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Tag: Thailand

  • Thailand’s Central Group to invest $512 million in Vietnam

    Thailand’s Central Group to invest $512 million in Vietnam

    Thailand’s Central Group has revealed plans to invest US$512 million in Vietnam over the next five years, to expand its retail operations.

    The company, which has acquired local businesses and is introducing its own Thai retail banners into the fast-growing market, is aiming to achieve sales growth of between 20 and 30 per cent annually there. It already has 160 outlets, including Robins department stores and the Big C hypermarket chain, the latter of which recorded 11 per cent sales growth in July.

    Central Group believes its Vietnam sales can reach 35 billion baht (US$1.05 billion) in 2017.

    Central Group Vietnam CEO Philippe Broianigo says the investment will be especially focused on food and electronics. Shopping malls, stationery shops, hotel management and wholesaling will also be nurtured.

    In early 2013, Central acquired a 49 per cent share of local electronics retailer Nguyen Kim and Central Group CEO Tos Chirathivat says there are plans to open a further 30 branches of the chain this year alone.

    Next year, Central will open 20 branches of Big C and its wholesale sister company Lanchi Mart.

    Tos was speaking at the second Vietnamese Goods Week in Thailand, aimed at promoting international business and trade opportunities in Bangkok.

    “We will continue to expand our business in Vietnam because of the country’s strong potential as an emerging market with high GDP growth,” Tos said.

    “Vietnam and Europe are our investment priorities. We are interested in building our own hotel in Ho Chi Minh City in the future.” The hotel would have between 200 and 500 rooms.

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  • Marie France Van Damme returns to Bangkok

    Marie France Van Damme returns to Bangkok

    Hong Kong-based designer Marie France Van Damme will open her eighth boutique, in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong district, this month.

    It will be in the new lifestyle shopping and entertainment complex Gaysorn Village, and is the designer’s second retail outlet in the city following her boutique within the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

    Known for her luxury resort, swim and ready-to-wear styles, Marie France Van Damme continues to expand globally, with stores already in London and Singapore’s Takashimaya Shopping Centre.

    Her Gaysorn Village ground-floor boutique will incorporate her signature aesthetic, which blends Asian influences with teak wood, bronze panels and embossed crocodile leathers, with textiles and finishes that also feature in her Hong Kong and London flagships as well as her own home.

    As well as her luxury resort and ready-to-wear lines, the boutique will offer her Beach Bridal collection and a range of accessories.

    To celebrate the store’s opening, it will host a series of events including the launch of the designer’s Resort 2017 campaign, photographed in Hong Kong by Herbert Ypma.

    Since its inception in 2011, the brand has expanded to include sunglasses, perfume and candles. It has 100 retail locations internationally such stores as Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, Le Bon Marche, Neiman Marcus, Saks and Selfridges, and at resorts including Aman and One&Only.

    As well as being a fashion designer, Canadian-born Marie France Van Damme is the author of the coffee-table book RSVP: Simple Sophistication, Effortless Entertaining. Her resort wear is inspired by her travels.

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  • Thailand’s No.1 Home Furnishings Stores Index Living Mall plans to open across Indonesian

    Thailand’s No.1 Home Furnishings Stores Index Living Mall plans to open across Indonesian

    ‘Index Living Mall’ (ILM), No.1 Home Furnishings Stores and ASEAN retailer with the highest number of branches across the country, self-owned factories, and a world class exporter, has declared the partnership with ‘CT Corp’: Indonesian’s No.1 business group in several business segment, including ‘Mega Group’ finance company, ‘CT Global Resources’, and ‘Trans Corp’ multi-entertainment complex/hotel and Transmart Retail. The first store opened at PT. Retail’s Transmart Carrefour, Cempaka Putih, Jakarta, on 2,500 sq.m. retail space.  The grand opening day was organized on  11th August 2017, under the concept of ‘The Best is Back’. Special sales promotion were offered to customers to celebrate the new branch launch. A further 4 stores shall open between September to December this year, followed by another 5-10 stores each year until 2020 with the goal to become the Top of Mind Home Furnishings Stores in Indonesia. The event has also been honored with H.E. Mr.Pitchayaphant Charnbhumidol, Ambassador of Thailand to Indonesia.

