Retail News CRM

Tag: bangkok

  • Thai Vietjet offers THB9 promotional tickets for flights from August

    Thai Vietjet offers THB9 promotional tickets for flights from August

    Thai Vietjet is offering more than a million promotional tickets priced from only THB9 (approximately USD 28 cents) (*) for Thailand flights from August. Passengers can book the promotional tickets on Vietjet’s website from 27 April to 3 May 2020. Tickets are valid for travel between 1 August to 31 December 2020.

    The promotional tickets are applicable for all routes from Da Nang and Da Lat in Vietnam to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi airport), and from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Udonthani. This also includes Thailand’s domestic routes from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi airport) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, from Phuket to Chiang Rai, and from Udon Thani to Chiang Rai.

    More detailed information about the flight schedules will be available on Vietjet’s official channels including Vietjet’s website, hotline (19001886), official Facebook page, ticket offices and official agents of Vietjet. Payment can be easily made with Visa/ MasterCard/ AMEX/ JCB/ KCP/UnionPay cards.

    Vietjet is currently offering Power Passes that allows its holders to take unlimited flights within Vietnam. The two Power Pass options include the Power Pass Sky6 priced at VND8,999,000 (approximately USD 382) (*) for unlimited domestic flights until the end of 30 September 2020, and the Power Pass Sky12 priced at VND16,999,000 (approximately USD 724) (*) for unlimited domestic flights until the end of 31 March 2021.

    To improve public health and prevent the spread of COVID-19, Vietjet conducts disease prevention, thorough health check procedures for all passengers and crew before all flights and follows all mandatory requirements such as the wearing face masks. All Vietjet flights are in alignment with all global standards and guidelines from the local authorities, the World Health Organization and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to ensure the health and safety for passengers, flight crew and the community.

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  • Central Pattana improves Covid-19 communication to reassure shoppers

    Central Pattana improves Covid-19 communication to reassure shoppers

    Thai shopping center operator Central Pattana is promoting new hygiene and preventive measures to reassure customers their centers are safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

    Central Pattana’s ‘Central’s Hygiene and Safety’ plan is designed to reassure customers that the highest standards of hygiene and safety are being observed in shopping centers should they need to visit for buying essential products.

    The new plan covers five key core ideas with more than 75 measures, including extra screening, social distancing, safety tracking, extra cleaning and a touchless experience.

    “Despite some uncertainty around the current Covid-19 situation, the company is deeply concerned and has been proactively pioneering a master plan … to implement in our shopping centers, stores and with employees to help curb the spread of the pandemic and to ensure everyone’s highest safety at our shopping centers,” said Central Pattana deputy CEO Wallaya Chirathivat.

    “In response to this ‘new normal’ of changing consumer behavior facing the pandemic, this master plan is open as a guideline for general use for the best interest of the nation to hereafter set a new retail and social norm.”

    Central Pattana’s properties include CentralWorld, CentralPlaza, CentralFestival, Central Phuket and Central Village malls.

    “Central Pattana has been fully cooperating with the government’s mandates as well as encouraging social distancing,” added Wallaya, “… in the midst of this uncertainty, the re-opening of our shopping centers will be strictly in compliance with government’s mandate.”

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  • Central Pattana launches one-click service linking tenants, consumers

    Central Pattana launches one-click service linking tenants, consumers

    Thailand’s Central Pattana has launched ‘One call x One-click’ service which allows its customers to shop remotely during social distancing.

    With ‘One call x One-click’ service, customers now can shop and order from more than 1200 stores and restaurants with a single one phone call or one click through Central’s Line account.

    “The current situation is indeed a challenge for our marketing team,” said Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, executive VP of marketing at CPN. “We need to appropriately and rapidly adjust our strategy to catch up and create new services for customers while trying to understand the situation and its impacts on consumer behavior and ensure the safety of customers.

    “At the same time, we need to help our partners maintain their businesses and facilitate them.”

    Other Central Pattana One call x One click services such as pick-up counters and drive-thru pick-up points are available at all of the company’s shopping centers throughout Thailand.

    CPN has partnered with fellow Central Group retail businesses, including Tops Supermarket, Robinson Department Store, B2S and SuperSports, to launch the drive-thru business model nationwide.

    Last week, Bangkok shopping-mall operator Siam Piwat introduced a similar initiative, allowing customers to make purchases via phone call or on OneSiam’s Line account.

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  • Thai grocery Loxley pivots to delivery

    Thai grocery Loxley pivots to delivery

    Thai grocery wholesaler Loxley is pivoting to delivery services as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

    Loxley’s distribution subsidiary LTC has set up an online grocery store for essential items during the country’s lockdown period, with some of the firm’s fleet of delivery trucks converted into mobile grocery stores.

