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Tag: bangkok

  • Zen Group Thailand prepares to go public

    Zen Group Thailand prepares to go public

    Thailand’s Zen Group is planning to list an IPO to fund expansion of its restaurant chains. With designs to become the leader in Thailand’s food service industry, the company plans to sell 75 million shares in the firm. The proceeds are expected to fund new restaurants in both domestic and international markets, as well as improving existing venues and increasing efficiency.

    While the Japanese-themed chain Zen is the group’s best-known chain, it also operates a string of Thai-branded restaurants including Tummour and Khiang, along with Japanese brands Aka, Musha, On the Table, Vietnamese chain IWO Pho and a Singaporean-style Granny’s Chicken Rice.

    “This year, we plan to add 36 of our owned branches and 87 franchise branches, and in 2020, we plan to expand by a further 50 of our owned branches and 175 franchise branches”, said CEO Boonyong Tansakul.

    The group expects its total revenue to reach THB10 billion (US$315.55 million) by 2022.

    “In the past two years, the group has invested in the management system within the organisation, including increasing personnel and investing in information systems to support business expansion both domestically and internationally”, said Tansakul.

    “This has led to increased administrative expenses, but the result is that at present the group stands ready to expand business and can use the support base that it had prepared beforehand to fully support growth”.

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  • Siri House opens in Singapore with new concept

    Siri House opens in Singapore with new concept

    Hybrid showroom, restobar, retail space and gallery Siri House has opened in Dempsey Hill as a taste test for a planned flagship in Thailand.

    The venue combines multiple concepts into a single interconnected area, including mock interiors for Bangkok apartments, display spaces for Thai artists, and discrete retail corners focusing on Thai culture and designer items, with jewellery, apparel, accessories and various collectibles available for purchase.

    The store is currently trading seven labels, ranging from homeware and souvenirs to crafts and ceramics. Most products on sale have a quirky or artistic vibe.

    The venue also houses a 48-seat restaurant with art deco stylings, serving a colourful Asian-influenced menu alongside a selection of wines and cocktails.

    The Siri House flagship is scheduled to open in Bangkok by March.

    View gallery below for images of the store :

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  • Amorepacific’s eSpoir sets foot in Thailand

    Amorepacific’s eSpoir sets foot in Thailand

    Amorepacific-owned makeup brand eSpoir has launched in Thailand via cosmetics retailer chain Eveandboy. Nearly 130 eSpoir products are available at Eveandboy stores at Siam Square One shopping mall and at Terminal 21 near Asoke Station. The highest-profile eSpoir products include Dewy Face Glow moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, No Wear Lipstick, and Pro Tailor Foundation Be Silk / Be Glow.

    The South Korean brand will launch in eight more Eveandboy stores and an online mall to build a strong presence in the Thailand beauty market and expand channels.

    Amorepacific says it plans further expansion into other Asean countries.

    “We are pleased to be able to bring Korea’s representative makeup brand, eSpoir, to Thailand, the largest beauty market in the Asean region. The launch of eSpoir will surely strengthen our brand portfolio in Thailand and drive further growth,” said Choi Woong, Amorepacific Thailand GM.

    The group will diversify its brand portfolio spanning skincare and makeup for its sustainable growth in Thailand.

    Other brands available in Thailand including Sulwhasoo, Laneige, Mamonde, Innisfree and Etude House.
    Founded in 1945, Amorepacific sells more than 20 cosmetics, personal care, and health care brands in Asia, North America, and Europe.

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  • Jaspal unveils collection joined by Lynnie Z

    Jaspal unveils collection joined by Lynnie Z

    Thai fashion brand Jaspal has opened a new flagship store featuring its limited edition collaboration with London-based artist Lynnie Z. The partnership with Jaspal’s Hi Life collection marks the opening of the brand’s new IconSiam flagship. It is one of a series of partnerships between Jaspal and global artists to ensure that unique styles emerge each season.

    The Hi Life collection for men and women features stars, hearts, lips and faces as motifs with strong colour themes referencing Africa.

