Challenger (Eastpoint Mall)

I went to Challenger Simei recently (March 2009) to check on digital cameras too. The staff at the camera counter did not seem to know his products well & seemed reluctant to entertain me when I asked to see Nikon DSLR, which was out of stock. When I asked about the difference between two Canon SX200 IS, he gave me a "I think...." generous remark. I then asked if the particular model came with a pouch. He muttered a "wait" before walking away very quickly to the computer counter where his collegues were. I thought he was checking with his colleuges about my question so I waited for a while at the cam counter. When he was gone for quite a while, I turned around to look for him, only to find him chatting with a few other colleauges near the computer desk. He should have seen him looking his direction cos he was just about 4-5m away. However, they continued chatting & laughing away. Annoyed at the poor attitude, I turned & stepped out of the store. While I was glad I had a Challenger store near my home in Simei, I think I would rather buy my cam elsewhere. Their prices were pretty expensive too. I'd bought my laptop & other stuffs from their branch in Tampines (when it was still there). That experience taught me that they were more concerned about making commission & selling off old stocks that will be outdated soon, than really recommending what is good for customers based on their needs. I advised you to consult you It-savvy friend than rely on their staff's knowledge. If you asked me, I would say that I had much better experiences shopping at Best Denki. That used to be one at Eastpoint too where I bought a couples of fan & other appliances & I thought their services much better.

I wouldn't say their price is the cheapest, since they do not offer inhouse credit cards like Best Denki (which still give you linkpoints on top) (although they have points reward system where the redemption products are not very fantastic at the lower points).

But I guess it is the creditability and the availability of products, as compared to those smaller stores.

I use to go to the Tampines branch before it closed and that has more things, including printers. The one now at Eastpoint has lesser of these PC related, but more of the TV monitors and the cameras).

But their software offers member's price, so still worth going.