Thailand’s Central Group and its European joint venture partner Signa, have formally launched their new luxury department store concept in Austria.

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Central Group unveils Lamarr luxury department store planned for Vienna

Supermarkets and convenience stores operator, Big C Supercenter, is planning to go public again in Thailand – five years after being delisted – according to Bloomberg.

A source told the publication that the Bangkok-based company could raise more than US$500 million and the public listing could take place as soon as next year.

In response to the report, Big C Supercentre’s parent company, Berli Jucker, said no conclusion has been reached on the matter at present.

“If there is any clear progress on this matter, the company will notify the Stock Exchange of Thailand with details,” the company said in a statement.

Founded in 1993 by Thail retail conglomerate Central Group, Big C made its IPO debut in 2012, raising about $112 million before Berli Jucker bought out its Thai business and took it private in 2017.

Source: [https://insideretail.asia/2022/11/09/thai-grocery-retailer-big-c-eyes-500-million-ipo/](https://insideretail.asia/2022/11/09/thai-grocery-retailer-big-c-eyes-500-million-ipo/)

Supermarkets and convenience stores operator, Big C Supercenter, is planning to go public again in Thailand – five years after being delisted – according to Bloomberg.

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Thai grocery retailer Big C eyes $500 million IPO

Jing Jai Central Chiang Mai covers a total area of 28 rai, with over 500 outlets.
Central Group has launched Jing Jai Central Chiang Mai, calling it a creative space for inspiration and shared happiness.

The space promotes Thai products and local food products, which can serve as soft power to attract both local and international visitors.

"Central Group is committed to making Jing Jai Central Chiang Mai a space of creativity. The venue brings people together through various partner shops, such as Thai and international eateries, cafes, lifestyle stores, art studios and a supermarket," said Pong Skuntanaga, head of corporate business development at Central Group.

Mr Pong said that Jing Jai Central consists of three zones, namely Jing Jai Village, Jing Jai Market and Jing Jai Gallery, covering an area of 28 rai, with over 500 shops.

Jing Jai Village is designed as a community space, fusing Lanna architecture and greenery. This zone is home to eateries and cafes, as well as office space and open spaces for Thai and international artists.
Central Group said Jing Jai Market has been designed as a space for inspiration and creativity, surrounded by green plants and many shops.

A highlight of this zone is "Jing Jai Weekend Market", which was the first organic market by Central Group that started with less than 10 small stalls. Over the past decade it has grown into more than 70 families of farmers from 15 communities selling their produce, while around 250 local craftsmen sell their handmade products and ready-to-eat meals.

The market allows local businesses to have a sustainable income, while also promoting Chiang Mai products, food and culture to attract local and international visitors, generating 40 million baht a year for the economy.

Jing Jai Gallery has been designed as an art space where various types of art can be showcased. The gallery serves as a venue that promotes Thai artists on an international scale, and will become an arts centre where people can experience fine arts, music and cinematic arts.

Mr Pong said that each zone is unique and serves its own purpose. He added that Jing Jai Central's target is to attract 80% locals and 20% foreigners.

"The main objective is to draw those who value quality of life, Thai and international eco tourists, those who are interested in local Thai culture, local residents, Bangkokians and those who reside in or are travelling in Chiang Mai. We expect to see some 800,000 visitors a year, generating 60 million baht for the community," said Mr Pong.

Source: [https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2432385/central-group-rolls-out-creative-space](https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2432385/central-group-rolls-out-creative-space)

Jing Jai Central Chiang Mai covers a total area of 28 rai, with over 500 outlets.
Central Group has launched Jing Jai Central Chiang Mai, calling it a creative space for inspiration and shared happiness.

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Central Group rolls out 'creative space'

Central Retail Corporation (CRC), the retail arm of Central Group and the country's biggest mall operator, is upbeat on the high season growing its revenue as consumer purchasing power rebounds and greater numbers of foreign travellers visit Thailand.

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CRC expects continued revenue growth

The Central Group – which operates the Centara Hotels & Resorts and Central department stores – has launched the new Tourist Treats website at [https://tourist.centralgroup.com](https://tourist.centralgroup.com) featuring interesting stories on sightseeing, Thai food, and other topics, as well as a range of shopping privileges and promotions for tourists visiting Thailand.