    Mr.Pisith Patamasatayasonthi, President and CEO of Index Living Mall Co.,Ltd revealed that “The trend of home furnishings products market in ASEAN region is expanding well. With key factors such as expansion of markets, income, and customer behavior. We are truly enthusiastic to study the possibility of investment opportunities as well as business strategies in each country, in order to lead us to becoming one of the largest home furnishings and accessories retail chains in ASEAN by 2020.  Recently, we have been able to partner up Index Living Mall with CT Corp which is the largest capital group in Indonesia. This move demonstrates that we are more than ready to expand our business internationally and set to become the leader in home furnishings business. So, right now we have been working hard to open the first Index Living Mall branch in Indonesia under the concept of ‘The Best is Back’ which represents our 6 key strategies and a special sales promotion offered to our new customers.  Moreover, the company plans to expand its additional 4 stores ranging in size from 1,000 sq.m. to 2,000 sq.m. by the end of 2017 and within Transmart Carrefour locations. We can expect to see as many as 5-10 stores next year and annually through 2020.  This clearly demonstrates our confidence in the strength of Index Living Mall in tens terms of brand and product under the 4 Joys concept.

    Mr.Ekaridhi Patamasatayasonthi, Director International Business Development of Index Living Mall Co.,Ltd said “We believe that the home furnishings business in Indonesia has a high potential to go far particularly through our partnership with Transmart Retail. Apart from the slowdown in fashion and IT gadgets, the home furnishings markets has growth potential. The expansion of our new regional market in Indonesia will help increase revenue share from International up to 14% this year from our current level of 8% and will shape Index Living Mall to become a successful regional player.”

    Besides, the potential of CT Corp under the supervision of Mr.Chairul Tanjung, Indonesian tycoon and Transmart Carrefour retail business owners, is one of the key factors that supports Index Living Mall in penetrating into the right market locations, approaching to the right target groups, as well as expanding customer bases. “We strongly hope that our franchise expansion in Indonesian market will build trust of Index Living Mall among our customers here in terms of its high quality, international standard, cutting-edge design and product which has been specially selected of the market in Indonesia” he said.

    Mr.Shafie Shamsuddin, President Director and CEO of PT. Trans Retail Indonesia highlighted that “This strategic partnership is expected to provide added value for Indonesian consumers with more and more sophisticated choices of furniture products at Index Living Mall that are integrated in one area with Transmart Carrefour. Surely this will provide a trend of positive and complementary consumer spending needs between Transmart Carrefour and Index Living Mall as well as we help to provide place and space for local products to partner with us”

    “We have successfully expanded our International Retail Business across Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, Russia and now Indonesia as well as having strategic partners in place for the export of our products into Japan, Korea, The America, Europe. The International Retail Business represented 8% of total retail sales against Thailand in 2016.” according to Mr.Gerard McGurk, Head of International Business Development of Index Living Mall Co.,Ltd.

    The concept of ‘The Best is Back’ which would represent the 6 Best key strategies. First, The Best Furniture Lifestyle Store, Index Living Mall sells all home furnishings products in best style and best material. Second, The Best Value, the products are worth every sen of the price. There is no need to wait for the sales promotion because Index Living Mall has own factory. Third, The Best Design, the designs are being created by famous designers from all over the world such as Italy, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. Fourth, The Best Quality, every single piece of the products is being well made from the best selection of materials to ensure the best quality for the customers. Fifth, The Best Impression, Index Living Mall customer service is beyond expectation, not just the fast shipping service but also quick installing from our professionals. With 3D designer specialist service through 360 degree perspective within 30 minutes via 3D-Rooms-to-show program. Finally, Sixth, The Best Offers, Index Living Mall offers numerous special deals, promotions and privileges during the grand opening celebration.