    “I was so honoured to be a part of such a wonderful project,” said Z. “Thailand has an outstanding heritage and Thai people love art and fashion, which is the reason why I decided to come on board. Also, I think Jaspal and I share the same artistic soul, and, more importantly, the brand fully understands the story relayed behind my works,” she said.

    “To me, this project was really wonderful, allowing me to create a masterpiece collection with a famous local brand, and communicate my inspiration, passion, and uniqueness through the collection. This is one of the best works I’ve ever created. As for the process in making this collection, for the most part, I came up with ideas and colours from my sketchbook. These are organic and abrupt but they reflect a liveliness that I wanted to communicate through the collection.”

    View the images of the collection below (6 images) :

  • Thailand’s Supersports stores rebranded as fashion shops

    Thailand’s Supersports stores rebranded as fashion shops

    Thailand’s CRC Sports has rebranded its Supersports business as a sports fashion store in a move targeting millennials. Last month’s rebranding modernises the business’s image and transforms the performance store model into the fashion world. The logo has also been revised with green motifs to suggest environmental awareness.

    Three Supersports stores have already been updated with the new look, including the CentralWorld location, with 50 stores scheduled to follow early next year.

    President Tony Morton said: “Our new motto is ‘The new Supersports, where Sport is fashion’, in response to the trend of millennials being fashion-conscious, cool, healthy and cheerful.”

    The firm will also expand its online sales efforts in the coming year, with the total market size for sporting goods in Thailand expected to be worth THB30 billion (US$916.3 million) by the end of this year.

    Supersports drew in THB300 million ($9.163 million) in online sales last year – 3.5 per cent of Supersports’ THB8.5 billion ($259.78 million) total revenue – and expects online sales to reach THB500 million ($15.28 million) next year.

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  • Miu Miu Siam Paragon boutique reopened

    Miu Miu Siam Paragon boutique reopened

    Italian fashion brand Miu Miu is reopening its Siam Paragon boutique as the first Thai location to introduce its new concept store. The new 140sqm outlet strengthens the brand’s presence in Bangkok with a refreshed interior design and new collections of its signature accessories, bag, shoe and ready-to-wear collections.

    Among Miu Miu’s current offerings are evening dresses enhanced by Swarovski crystals and garments featuring 60’s-inspired elements.

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  • FamilyMart expands Bangkok delivery service with Kerry

    FamilyMart expands Bangkok delivery service with Kerry

    Convenience store chain FamilyMart has partnered with logistics operator Kerry Express to expand its Bangkok delivery service. “Today, the e-commerce market has grown continuously for more than 20 per cent annually, and individual consumers have also had a greater demand for express delivery over the past three to five years,” said Central FamilyMart president Chiranun Poopat.

    “We have introduced Kerry Express, an express delivery service, available 24 hours a day at our FamilyMart stores in Bangkok and surrounding locations. The door-to-door express delivery will be provided to our individual customers so that they will be able to send their parcels to any locations throughout the Kingdom with fast and high-standard delivery process.”

    The new service is being promoted with a free limited-edition parcel delivery box available to customers during the Christmas period. The box will be provided to customer spending more than THB79 (US$2.42) via its express delivery service.

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  • AEON Thailand Foundation donation proceeded

    AEON Thailand Foundation donation proceeded

    Last week, Mr.Kiyoyasu Asanuma (4th from left), Chairman of AEON Thailand Foundation, and Ms.Suporn Wattanavekin (3rd from left), Vice Chairman of AEON Thailand Foundation, together with Mr. Nuntawat Chotvijit (2nd from left), Director of Marketing, AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited and Mr.Veerawat Ariyaviriyanant (left), President & CEO of Data Products Toppan Forms Ltd. donated 1,000,000 Baht from the “AEON Charity Bowling Competition You are a HERO” to Ramathibodi Foundation in support of “New Innovation for treatment of cancer ” program. The donation was received on behalf of the foundation by Prof. Dr. Suradej Hongeng (4th from right), Executive Director of Ramathibodi Foundation and the research team from the Ramathibodi Hospital.