Among the stories to read are a guide to eating non-spicy Thai food, must-know phrases in the Thai language to help tourists shop, eat, and get around easily, and a look at some of Bangkok’s fantastic rooftop bars that offer amazing city views with which to enjoy dinner.

There is also a story on popular day trips that can be taken from Bangkok, to such places as Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Khao Yai National Park. And a feature on Na Muen Sri community in Trang province known for its wonderful Thai-style woven fabric.

Under the Promotions section of the website, tourists can find details on various shopping discounts and promotions available at participating shops and stores, including brand-name and food outlets.

There are also savings of up to 40% on room rates at the Centara Hotels & Resorts on offer in various destinations around Thailand.
The website also contains details on the VAT Refund for Tourists scheme, which offers a refund for goods that are purchased (at least 2,000 Baht per day per store) and taken out of Thailand within 60 days through any of the country’s eight international airports in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, U-Tapao, Krabi, and Samui.

Tourists visiting the website can also read up on the hygiene and safety measures in place at the Central shopping centres, which include deep cleaning of all touchpoints, weekly spraying of disinfectant, disinfecting of air-conditioning systems, mandatory mask wearing and regular ATK tests for staff, and the promotion of touchless technology; such as, e-payment services and contactless elevators. (TAT)

Credits link: [https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/central-group-launches-new-tourist-treats-website-sightseeing-thai-food-shopping-privileges-414285](https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/central-group-launches-new-tourist-treats-website-sightseeing-thai-food-shopping-privileges-414285)

The Central Group has launched the new Tourist Treats website at https://tourist.centralgroup.com 

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Central Group launches new ‘Tourist Treats’ website

Mr Llamas says CRC has transformed into a full-scale retail tech company over the past five years.

Central Retail Corporation (CRC) is striving for world-class retail tech by investing 10 billion baht to accelerate the development of its next-generation omni-channel platform.

David Llamas, chief digital officer of CRC, said in the past five years Central Retail has transformed into a full-scale retail tech company with a leading omni-channel platform, developed by Central Retail Digital.

"We've seen an over 80% increase in the number of users in the past few years and over 60% returning customers, with the platform accounting for 20% of total sales," he said.

The group will launch the next-gen omni-channel platform that links all user interactions including offline, online, augmented reality and the metaverse seamlessly, covering the Central Retail network in Thailand, Vietnam and Italy.

The new platform was designed to enhance customers' shopping experiences through ultra-personalisation where products, services and content offering are tailored for the individual customer in real time.

It will also create inclusive growth for the group's trade partners.

"We aim for our next-gen omni-channel platform to become a destination for customers and trade partners, and a vital foundation that will make CRC Retailligence come to life," said Mr Llamas.

This transformation not only secures the group's technological and digital readiness but will also ensure CRC's positioning to be world-class retail tech as well as a future leader in local and international omni-channel retail.

Over the next five years CRC will invest 10 billion baht in five digital strategies to drive CRC Retailligence: intelligent retail, consumer-driven design, enabling synergies, experience-driven commerce and adaptive commerce.

"These five innovative digital strategies will redefine a new tailored shopping experience for our customers, that will emotionally connect with them, where CRC becomes top-of-mind as their everyday-lifestyle-shopping destination," he said.

Central Retail and its subsidiaries will continuously adopt new technology to create new offerings for all customers.

"Our programme brings next-generation solutions, state-of-the-art technology architecture, along with a green and sustainable retail concept to our stores, online, direct-to-consumer logistics and digital marketing, all powered by artificial intelligence through CRC's big data platform," he said.

CRC recently strengthened its relations with global technological partners including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Accenture and Adobe in order to jointly develop the next-gen omni-channel platform.

"We aim for our next-gen omni-channel platform to account for 25-30% of total sales by 2026, and will certainly place CRC among the top retail tech companies worldwide," said Mr Llamas.

<span class="colour" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Credits link:[https://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/2408058/crc-allots-b10bn-for-omni-channel-drive](https://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/2408058/crc-allots-b10bn-for-omni-channel-drive). © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.</span>

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SET-listed retail and property developer Central Pattana (CPN) plans to spend 14 billion baht to develop retail-led mixed-use projects in Nakhon Pathom and Nakhon Sawan, with openings in the first half of 2024.