    The mobile stores are retailing goods such as packed rice, cooking oil, fish sauce and roasted peas to consumers residing in crowded communities such as Klong Toey and Phra Khanong. Items are discounted at 15 to 20 percent below regular sales channels.

    LTC is a leading FMCG distributor within the territory, covering more than 30,000 wholesale, retail, modern trade and convenience stores nationwide, including hotels and restaurants. The firm has seen a 40-per-cent spike in sales over the past two months, predominantly caused by panic buying.

  • Strict Thai curfew forces stores to close cross nation

    Strict Thai curfew forces stores to close cross nation

    Thailand’s government has imposed an overnight curfew effective tonight that will force the closure of tens of thousands of convenience stores and street vendors.

    The curfew will run from 10pm to 4am. During that time all Thais and visitors to the country must remain indoors, with exceptions only for emergency services, medical workers and patients.

    Further exemptions include the transportation of goods, farm produce, medical supplies, fuel, parcels, goods destined for export or import, vehicles transporting people to quarantine sites, shift workers, and people traveling to or from airports.

    People who breach the curfew face up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to Bt40,000 (US$1200).

    A majority of Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores, and rival chains, in urban areas traditionally trade 24 hours a day serving shift workers and tourists, but as of tonight, they will be forced to close.

    The move follows a ban on restaurants and bars serving customers on-site and a total, indefinite liquor retailing ban in one northern province.

    Thailand’s usually vibrant tourist industry has been decimated by the coronavirus epidemic with foreigners now all but banned from entering the nation and lockdowns and social-distancing measures being enforced nationwide.

    In addition to the curfew, public transport will be suspended across Thailand from 9.30pm to 4am, from tonight onwards.

    As of Thursday, Thailand had reported 1875 cases or coronavirus and 15 fatalities.

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  • Central Food Hall employs robot in coronavirus fight

    Central Food Hall employs robot in coronavirus fight

    Thai supermarket Central Food Hall has begun using UV-C Disinfection Robots to sterilize stores in a move to combat coronavirus transmission.

    The firm is the first supermarket in the region to implement disinfection robots, certified by the WHO and CDC to sanitize areas around 360 degrees to destroy more than 99.99 percent of all pathogens within seconds.

    The robot is currently being deployed at Central Food Hall Central Chidlom while the store is closed. Plans are afoot to introduce robots at other Tops Market and Central Food Hall branches in the interests of employee and customer safety.

    UV-C light is considered to be without harmful side effects on the food and products in the store. The technology has been in use for more than three years in Thai hospitals, factories, companies, hotels, schools and other places that need effective disinfection.

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  • Don Don Donki opens second store in Thailand

    Don Don Donki opens second store in Thailand

    Amidst the Covid-19 outbreak, Japanese discount-variety store Don Don Donki has continued ahead with the opening of its latest branch in Bangkok, Thailand as part of its international expansion.

    The Japanese retailer, known at home as Don Quixote, entered Thailand in February last year, opening a Donki Mall in the expatriate haven of Thonglor.

    The new store, located at The Market mall, will retail more than 130,000 items including fresh groceries and daily necessities.

    The new branch also features its private-label Jonetsu Kakaku with an in-store dining space. However, in the short term, the branch will provide only take-away services for cooked food due to the coronavirus pandemic and government limits on cafe operations. To further adjust to the current situation, the retailer will limit the number of store entrances and exits and will control the flow of customers into the store. The temperatures of staff and customers will be checked at numerous touchpoints around the store and baskets and cashier counters will be sterilized frequently.

    Chairman Shimanuki Yosuke says the company had imported large stocks of products in advance of the opening, and before the coronavirus pandemic broke out.

    Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the daily customer count of the company’s stores there tripled during recent weeks as locals stocked up on imported goods, unable to travel abroad.

    There are widespread rumors that Don Don Donki is about to open its fifth outlet in the territory, at Central. The news leaked out during rental leasing negotiations for nearby properties.

    Local media is reporting that the retailer has its eye on two-storey premises at 100 Queen’s Road Central, spanning 17,800sqft. Earlier reports had the company opening more stores at Tseung Kwan O and Causeway Bay, to complement its flagships in Tsim Tsa Tsui and Tsuen Wan.

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  • Siam Piwat uses online media to connect shoppers and retailers

    Siam Piwat uses online media to connect shoppers and retailers

    Bangkok shopping mall operator Siam Piwat has launched new retail services to engage and support customers and retail tenants during social distancing.

    The new services include Call & Pick up, Eat at home and OneSiam Chat & Shop, which allow customers to shop online via live chat at OneSiam Line official accounts, shopping centers’ social media and OneSiam mobile application.