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  • Now tourist can claim VAT refund in downtown Bangkok

    Now tourist can claim VAT refund in downtown Bangkok

    According to the announcement by the government’s Reveue Department regarding ‘Downtown VAT Refund for Tourist’, the campaign has kickstarted an initiative to set up counters in numerous locations across central Bangkok to help tourists proceed with VAT refund upon shopping at permitted VAT refundable retailers. VAT refund will be returned to tourists in the form of cash in Thai Baht, encouraging them to continue shopping in Thailand with ease and convenience. Apart from helping tourists, the campaign is initiated to promote growth and balanced income distribution to small businesses.

    As one of the founding parties of VAT Refund Center (Thailand) Co.,Ltd, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. is proud to be the official partner and the representative to assist tourists with VAT refund processes in these 5 locations across Central Bangkok; Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Central Chidlom, Robinson Sukhumvit,  and The Emporium. As one of the partnering department stores, Siam Paragon has completed all preparations to help and service incoming tourists at the highest capacity.

    Senior Executive Vice President for Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. retail business development division Charnchai Cherdchoowongtha-nakorn said, “Siam Paragon is delighted to fully support the government’s policies and work with the Revenue Department. ‘Downtown VAT Refund for Tourist’ is set up to be a key area on G Floor where tourists can find conveniently, as it is located by one of our entrances connected to BTS Skytrain and taxi stops. Additionally, adept, knowledgeable and service-minded staff have been assigned to accomodate tourists with paperwork and essential procedures in order to fully and successfully comply with policies from the Revenue Department.”

    “Not only will shopping tourists of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery find it convenient to proceed with VAT refund at Siam Paragon, all tourists who have purchased goods, in accordance with all policies by the Revenue Department are welcomed to complete all necessary procedures at our department stores. The convenience of VAT refund at Siam Paragon is extremely helpful for those who have purchased in the popular shopping destination Siam as hundreds of SME businesses, small retailers and corporations are located in the area, covering an vast space of 2,000,000 sqm, with over 20 hotels to accommodate international tourists in more than 3,000 rooms available – with extra support from Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain system, connecting Ratchathevi and National Stadium to Siam station.”

    “According to statistics, out of 400,000 – 500,000 shopping tourists per day at One Siam, an average of 938 VAT Refund Form ( P.P. 10) have been filled each day from shops and retail spaces in Siam Paragon, totaling to a signification amount of 342,494 applicants.”

    “Based on Siam’s all-round advantages, we are confident that our VAT refund counter on G Floor of Siam Paragon will be the key point of service for all international tourist groups. Not only will these counters help tourists in making better decisions about visiting Thailand, the amount of amount refuned back to them will potentially be spent on additional purchases in Thailand. Consequently, it would help boost our economy. I can see this initiative having positive influence on the number of Thailand-bound tourists – more by volume and frequency,” Charnchai stated.

    The initiative of establishing VAT refund counters directly impacts the tourism industry on multiple levels: 1. Amount of retained money which tourists have spent after receiving VAT refund helps small retailers and businesses, which, in turn, strengthens Thailand’s economy; 2. The growth in sales volume and sales value is proportional to the rate of economic growth and revenue from tourist spending; 3. A significant decline in VAT refund at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airport reflects positive a sign of service improvement; 4. VAT refund for tourists promotes better opportunities for local retail shops to generate more sales.

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  • Copperwired adding .Life stores next year

    Copperwired adding .Life stores next year

    Gadget retailer Copperwired is set to invest THB165 million (US$5.036 million) opening 30 new .Life stores by the end of next year. The new .Life stores include a new 310sqm flagship at CentralWorld, described as the “largest gadget lifestyle shop featuring Internet of Things (IoT) technology in Thailand”, which opened in September.

    The brand’s public listing on the Thai exchange is expected next year.

