Maritza, a professional yoga trainer, is one of almost 100,000 users of Bliive－a Brazil-based website that brands itself as the world’s largest online time-exchange platform. Bliive looks and feels like a social media platform. Its users trade services, including guitar lessons, air conditioner repairs and tarot card readings, without any cash or creditcard transactions. For each hour of service provided, the user receives Time Money, with which they can buy another service. Maritza earned almost 40 hours’ worth of Bliive services. With that much Time Money, she was able to create her own website about breathing techniques, including her own branding. Each person offers his help in one-hourchunks, and people who have “exchanged” Time Money can rate and review the quality of the service provided.

　　Bliive was founded a year and a half ago by Lorrana Scarpioni, a 24-year-old public relations student. She now employs a team of about a dozen people in Sao Paulo. She came up with the idea after watching documentaries about the sharing economy and alternative currencies. “If people were willing to engage in couch surfing－letting complete strangers into their houses－surely there was a potential for exchanging something as simple as one hour of a service,”Lorrana says.“Bliive is a collaborative network of time exchange. We see this platform as a movement that shows people the real value of exchanges and how they can develop themselves this way.”

　　Bliive takes the concept of the sharing economy－popularized by platforms including Uber and Airbnb－a stepfurther. It creates a new channel between the supply and demand of services, and does away with conventional cash altogether. More than 90,000 services are on offer on the website, making it larger than other barter-based sites. “Theno-money-involved transferences can be a great alternative to keep people developing themselves. We see a lot ofpeople who have graduated with very nice degrees, but they don’t have jobs,” she says. While Bliive aims to become more profitable, Lorrana is keen to retain its core values. “We use these talents and values to create a world that ismore collaborative and less competitive, more focused on the value of people, not just the value of money,” she says.

    For more than 6 decades, Central has been a trusted name—and the store of choice—for generations of shoppers. To mark its 65ᵗʰ Anniversary, Central will hold its annual Flower Extravaganza Exhibition featuring for the first time ever, world renowned Belgian floral designer Daniel Ost, who along with top Thai designers will create unique, breathtaking storewide flower arrangements, merging art and nature splendor. There will also be a variety of activities along with live concerts featuring Thai and international acts plus anniversary promotion offers. Don’t miss one of Bangkok’s most anticipated social events, from the 24ᵗʰ to the 28ᵗʰ of October at our flagship Central Chidlom store.

     Located in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district—Central Chidlom has long been one of the city’s most well-known shopping destinations. Shoppers will love the exciting new Beauty Galerie, along with a huge selection of international luxury-brand items and top-name fashion labels including GUCCI, BOTTEGA VENETA, ALFREDDUNHILL, BALLY, BURBERRY, COACH, and many, many, more. And there’s fine dining on the 7ᵗʰ floor at  FoodLoft, with a choice of 8 international cuisines.

     With our world-class selection and Thai-style hospitality, you’re sure to go home with bags full of happiness…from Central.