As popular as Palio เขาใหญ่ is the owners are betting they can draw even more merchants and visitors. So they are expanding with a row of buildings behind the existing complex along the side of the parking area. That might seem like an unfavorable location for merchants but there will probably be lots of foot traffic passing those shops as people park their cars and head into the existing set of buildings. It remains to be seen, however, if shop owners can be profitable with the somewhat shockingly high rental rates for such tiny little shop areas.
Actually, that’s a big question for all of the merchants in the first phase of Palio. We see lots of visitors on weekends but few buyers. How many of the current businesses will still be there next year is a big question. We are hopeful to see lots of variety at Palio with more unique restaurants and boutique shops. It also seems like a natural as a location for clubs and gatherings. We asked at one of the wine shops if there was a wine club in the area and drew a blank stare from the kid minding the (empty) store. That’s a missed opportunity. We can only hope the owner will or has thought of it as a way to get people together and, of course, sell more wine. What a great location to have tasting parties.