    “With the adoption of 5G, the number of connected devices will increase, and IoT in the form of connected toys, smart homes and smart transport and new demand for product categories will rise accordingly,” said Copperwired CEO Paramate Rienjaroensuk.

    The company expects .Life stores to boost its income by more than 20 per cent in the current financial year to more than THB800 million (US$24.414 million).

  • ICONSIAM to launch event to boost Thai’s tourism

    ICONSIAM to launch event to boost Thai’s tourism

    Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019 at ICONSIAM is a truly amazing event of the country with a great collaboration of entities from the public and private sectors and surrounding communities to organize a New Year Celebration in a scale never before seen along the Chao Phraya riverside, the place that has become the NATIONAL ICONIC LANDMARK and ICON of Eternal Prosperity.

    Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019 under the theme of “The River of Prosperity” will make the New Year Celebration sensational on Monday, December 31, 2018, from 18:00 hrs. This New Year Celebration is jointly organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and ICONSIAM in collaboration with The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Limited, The ICONSIAM Residences Corporation Limited. In addition, our partners both from the public and private sectors are also actively involved—including Association of Chao Phraya Commerce, Marine Department, Siam Commercial Bank, TRUE Corporation Public Company Limited, Kasikorn Bank, Thai Shipping Association, Bangkok River Partners, and Chao Phraya Riverside Communities.

    According to Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said that “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019 is a major event that TAT has consistently organized over the years at various destinations throughout the country. The purpose is to promote Thailand as the ultimate destination for Thai and overseas tourists alike. It’s also an effective way to help stimulate the economy and distribute income to people in every region in the country. More importantly, it supplements our effort to make tourism sustainable. This year we’ll organize the event in 5 different regions: Bangkok, NakornPanom, Chiangrai, Rajburi, and Satul.

    In Bangkok, TAT and ICONSIAM plus other partners have mapped out a plan to make the upcoming event a grand New Year Celebration by the Chao Phraya River on December 31, where the venue will be at the River Park of ICONSIAM. This very venue is characterized by diversity comprising, for example, a unique way of life and local culture that would satisfy all tourists alike. Furthermore, local business entrepreneurs and hotels on both sides of the River will take part in this celebration in various forms such as lighting and colouring their premises, and overnight Buddhist praying. Another spectacular event is a fireworks display along the Chao Phraya River which will brighten the water current and create a favourable image of Thailand as an attractive tourist destination for all people throughout the world.

    Tourism is a major income earner for the Thai economy. As such, TAT’s mission is to promote tourism in Thailand and, as a result, engaged in an extensive public relations activities both at home and overseas. It is anticipated that over one million people shall attend the New Year Celebration that will transmit to the world a favourable image of Thailand as a vibrant and dynamic country. Equally important is that substantial spending will keep the money flowing into our economy.”

    Moreover, Narong Chearavanont, Chairman of the Board of The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Ltd., added that “we are proud to have organized the “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019” with TAT and other partners. It is an effective way to present the beautiful image of the Chao Phraya River to the world and ICONSIAM as a riverside destination on the Chao Phraya River. We are honored to have been selected by TAT to organize the event. We are grateful for the active involvement of our partners who are committed to making the New Year Celebration event grand, impressive, and memorable for all tourists.” Here are major highlights of the upcoming Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019.

    A display of fireworks made from Thai sticker rice. These fireworks are an innovation that is      eco-friendly. This fireworks display is based on the concept of “The River of Prosperity.” It demonstrates the history of the Chao Phraya River pertaining to our way of life, tradition, and legends of Siam as a country. This 5-minute fireworks display is composed of 5 Acts.

    Act 1 – “The River of Prosperity” is a fireworks display in silver, gold, and bronze colours held together consecutively. Based on the beliefs of people, the three elements symbolize prosperity. As such, the first second of the New Year is to make the Chao Phraya River bright, beautiful, peaceful and prosperous as it has been over the years.

