Thailand’s Central has announced plans to renovate parts of its existing retail network, with the retail group planning to invest US$32 million in the makeover project in the coming year.
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Focusing on its Central and Robinsons stores, the retail operator will renovate seven of its existing Central Department Store locations in Thailand, the company told the Bangkok Post.
Five of the stores are in Bangkok (Chidlom, Lat Phrao, Rama II, Rama III and Megabangna), while one is in Pattaya and the other is in Udon Thani.
There are also plans to renovate existing Robinson department stores in Rangsit, Ubon Ratchathani, Srisaman, Khon Kaen, Chachoengsao and Sri Racha, with the expectation that all will be completed by the end of this year.
The company said that improved shopper sentiment in Thailand, on the back of lacklustre retail sales due to Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions, means the timing is right to invest in the restructuring of key physical stores in the nation, coupled with an increase in government spending.
To kick-start the return to retail for shoppers and meet ever-changing consumer needs, the company plans to invest 100 million baht in a campaign called ‘Central Midnight Sale’ that runs until 6th April at 24 department stores and omni-channel platforms.
“January and February were a tough time for retail business. But now shopping sentiment is better, as indicated by improved returns on investment for the campaigns we launched,” Rvisra Chirathivat, the company’s customer director, told the Bangkok Post.
“Traffic in each store increased, particularly for sales of young fashion items and accessories, as well as jeans,” continued Chirathivat.
The company added it plans to open the 34,000-square-metre Robinson Lifestyle Banchang, next to Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and close to the U-Tapao airport.
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A new Robinson department store is also planned for Ayutthaya this October, it said.
Looking ahead, Central and Robinson department store sales are projected to reach 62 billion baht in 2021 for the company.