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CRC allots B10bn for omni-channel drive

According to Olivier Bron, the company's chief executive, 80% of the investment will be allocated to major renovations of its existing Central department stores at Chidlom, Megabangna and Ram Intra; Robinson Department Store Fashion Island; minor renovations of 14 other Central and Robinson department stores; and two new department stores to be opened in Bangkok and provincial areas.

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Central stores allotted B15bn for facelift

An aerial view of Selfridges Group’s iconic store in London’s Oxford Street. (Photo: Central Group)
Thailand's biggest retailer Central Group said on Tuesday it planned to expand its footprint in Europe further with investments worth nearly €1.3 billion euros (US$1.29 billion) over five years in new stores, upgrades and e-commerce.

Central has budgeted 900 million euros to invest in three projects in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, a company spokesperson said, with an additional €375 million allocated over the next five years to upgrade existing stores.

Related: Central sets out mall growth plans

Other plans also include expanding its e-commerce sales in Europe from the current level of 17% of total sales, or €1 billion, the company said.

We will expand partnerships with luxury brands in major tourist cities and push our e-commerce presence in Europe with Selfridges.com, chief executive officer Tos Chirathivat said.

This year total department stores sales will hit €6.7 billion ($6.67 billion), the company said in a statement.
Central and Austrian real estate company Signa Group announced the purchase of Selfridges, best known for its Oxford Street store in London, last year for £4 billion.

The transaction closed in August adding the department store to Central's growing European presence, which already includes the Rinascente in Italy, Illum in Denmark and Germany's KaDeWe.

"Our department store business has achieved a remarkable milestone of having the world’s largest international presence," said Mr Tos, noting the group now spanned 11 countries in 120 locations.

The 75-year-old company, which started as a small bookstore in Bangkok's old town, was among the first companies to introduce department stores in Thailand.

It is owned by the billionaire Chirathivat family, which Forbes ranks as Thailand's 5th richest family.

Source: [https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2385638/thailands-central-group-plans-us-1-3-billion-push-in-europe-after-selfridges](https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2385638/thailands-central-group-plans-us-1-3-billion-push-in-europe-after-selfridges)

An aerial view of Selfridges Group’s iconic store in London’s Oxford Street. (Photo: Central Group)
Thailand's biggest retailer Central Group said on Tuesday it planned to expand its footprint in Europe further with investments worth nearly €1.3 billion euros (US$1.29 billion) over five years in new stores, upgrades and e-commerce.

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Central Group plans $1.3bn push in Europe after Selfridges

Thai retail conglomerate Central Group and Signa Holding have completed their acquisition of UK department store chain Selfridges Group from the billionaire Weston Family.

The US$5.37 billion deal, disclosed last year, will see Selfridges Group join Central and Signa’s existing portfolio of 22 luxury department stores and two new stores to open in Dusseldorf and Vienna. Selfridges Group has 18 stores under four banners in three countries.

Current MD of The Selfridges Group, Anne Pitcher, will resign from her role at the end of the year following the deal’s closure. CEO of Central and Signa’s luxury department store group in Europe, Stefano Della Valle, will lead Selfridges Group under his expanded role.

Meanwhile, Tos Chirathivat, executive chairman and CEO of Central Group, and Dieter Berninghaus, chairman of the executive board of Signa Holding will be the new co-chairman of the group.

“We are long-term investors with a well-established partnership and shared vision to reshape and reinvent the luxury retail industry,” Chitathivat and Berninghaus said in a statement.

“We are committed to creating the world’s leading luxury omnichannel platform for all our customers through both online and offline channels.”

Source: [https://insideretail.asia/2022/08/19/central-group-completes-selfridges-group-deal/](https://insideretail.asia/2022/08/19/central-group-completes-selfridges-group-deal/)

Thai retail conglomerate Central Group and Signa Holding have completed their acquisition of UK department store chain Selfridges Group from the billionaire Weston Family.

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Central Group settles Selfridges Group deal

Thailand’s Central Food Retail is to launch a new warehouse-style grocery concept similar to the Costco and Sam’s Club models made popular in the US and now expanding globally.