     

  • Platinum Group profits reach THB371m

    Platinum Group profits reach THB371m

    Bangkok Platinum Fashion Mall owner the Platinum Group has reported first-half profits of THB371 million (US$11.1 million), forecasting revenue to reach THB2 billion.

    The commercial real-estate developer credits its revenue growth to “solid management of both current and new projects, in combination with an enhanced efficiency of incremental income from the shopping centre”.

    The group also expects a further revenue boost by 2019 following the opening of the Market Bangkok retail complex in the last quarter of next year.

    President Chanchai Phansopha says the first-half revenue of THB997 represents 9 per cent growth over the same period of last year, while net profit is up 8 per cent to THB371 million.

    Revenue from rental and services rose 15 per cent, with F&B rising 14 per cent.

    The gross profit margin for its core business averaged 62 per cent, with an increasing rental rate at Platinum Fashion Mall and the launch of Talad Neon Down Town Night Market in December boosting earnings. A 15 per cent rise in both Thai and foreign visitors to the mall contributed to the increased revenue in F&B. The food court was revamped to offer a wider choice.

    Platinum says the Talad Neon Down Town Night Market has become popular among the younger generation and a rendezvous for food lovers. A 300-strong tour group from Indonesia visited the market last month, arriving in five buses and 90 tuk-tuks.

    The Market Bangkok will have a gross floor area of 195,000 sqm. The project has an investment value of THB5.8 billion and is set to open at the end of next year.

    Platinum is also in a JV with Gaysorn Group, building the 500m Ratchaprasong Walk (R Walk, formerly known as Bangkok Skyline). This has an investment value of THB400 million. The first two phases were connected in late March with 58,000 people a day using it. The walkway links Platinum Fashion Mall, Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam Hotel, the Market Bangkok, Big C Ratchadamri, Gaysorn Village and Amarin Plaza as well as the Chidlom and Siam BTS stations.

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  • Don Quijote about to take tilt at Thailand?

    Don Quijote about to take tilt at Thailand?

    Japanese discount chain Don Quijote could be arriving soon in Bangkok, with its penguin mascot being spotted on the fence of Ekamai Mall, which is under construction.

    Don Quijote (or Donki) sells a wide range of Japanese products including food, household supplies, medicine, electronics, clothing, beauty products and even sex toys.

    While the company has not said anything about its move into Thailand, it announced last month that it was making its first Southeast Asian expansion in Singapore.

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  • Golden Gate steps into bubble-tea market

    Golden Gate steps into bubble-tea market

    Vietnam restaurant group Golden Gate has stepped into the bubble-tea market with its first Yu Tang outlet in Hanoi.

    It is on the Chua Lang site formerly occupied by failed The Coffee Inn. The group acquired the property at the end of last year.

    Yu Tang expands on the traditional bubble-tea offering with Taiwanese finger foods such as dumplings and popcorn chicken.

    Founded in 2005, Golden Gate now owns local and franchised F&B chains in Vietnam such as Gogi House, Kichi Kichi, SumoBBQ and Vuvuzela Beer Club.

    Meanwhile, Taiwanese milk-tea brands Sharetea and T4 have moved into Ho Chi Minh City this year, promising more stores in the near future. A third brand, Presotea, is seeking a partner for Vietnam.

    Cashing in, fast-food giant McDonald’s has launched its own milk-tea recipe at all its Vietnam outlets. Its Milkfoam Kacchiato is made from speciality tea grown in Bao Loc city.

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  • AIS launches 1Gbps Next G mobile service

    AIS launches 1Gbps Next G mobile service

    Thailand’s AIS has launched a new mobile service offering connection speeds of up to 1Gbps by combining 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity.

    AIS’ Next G branded service is now available on supported handsets via a firmware upgrade.