    “Amid the current situation, OneSiam has worked in line with the government’s attempts to cease the spread of Covid-19,” said Chanisa Kaewruen, senior deputy MD of Siam Piwat.

    With Call & Pick up service, loyalty program members can place orders for grocery shopping via phone and collect their groceries at the pick-up point. Meanwhile, the Eat at Home service allows customers to order food from more than 50 restaurants at Siam Paragon, Gourmet Garden, Paragon Food Hall and IconSiam.

    OneSiam Chat & Shop is the company’s new omnichannel service, providing live chat that connects customers with shopping advocates to make purchases on OneSiam’s Line account and its other social media channels.

    “Social media has been our major platform to communicate and keep our customers updated with interesting and relevant information,” said Suthida Maleipan, deputy MD at Siam Piwat. “This is in tune with our social commerce strategy and the Chat & Shop service is expected to increase customer engagement to over 25 million followers next year.”

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  • Thailand’s Central Pattana to waive the rent for retailers

    Thailand’s Central Pattana to waive the rent for retailers

    Thai retail property developer Central Pattana is to waive rent for tenants affected by the government’s shutdown order.

    The company said in a statement that it will waive the rent for tenants who have been ordered to shut by authorities and offer rent reductions ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent for stores that remain open.

    “We are confident that with complete cooperation from all parties we will overcome this challenge together,” said Precha Ekkunakul, president and CEO of Central Pattana. “We are ready to support every business to resume its normal operations and to help coordinate government aids for all sectors who have been affected during this crisis.”

    The company has also organized call centers, pick-up counters and drive-through pickup points to support its food-and-beverage partners and customers.

    Central Pattana said it plans to adjust its upcoming projects and is working on a plan to resume business operations after the crisis is resolved, in order to ensure its growth and return shareholders’ investment.

    Central Pattana has temporarily closed all of its 15 shopping centers in Bangkok and 13 out of 18 shopping centers in the provinces. Essential services including supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores remain open during the closure.

  • 7-Eleven Thailand recruits thousands delivery staff

    7-Eleven Thailand recruits thousands delivery staff

    Convenience-store chain 7-Eleven Thailand is recruiting 20,000 workers to make deliveries in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak.

    With many Thai nationals, visitors and residents confining themselves to home in the interests of social distancing, and malls and most shops and entertainment venues closed, 7-Eleven Thailand parent CP All has announced moves to increase delivery services to support those in isolation.

    New staff would be working deliveries from all 7-Eleven locations throughout the country.

    Those eligible for the employment opportunity must be over 18 and ideally have their own vehicles. The firm is accepting online applications for the positions.

    With more than 800 coronavirus cases and climbing, Bangkok has largely shut down its retail sector as department stores, bars, dine-in restaurants and outlets not trading in essential goods have been forced to shut for several weeks.

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  • Bangkok shopping centres, markets closed for three weeks

    Bangkok shopping centres, markets closed for three weeks

    Bangkok shopping centers and markets were effectively shut down yesterday as the city moved to slow the spread of coronavirus.

    According to a Thaiger report, the closures are in response to a Bangkok government edict to shutter all department stores and markets in the capital for three weeks in a move to slow down the spread of the current coronavirus outbreak.

    “All food stores and restaurants will be allowed to serve only take-home orders while hotel restaurants can serve only hotel guests,” read the official announcement. “The measure will take effect between March 22–April 12.”

    The announcement that Bangkok shopping centers must close was released as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Thai capital continued to rise. Nationwide there were 599 reported infections as at Monday morning, local time.

    Despite the retail closures, people in the city still have freedom of movement although social distancing is still recommended by the administration.

    Similar measures have been introduced in other international locations – including hard-hit Italy, which remains under national quarantine, Spain and New York City.

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  • Bonchon chicken in Thailand Planning Expansion

    Bonchon chicken in Thailand Planning Expansion

    Thai-headquartered Minor International has bought an effective 70-per-cent stake in the master-franchise rights holder of Bonchon chicken in Thailand.

    The deal sees Minor take controlling interests in Singapore’s Spoonful Pte and Spoonful Thailand, which will drive future expansion of the South Korean fried-chicken chain in Thailand. Minor paid US$79 million for the shares.

    The transaction leaves Mint as the effective operator of Bonchon chicken in Thailand and follows its $66 million purchase of Chicken Time last November, which at the time ran 40 outlets across Thailand. At the time of that deal the company said it was in the process of negotiating with Bonchon’s South Korean owners for the right to expand the network further.

    That pathway has been cleared and Mint says it now owns long-term exclusive territorial rights and the ability to expand and sub-franchise Bonchon chicken in Thailand. It plans to grow the store network to more than 150 restaurants throughout the country by the end of 2024, representing a five-year CAGR of more than 25 percent.