    Act 2 – “The Siam Treasure” is a fireworks display of multiple shapes and colours that reflect a close interconnection between our tradition, a way of life and the Chao Phraya River. Not only that the River was essential in daily human activities, it was also what people utilized for transportation, a naval route for diplomatic corps coming in to establish diplomatic relations with Siam, a way to transport products and conduct trade since Ayutthaya to present, a way to perform religious rites, and an attractive scenes that capture imagination of overseas tourists and generate income for our country.

    Act 3 – “The Blossom of Joy” is a fireworks display that creates excitement in more ways than one. The display is accompanied by Thai folk songs that reflect our uniqueness as fun-loving, friendly, and smiling people. Any overseas tourist visiting Thailand will become impressed with, for example, reciprocity of Thai people. Such an impression is enough to start a happy New Year by the Chao Phraya River-a bloodline of Thailand.

    Act 4 – “One World” is a fireworks display that highlights the flags of all countries. It also represents their connectivity through tourism, trade, education, cultural exchange based on equality that will flourish from the start of the New Year and in the years to come.

    Act 5 – “Thailand” is a fireworks display of the tricolours of the Thai flag along the Chao Phraya River. The tricolours of red, white and blue collectively represent our national identity as an independent country shielded by our solidarity and unity.

    The upcoming display of 5-Act fireworks will take place along the Chao Phraya River from                    5 different locations. The brightness of the fireworks can be seen within the vicinity of 1,400 meters, which is the longest and grandest display of fireworks ever on the Chao Phraya River.    The vicinity encompasses Peninsula Hotel, Millennium Hilton Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. It is expected that over one million people will watch this display of fireworks within the 2-km vicinity.

    Furthermore, there will be a “Khon” performance (a type of Thai drama) at the event in honour of it being recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage. The Khon performance will be a New Year present for visitors.  It will be magnificent owing to the great number of performers, composition, details relating to Thai classical dance, warrior costumes and weapons. All of these protocols are truly our cultural treasures that are worth watching.

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  • Lego opens its first official store in Thailand at Siam Paragon

    Lego opens its first official store in Thailand at Siam Paragon

    The first certified Lego Thailand store has opened at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. The Danish building-toy manufacturer says the move is part of the brand’s strategic plan for Asian expansion. The new 170sqm Lego Thailand store has opened in a “co-sharing” partnership with DKSH (Thailand) Ltd. It  offers more than 300 Lego toys, 32 of which are exclusive to certified, branded Lego outlets.

    Lego Singapore GM for emerging Asia Atsushi Hasegawa said Thailand is an attractive market for Lego. “The country has an established economy, a large population and an established retail industry … We expect to see faster growth in Asia, including Thailand, and sustainable growth in Europe and America.”

    Hasegawa added that Lego’s targeting of the Asian market recognises that it is home to more than half of the world’s children. While Asia still has a low base for Lego toys compared to many established markets in the West, the company is seeing an opportunity to boost its sales by five or six times in the region.

    Gallery below (6 images) :

    According to Hasegawa, the company’s initial priority is not to increase the number of Lego stores, but to deliver the right brand experience to children at the right locations.

    DKSH’s director of commercial development Arden Feschuk said the company expects the Lego Thailand store will achieve THB100 million (US$3.05 million) in sales in its first year. There is also a plan to expand the number of Lego-certified stores in Thailand later.

    “During the first year of opening, more than 400,000 people are expected to visit the store, with Thais accounting for 60 per cent and foreigners 40 per cent. Due to the company’s one-price strategy, exclusive Lego sets will cost the same here as they do in neighbouring countries.

    “Due to this, Lego fans will no longer have to go overseas to buy Lego products. Also, new collections will be launched at the same time as in the US and Europe”.

    Sixty per cent of Lego’s Thailand sales are currently brought in via distribution in department stores, while more than 15 per cent is derived from specialist toy stores.

  • Taco Bell to open store in Bangkok

    Taco Bell to open store in Bangkok

    Taco Bell Thailand is scheduled to launch in Bangkok early next year. Thoresen Thai Agencies, which also holds the Thailand franchise for Taco Bell’s sister brand Pizza Hut, is planning to open the restaurant in Mercury Ville mall on the BTS Chidlom stop. The firm has already begun scouting for employees for the outlet.