    The service has been developed in collaboration with Samsung and Korea Telecom. It uses Multipath CTP technology to integrate AIS LTE-Advanced and Super Wi-Fi frequencies, providing speeds of up to 1Gbps in areas where both networks are available.

    Next G is currently compatible with Samsung Galaxy S series handsets of S7 and newer, with more handsets supporting the technology expected to be rolled out in the future.

    The upgrade forms part of AIS’ evolution to 5G, and is now available in major provinces nationwide.

    AIS currently has around 49,000 4G base stations and 80,000 Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Thailand. The operator’s 4G customer base meanwhile reached 15.8 million by the end of the second quarter.

    Concurrently with the launch, AIS is aiming to improve the customer experience, and has recently upgraded one of its major customer service shops with a new Digital Gallery concept displaying innovations from major smartphone makers and other device brands.

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  • AEON gives prize Honda City from campaign “AEON Summer Cool & Safety Drive 2017”

    AEON gives prize Honda City from campaign “AEON Summer Cool & Safety Drive 2017”

    Ms. Saranya Pipoppinyo (right), Vice President, AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited,  has recently awarded Ms. Sukarn Parnmart (left), 1st prize winner, a Honda City S-CVT car worth 589,000 baht from the ” AEON Summer Cool & Safety Drive  2017″ campaign. AEON launched the campaign for AEON cardholders who purchased air conditioners and refrigerators from 1st March 2017 to 31st May 2017 or applied for an installment plan to buy tyres, rims and car accessories from 1st March 2017 to 30th April 2017.

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  • House of Fritz Hansen world first for Bangkok

    House of Fritz Hansen world first for Bangkok

    Danish furniture design company Republic of Fritz Hansen has launched in Thailand with its world-first House of Fritz Hansen concept store in Bangkok.

    Inside a Thai modernist home-turned-showroom, the brand offers its iconic Egg, Swan and Series 7 chairs, as well as other contemporary classics. Fritz Hansen’s furniture is widely used in such places as museums, hotel lobbies, universities and public libraries – even the presidential office of the United Nations.

    Founded 145 years ago, the company is the oldest furniture manufacturer in the world. It collaborates with visionary designers such as Arne Jacobsen and Poul Kjaerholm, who in the 1950s produced the company’s most recognisable silhouettes.

    Fritz Hansen products are distributed in Thailand by Norse Republics.

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  • Central Pattana lifts profit by 8 per cent

    Central Pattana lifts profit by 8 per cent

    Central Pattana Public Company (CPN) had a second-quarter consolidated net profit of THB2.4 billion (US$74.6 million), up 8 per cent year on year.

    Total revenues grew by 6 per cent to THB7.62 billion.

    CPN, which manages 30 shopping malls, says its performance was resilient as its has continually placed great emphasis on effective revenue generation from new malls, asset enhancement and efficient management of running costs.

    At the end of the quarter, the occupancy rate for its retail properties remained high at an average of 92 per cent, slightly lower that the first quarter’s 93 per cent because of major renovations at CentralWorld and CentralPlaza Rama 3.

    For the second quarter, the average rental rate of all retail properties was THB1636 a
    sqm/month. Same-store rental growth was primarily driven by rental rate growth with lower discounts in most projects, especially at CentralPlaza Chiang Rai with double-digit rental growth after contract renewal, together with impressive rental growth at CentralMarina after a renovation.

    Excluding new and renovated projects, same-store rental revenues for the quarter grew by about 3.4 per cent, while effective costs management resulted in a higher gross profit ratio of 50.1 per cent, says the group.

    It attributes the strong performance to several factors:

    • The CentralPlaza Nakhon Si Thammarat shopping mall launched in July last year, which had an occupancy rate of 88 per cent at the end of the quarter.
    • Asset enhancement, including CentralMarina (previously Central Center Pattaya) being inaugurated in December after a six-month renovation, with its occupancy rate reaching 90 per cent by the end of the quarter; plus a Food Destination Zone, incorporating a supermarket, being added at CentralPlaza Bangna, CentralPlaza Chaengwattana, CentralMarina and CentralFestival Phuket.