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Central Retail to launch Tops Club wholesale concept in Thailand

Drumroll, please! We’ve just unveiled Asia’s most influential list at Inside Retail Asia, a collection of the region’s changemakers, rulebreakers and innovators. Each week, we will shine a light on the brilliant leaders who made the top 10. Here, we profile Yol Phokasub, CEO of Thai retail giant, Central Group, who came in third on the list. At a time of great global uncertainty, Yol Phokasub has driven the retail business of Central Group to major growth in sales and profitability despit certainty, Yol Phokasub has driven the retail business of Central Group to major growth in sales and profitability despite Covid-19’s impact.

With him at the helm, the company is storming into Vietnam with hypermarkets and mainstream businesses, and now building a major presence in Europe with high-end department stores.

Central Retail is the retail arm of Central Group, which began in 1947 as a small family shop in Bangkok operated by Tiang Chirathivat. Today, the group has more than 3000 retail stores and food outlets.

To accommodate today’s rapidly changing consumer behaviour and digital disruption, Phokasub has developed an omnichannel ‘central economy’, synergising online and offline retail operations for customers. Some enhancements include long-distance logistics systems to improve infrastructure and an overhauled payments system with enhanced safety and security.

His extensive expertise in retail and marketing, backed by an education in computer science and software engineering, has helped bridge customers’ physical and virtual worlds, providing more intuitive and seamless shopping experiences.

Phokasub was named Asia’s Best CEO in 2021 for delivering sustainable growth, strong business strategies, and corporate social responsibility within the organisation at both the regional and global levels amidst the challenges of the pandemic.

Under his leadership, Central Retail achieved 90 per cent of its pre-Covid sales performance in March, by “thriving on steadily regaining balance during a time of challenges and uncertainties”, as he described it.
Among the group’s accomplishments this year are taking over Thai distributorship of Reebok, launching a blockchain-powered supermarket in the metaverse and expanding its Tops Market chain by opening its first standalone store concept.

Central generates an estimated 72 per cent of its revenue in Thailand, while the remainder comes from its fast-growing retail business in Vietnam and shopping centres in Italy. The company has an ambitious plan to boost revenue by 250 per cent during the next five years by investing US$3.03 billion in growth.

Source: [https://insideretail.asia/2022/07/01/meet-yol-phokasub-ceo-of-thai-retail-giant-central-group/](https://insideretail.asia/2022/07/01/meet-yol-phokasub-ceo-of-thai-retail-giant-central-group/)

Drumroll, please! We’ve just unveiled Asia’s most influential list at Inside Retail Asia, a collection of the region’s changemakers, rulebreakers and innovators. Each week, we will shine a light on the brilliant leaders who made the top 10. Here, we profile Yol Phokasub, CEO of Thai retail giant, Central Group, who came in third on the list. At a time of great global uncertainty, Yol Phokasub has driven the retail business of Central Group to major growth in sales and profitability despit certainty, Yol Phokasub has driven the retail business of Central Group to major growth in sales and profitability despite Covid-19’s impact.

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Meet Yol Phokasub, CEO of Thai retail giant, Central Group

Thai developer Central Pattana has revealed more about its ambitious retail expansion plans – including a commitment to build 50 “large retail projects” within five years.

The retail plans are part of a broader US$3.465 billion investment plan for the period, which also includes hotel, office and residential developments.

The company says it will build 16 community malls, including Central Chanthaburi scheduled to open on May 26, community mall Marche Thonglor in the fourth quarter of this year, Central WestVille late next year, and the Central Park shopping centre and office complex in 2024.

Overseas, Central Pattana says it is investigating opportunities in Malaysia and Vietnam where it already has investments.

Five years from now, Central Pattana aims for retail property to account for 72 per cent of its total portfolio, totalling 2.7 million sqm.

“We are determined to expand our business under the guidance of our vision ‘Imagining better futures for all’ and each of our projects will become retail-led mixed-use development comprising of more than one fully-integrated element,” said Wallaya Chirathivat, president and CEO of Central Pattana Plc.

Wuttikiat Techamongklapiwat, head of community mall business, said the company would adjust its community mall business to develop a ‘centre of life’ concept while upgrading lifestyle offers in order to better reach customers and communities.

“Small retail businesses are added to strengthen our existing large projects, enabling us to expand into high-potential areas including the CBD more thoroughly,” he said.