    “This latest investment in the master franchise rights of the Bonchon brand … emphasizes our strategy to enhance our portfolio offerings and further strengthen the restaurant business in Thailand,” said Minor Food CEO Paul Kenny.

    “With almost 10 years of presence in the country, Bonchon brings a highly loyal customer base of Thai millennials and Generation Z, which we will further build on.”

    The expansion strategy will focus on shopping centers and community malls, along with delivery-format stores to capture the fast-growing delivery market. With only two stores outside the nation’s capital of Bangkok currently, key cities in the regions will be targeted as well.

    During the first two months of this year, sales of Bonchon chicken in Thailand have proven resilient amidst the coronavirus crisis, supported by strong delivery sales.

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  • Central Retail to invest US$575 million on expansion this year

    Central Retail to invest US$575 million on expansion this year

    Thailand’s Central Retail Corporation achieved 8 percent revenue growth last year to US$7.1 billion and an 11-per-cent boost in profit to $394.7 million.

    CEO Yol Phokasub said the improvement reflected “robust platforms” in every country in which it operated: Thailand, Vietnam and Italy.

    “We increased market share in every product category, including fashion, food and hardlines, whilst we also grew our customer base in each market with our strong eco-systems,” he said.

    Central Retail is on track to achieve a five-year goal of achieving 8-10-per-cent average annual income growth and earnings growth of 10-11 percent.

    This year, Central Retail is investing $575 million into expanding its business in its three core markets, exclusive of mergers and acquisitions.

    In Thailand it plans to open three Robinson Lifestyle stores, seven Thai Watsadu stores and 3 Baan and Beyond stores, as well as expanding its food and specialty-store networks.

    In Vietnam it will open six supermarkets under the existing Big C banner and its new brand Go!

    It also plans to refurbish some existing stores and open more outlets under its LookKool, Kubo and SuperSports banners.

    In Italy, it will refurbish its department stores in Florence and Rome, and focus on leadership in the lifestyle-luxury segment of the market.

    “After many uncertainties in both the global and Thai economies this year, whether from the strong Baht, the COVID-19 epidemic, reduced tourist arrivals or declining consumer confidence, Central Retail must exercise caution in its business operations, closely monitor various issues and use technology to manage costs effectively,” said Phokasub.

    “Our multi-category and multi-format platforms give us flexibility and adaptability to rapidly changing and volatile situations. This offers us an advantage and a good opportunity to reach customers, providing them with new experiences through our robust omnichannel platforms.”

    Central Retail achieved sales growth online of about 56 percent last year.

    “This year, we forecast sales through the omnichannel platforms to account for over 10 percent of Central Retail’s sales,” he said.

  • Apple Thailand store set to open

    Apple Thailand store set to open

    Photos have been leaked on Twitter, offering a preview of Apple Thailand’s second store

    Located in front of Central World, the construction space was recently revealed after being boarded up and closed off to the public for more than a year.  The store’s glass walls are temporarily covered.

    The architectural plans of the second store were also leaked, featuring the interior layout.

    On the ground floors, tables are set up in a circle while shelves are placed along the walls.

    A winding staircase is located at the center, leading to the second floor where a big screen is installed for the Forum area.

    Apple Thailand’s first store was opened last November at the IconSiam shopping center in Bangkok.

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  • Samsung and BTS enter global marketing collaboration

    Samsung and BTS enter global marketing collaboration

    South Korean electronics giant Samsung and BTS the K-pop superband, have entered a global collaboration to market smartphones.

    Samsung will first work with BTS for the boy band’s global contemporary art initiative, “Connect, BTS,” before expanding their collaboration to other areas, according to the officials.

    Connect, BTS is a global initiative spearheaded in collaboration with curators from five major cities — London, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Seoul and New York — to connect people from across the world through art.

    The project was designed to dovetail with BTS’ philosophy that centers around diversity, love and ‘care for the periphery’.

    Samsung said it will support augmented reality (AR) docent service for the project, in which members of BTS appear and explain art pieces in a virtual system.

    The South Korean tech giant also installed a media facade with its Galaxy devices for the art project in Seoul and New York.

    Samsung and BTS did not disclose further details of the partnership, but industry insiders expect that the septet will participate in the company’s various promotion and marketing events regarding its new smartphones launched earlier this month.

    BTS member V was spotted at Samsung’s “Galaxy Unpacked 2020″ in San Francisco, where the company unveiled the new-generation 5G Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip smartphones.

    “We hope we can deliver a good experience to fans of BTS and Galaxy devices around the globe through collaboration with BTS,” a Samsung official said. “We are planning various activities other than ‘Connect BTS.’”

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