    On a quarterly basis, CPN had a 1 per cent drop in total revenues partly because of projects under renovation (especially CentralWorld), higher administrative expenses with the engagement of new senior-management staff members in preparation for expansion, and higher marketing and promotional expenses. As a result, net profit declined 11 per cent quarter on quarter.

    For the first half, CPN had 6 per cent growth in total revenues and a 12 per cent leap in net profit. Excluding new and renovated projects, same-store rental revenues grew by about 3.4 per cent.

    Meanwhile, CPN has participated in Malaysia’s Central i-City project as its pioneering shopping complex abroad. This is by way of a JV in which CPN, through subsidiaries, holds a 60 per cent stake. Its wholly owned subsidiary I-R&D holds the balance. The project is scheduled to launch next year. CPN has already secured key anchor tenants.

    Also, the board has approved entering into a JV to develop a theme park project in central Phuket, while CPN and Dusit Thani Public Company will jointly invest in a mixed-use development project in Bangkok including a shopping mall.

  • Thai 7-Eleven parent CP All reports sales, profit gains

    Thai 7-Eleven parent CP All reports sales, profit gains

    Same-store sales shrank 1 per cent for CP All, which runs Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores, during its second quarter despite gains in both consolidated revenue and net profit.

    Net profit was up 10 per cent year-on-year to reach THB4.647 billion (US$139 million) while revenue grew 5.3 per cent to THB120.6 billion. Convenience store sales grew 5.7 per cent to THB69.3 billion, boosted by Siam Makro’s THB6.1 million contribution.

    Gross profit rose 7.7 per cent to THB25.8 million, largely because of increased sales of higher-margin products. This advanced gross margin to 22.2 per cent from 21.8 per cent for the same period last year.

    For the first half, revenues rose 6.6 per cent to total THB2.3 billion, mainly driven by 6.7 per cent growth in sales revenue and services income. Net profit was THB9.4 billion, up by 13.9 per cent.
    Of total revenue, Siam Makro contributed 36 per cent, similar to the figures for the same period last year.

    Convenience stores accounted for 77 per cent of profit before tax, down from 78 per cent for last year’s first half, while membership-based trade accounted for 23 per cent, up from 22 per cent. Average spending per ticket was THB67 and there were 1194 customer visits per store each day.

    With 700 outlets added over the past year, the total reached 10,007 at the end of June – the world’s second-largest network of 7-Eleven stores after Japan. CP’s long-term goal is 13,000 stores by 2021, and it says expansion has been on track.

    Most stores (86 per cent) are stand-alone while the others are in PTT gas stations.

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  • MBK launches “Bangkok Buddy” service

    MBK launches “Bangkok Buddy” service

    Thai shopping mall MBK Center has launched a “Bangkok Buddy” service aimed at providing a memorable customer experience for local and international shoppers.

    Available from 2pm every day, the two-hour experience starts with an exclusive hip hop and contemporary dance production combining electronic music with Thai instruments. The Bangkok Buddy team then walks around the mall to offer customers and tourists any shopping or travelling help they may need.

    Founded in 1985 as Mah-Boon-Krong, MBK Shopping Center is at Pathumwan intersection in the heart of the city. The eight-storey mall offers 140,000 sqm with more than 2500 shops and stalls plus 150 eateries. It has an average of 115,000 customers a day, including 35,000 tourists.

    MBK is close to Siam Centre, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon and Siam Square with their shopping and dining experiences.

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  • CRC Sports launches Liverpool footie franchise in Thailand

    CRC Sports launches Liverpool footie franchise in Thailand

    Thai fans no longer need to travel to England to buy Liverpool Football Club merchandise, with the club’s first official shop for Thailand, CRC Sports, launching in Pattaya.

    On the second floor of Central Festival shopping mall, the shop is being run by former Pattaya City Council member Rattanachai Suthidechanai, who has invested THB3 million (US$90,000) in the venture.