“We are expecting to officially open one of the new projects called Marche Thonglor in the fourth quarter this year to be the best place to cater to the needs of people in Thonglor neighbourhood,” he said.

Source: [https://insideretail.asia/2022/05/19/central-pattana-pledges-50-new-retail-projects-within-five-years/](https://insideretail.asia/2022/05/19/central-pattana-pledges-50-new-retail-projects-within-five-years/)

Thai developer Central Pattana has revealed more about its ambitious retail expansion plans – including a commitment to build 50 “large retail projects” within five years.

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Central Pattana pledges 50 new retail projects within five years

Thailand’s Central Retail has reported improved sales across all three of its global markets during the first quarter, fuelling a 189-per-cent improvement in net profit.

Group sales rose by 16 per cent, led by an 88-per-cent increase in Vietnam, where Central operates Go supermarkets, hypermarkets and compact malls, along with Tops grocery stores and 70 non-food stores in the appliances and sportswear categories, among others.

Central Retail’s groupwide revenue reached US$1.6 billion and net profit $38 million.

CEO Yol Phokasub reiterated the company’s core goals for the remainder of the year including investing $576 million to rejuvenate its core businesses, especially in digital technologies. In Thailand, it plans to open 300 new stores across its multiple banners, including Robinson Lifestyle, Robinson Department Store, Tops and specialty stores.

Phokasub said the company had attracted “millions” of new customers during the past year, boosting omnichannel sales by 44 per cent during the last quarter.

This was achieved by taking a “customer-first approach to enhance experiences across multiple touchpoints”.

“Amidst today’s challenging operating environment, the company continues to move with flexibility and efficiency, leveraging technologies to manage costs and supply chain complexities. Despite nearing the Covid end-stage that signals a positive outlook, it is still a time of great uncertainties shaped by heightened global inflation and the Russia-Ukraine war that requires close caution on the negative economic impact,” he concluded.

Source: [https://insideretail.asia/2022/05/12/central-retail-reports-solid-growth-in-thailand-vietnam-and-italy/](https://insideretail.asia/2022/05/12/central-retail-reports-solid-growth-in-thailand-vietnam-and-italy/)

Thailand’s Central Retail has reported improved sales across all three of its global markets during the first quarter, fuelling a 189-per-cent improvement in net profit.

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Central Retail reports solid growth in Thailand, Vietnam and Italy

Sports brand Reebok has appointed CRC Sports, a subsidiary of Central Retail, as its sole distributor in Thailand.

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Central Retail becomes Reebok’s sole Thai distributor

Thai retail conglomerate Central Retail is set to launch a blockchain-powered supermarket in the metaverse in partnership with digital tech asset platform Zipmex.

The metaverse venture is part of Central Retail’s ‘CRC Retailligence’ strategy, which focuses on technologies and retail innovations to “cement its leadership in food retail innovation”. The announcement comes after the company’s distribution arm Central Marketing Group launched a virtual shopping mall last October.

“We plan to tap into the retail potential of the metaverse, a world that runs on digital asset infrastructures such as crypto and NFTs,” said Stephane Coum, CEO of food retail under Central Retail.

“We see enormous potential to enhance shopper experience and lifestyle through convenient, seamless, and interactive access to products and services.”

Coum added that the Covid-19 pandemic was a key driver in reshaping consumer shopping behaviours, accelerating the development and uptake of new technologies and innovations in the retail space.

“Our partnership with Central Retail is the perfect starting point for innovations in the food retail industry both in Thailand and Southeast Asia,” said Akalarp Yimwilai, CEO and co-founder of Zipmex Thailand.

Source: [https://insideretail.asia/2022/03/23/central-retail-to-roll-out-blockchain-powered-supermarket-in-the-metaverse/](https://insideretail.asia/2022/03/23/central-retail-to-roll-out-blockchain-powered-supermarket-in-the-metaverse/)

Thai retail conglomerate Central Retail is set to launch a blockchain-powered supermarket in the metaverse in partnership with digital tech asset platform Zipmex.

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Jonathan Rycx

Jonathan is the Head of CRM Design & Development at Central. He constantly looks for ways to better understand the customers' needs and desires, with the purpose of helping the company deliver goods and services that fulfill them.

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