home depot of Turkey - Not open untıl April 21
These guys were receivign inventory on their potential busiest day of the whole world. Their loss, we went to pizza hut.
One more shot of the amazing walking escalator