    He says expects to sell between THB800,000 and THB1 million worth of merchandise a month as the latest English Premier League season starts this weekend.

  • Thailand’s Susco awarded franchise for Saha Lawson outlets

    Thailand’s Susco awarded franchise for Saha Lawson outlets

    Saha Lawson, which runs Lawson 108 convenience stores in Thailand, has awarded franchise rights to oil group Susco to open outlets at its new petrol stations.

    Under the agreement, part of Japanese company’s bid to grow Lawson 108 outlets to 500 units by 2020, Susco will initially open two stores at new petrol stations in Bangkok and Rayong this year.

    Saha Lawson senior GM Hideki Takechi says the number of Lawson stores at Susco outlets is targeted to reach 20 branches next year.

    Lawson had 84 stores nationwide last year, about 80 per cent of them in Bangkok and the balance in other provinces including Ayutthaya, Chon Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri and Rayong. The company plans to increase its outlets to 100 by year-end and open at least 400 branches in the following three years.

    Of these, the company will open half of them with the rest going to franchisees.

    Takechi says Susco is among 20 companies and individual investors that have shown interest in obtaining a licence from Lawson.

    “We are ready to start our franchise with Susco as a pilot project, and we expect that will help springboard the expansion of Lawson convenience stores upcountry.”

    He says that Japan, with an estimated population of 127 million, has 55,000 convenience stores while Thailand, with nearly 69 million people, has 15,000, “leaving ample room for growth”.

    Sales of some Japanese items at Lawson, including Odeng processed seafood-meatballs, have increased 10-fold in Saha Lawson Thailand’s first year, and Takechi says Lawson will be promoting exclusive food items to differentiate its stores. It aims to boost Japanese food items to 30 per cent of its sales mix, up from 20 per cent last year.

    Lawson expanded its convenience-store business to Thailand in August 2013 by setting up Saha Lawson as a JV with Thai consumer products conglomerate Saha Group.

    Lawson also has stores in China, Indonesia, the Philippines and the US.

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  • Online marketplace Pinkoi Thailand launches

    Online marketplace Pinkoi Thailand launches

    Pinkoi Thailand, a cross-border curated online marketplace for original design products, has been officially launched.

    Founded in Taiwan in 2011, Pinkoi individually selects its items, which include original handmade or small-scale produced clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and stationery.

    By curating products, Pinkoi appeals to specific demographics, reaching e-commerce consumers in Asia who want to make quick purchases because of limited browsing time.

    In Asia, says the company, the rise of the disposable incomes of millennials has seen a growing trend toward experiential spending, which includes a greater interest in one-off designs by local artisans.

    Inspired by the weekend markets and artistic fair in Taipei, the Pinkoi team seeks out up-and- coming and established niche designers throughout Asia. It supports its network of designers through workshops covering such topics as photography and packaging, webinars and online marketing.

    Pinkoi CEO Peter Yen says the latest launch is positive news for Thai designers, with 500 already signed up and accepted. “There is an incredible art and design scene in Thailand, and these numbers are expected to grow.”

    Through Pinkoi Chatbox, consumers can chat directly with designers, and even request customised items. Through the Pinkoi Window, designers can set up their own personal web page, while the Pinkoi Zine features news about designers. The Pinkoi Wall offers gift ideas and design inspirations.

    Opal Mahavana and Koranis Nettayanuwat, who co-own WhiteOakFactory, a Thai company that creates faux-leather bags, say they have sold 4000 items through Pinkoi since joining it two years ago. “We’ve been able to reach an international market that values individuality and smaller brands, giving us a presence outside of our localised community.”

    While Pinkoi is focussed on China, Hong Kong, Japan and the US, and now Thailand, it has a presence in 88 countries. It has 1.6 million members and has sold 3.7 million items.

    Today, 8000 shops on its website and app platforms offer about 860,000 products, retailing in five languages and 12 currencies.

    Designers reap 90 per cent of sales revenues.