    Taco Bell’s International president Liz Williams is leading the franchise on a broad expansion campaign, with progress currently being made in India, Brazil, and Spain among others where the brand has strong franchisees.

    Thoresen Thai’s CEO Chalermchai Mahagitsiri said that Taco Bell Thailand should do well in the territory as “the strong flavours meet the palate of Asian people.”

    Taco Bell’s owner Yum Brands operates around 7000 restaurants worldwide, predominantly based in the US, bringing in US$10 billion sales per year.

  • Takashimaya opens in Bangkok megamall

    Takashimaya opens in Bangkok megamall

    Japanese department store operator Takashimaya has opened inside a brand new shopping mall in Thailand, opting for the capital city of Bangkok to bring the Japanese way of luxury retailing to the nation. Scaling seven floors, the newly named and opened Siam Takashimaya will form just a small part of the $1.7 billion megamall, which also houses the entertainment development project, Iconsiam.

    The Iconsiam is a sprawling 525,000-square-metre complex developed by Siam Piwat and Charoen Pokphand Group, which includes two residential towers over 50 floors high, a movie theatre, a concert auditorium and a variety of retail options, outside of Takashimaya.

    The mall location looks to serve as draw card for the Japanese retailer, whose expansion into Thailand comes at a time when Japanese physical retail is shrinking back home and consumer tastes are moving toward online shopping.

    The shift means Takashimaya  — and other Japanese department stores like it – are entering nearby Asian economies where tourism is high, and retail is burgeoning, in order to survive.

    “Southeast Asia and China are growing economically, so in order to increase our sales we have to go to these types of markets,” said Hironobu Hanai, a Takashimaya representative.

    “That is one of the reasons why we are opening a store in Thailand.”

    Takashimaya has already witnessed great success with its Singapore store opening some 25 years ago, and it is hoping to replicate the same in Thailand – bringing the best of Japan to rich Thais.

    To date, the Singapore store accounts for around 20% of the group’s operating profit, at 6.1 billion yen ($54 million).

    The department store’s complete offerings include a large proportion of Made in Japan, with 30% of the 530 brands, on sale at the new Siam Takashimaya, originating in Japan.

    An entire floor is dedicated to Japanese food, including a supermarket selling luxury products and premium restaurants.

    Another floor of Siam Takashimaya is devoted to beauty products and perfume along, as well as cosmetic services, in addition to floors for women’s and menswear.

    Finally, the last floor sells kid’s products and homewares and will host more restaurants.

    Siam Takashimaya expects to turn its first profit in the year ending February 2020.

  • Jumbo Seafood sales boosted by Thailand, China

    Jumbo Seafood sales boosted by Thailand, China

    Singapore-headquartered multi-dining concept food and beverage operator Jumbo Seafood has opened its first franchised seafood restaurant in Bangkok. The 9500sqft venue is the group’s fifth franchised location worldwide, with other outlets established in Fuzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei and Taichung. There are now 16 Jumbo seafood restaurants across Asia. The new Bangkok restaurant is operated by C J Seafood Co under a 10 year term at the IconSiam mega-development complex.

    Jumbo’s CEO and executive director Ang Kiam Meng said: “Having a presence in Bangkok allows us to bring our signature Singapore heritage cuisine to yet another Asian destination.”

    Jumbo released its unaudited end-of-year financial report at the end of September, showing an increase in revenue by 5.5 per cent compared to last year’s results. Revenue from operations in Singapore increased by SG$2.1 million (US$1.53 million) over the period, a figure dwarfed by the group’s $5.8 million ($4.2 million) increase out of Mainland China.

    Jumbo’s reported gross profit hit $96 million ($69.9 million) this financial year, up 4.4 per cent from $91.9 million ($66.9 million) in last year. Profit attributable to owners of the company, however, decreased by 23.8 per cent ($3.5 million/$2.55 million) to $11 million ($8 million) this year.

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