January 7, 2009

Including the kitchen sink

The all-in-one-roof builders center is a relatively new phenomenon in Metro Manila. These large, clean, well-lit, warehouse-type structures started appearing only within the past decade. In the past, lumber, pipes, paint, nails and other construction materials could only be bought from dark, dingy hardware stores which only accepted cash. Then you had to go to other—and separate—shops for tiles, bathroom fixtures, cabinetry, and lighting fixtures. Of course, these centers don't house all available choices nor cover all needs—the Ortigas Home Depot didn't have long-span aluminum roofing, gutters, downspouts or upholstery fabric—but they do make life so much easier for busy homeowners.

The Ortigas Home Depot

15 comments:

  1. OlivierJanuary 7, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    on en trouve souvent en France, c'est pas beau, mais bon c'est bien pratique, cela fait des petits centres commerciaux.

    there are often in France is not beautiful, but it is good practice, this makes small shopping centers.

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  2. HalcyonJanuary 7, 2009 at 10:17 PM

    It's more colorful than any Home Depot I've ever seen! I sort of like it with the banners and posters stuck to the front. It looks more "market-y" and not so chain store-ish.

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  3. Debbie Courson SmithJanuary 7, 2009 at 10:24 PM

    We take those types of stores for granted. It's good to have a couple, but as you know, every big store looks like that. It drives the small businesses away, and after a while, you miss the small businesses.

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  4. LoisJanuary 7, 2009 at 10:34 PM

    I like these stores because everything is in one place and the employees are very helpful to someone like me who knows nothing about home improvement! This one is much more colorful than the ones we have here.

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  5. JudyJanuary 8, 2009 at 12:35 AM

    We have made many trips to our Home Depot.

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  6. Laurie AlleeJanuary 8, 2009 at 2:08 AM

    This is so picturesque! Great capture, Hilda. And thanks as always for such informative commentary!

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  7. GeorgeJanuary 8, 2009 at 2:43 AM

    Your store makes our all-in-one store (Lowe's) look drab. But it sure is convenient.

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  8. rafJanuary 8, 2009 at 6:32 AM

    Thanks, Hilda, for yet another of your many interesting and informative posts on cultural changes there in Manila.

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  9. Destitute RebelJanuary 8, 2009 at 8:05 AM

    This is like a mini mall everything you need in one place, great shot!

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  10. lunarossaJanuary 8, 2009 at 8:47 AM

    Too many like those in the UK, maybe not that colourful though. Pity that the small shops are disappearing. Is there a "credit crunch" in Manila as well? Ciao. Antonella

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  11. NevaJanuary 8, 2009 at 11:20 AM

    They are called "big box" stores here (like Walmart, Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, etc) because they look like a big box.....pluses and minuses to them but I don't mind making one stop for most everything!

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  12. gogouciJanuary 8, 2009 at 12:30 PM

    Seems to be a very popular and busy center. Just like the Home Depot here in town.

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  13. angelaJanuary 8, 2009 at 5:48 PM

    Apart from the names this could be the commercial centre down the road..
    even the cars look at first glance the same!
    Globalisation: scary.

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  14. marleyJanuary 9, 2009 at 6:15 AM

    Almost everything you could need!

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  15. ReenaJanuary 10, 2009 at 1:28 PM

    hi. just passing by...
    yep, being in the construction industry, it does help a lot especially when buying a few items. but depots like these sell materials that can be bought at a cheaper price like in binondo or any ordinary hardware store.

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