Retail
From The Report: Thailand 2012
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Economic growth, government price support for agricultural commodities, and stimulus programmes have all contributed to robust retail growth over the past several years. Modern hypermarkets such as Tesco Lotus and Big C continue to dominate the sector, although popular criticisms of their hegemony have prompted a Retail Act that if passed would restrict their expansion. The mall sector is contested primarily by two large groups, CPN and the Mall Group, although newcomer Siam Future is threatening to upset this balance. For all segments of retail, however, the upcountry provinces hold the potential for the most future growth.

This chapter contains an interview with John Christie, CEO, Ek-Chai Distribution System (Tesco Lotus).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A resilient market: Despite some challenges in 2011, major international and local brands continued to expand and upgrade
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Whilst its vibrant traditional markets remain a draw for tourists, Thailand’s large and growing modern retail sector, which accounts for approximately 40% of all sales, has attracted a number of domestic and international investors. Consumer demand has been particularly resilient even in the face of the most extreme events, with household expenditure largely unaffected despite some shifts in preferences. BY THE NUMBERS: The Thai Retailers’ Association (TRA) estimates the retail sector…

Interview

OBG talks to John Christie, CEO, Ek-Chai Distribution System (Tesco Lotus)
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Interview: John Christie In the wake of recent floods, what measures can the government adopt to support a rapid recovery in consumer demand, especially in retail? JOHN CHRISTIE: The government has launched various initiatives to support the flood victims and to stimulate consumer demand. We appreciate the government’s assistance in disbursing cash and cash coupons to affected families to use to restore their houses. These activities will help to bring about a strong recovery in consumer demand. Moreover,…

Analysis

Online and clicking: Web-based shopping increases in popularity
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While the e-commerce market in Thailand still lags behind those in regional peers, it is fast making up for lost ground. With a population of some 21m internet users in 2011 (up from 18.3m in 2009), a full 12m of whom connect via mobile devices, there is certainly scope for further growth. Indeed the increases are not just in Bangkok. “While the value of handset sales in the greater Bangkok region accounts for more than half the total market, we are seeing significant growth in demand in provincial…

Analysis

A growth driver: The home improvement segment continues to expand
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With families increasingly choosing to live independently and with incomes rising, particularly upcountry, Thailand’s home improvement segment has emerged as a dynamic and particularly competitive one. In greater Bangkok alone, an estimated 80, 000-100,000 new houses and some 30,000-40,000 new condos are registered every year. RAPID EXPANSION: The home improvement industry, which covers everything from hard goods such as construction materials, bath and kitchenware, to electrical appliances…