Thailand news & analysis

Casino has reported total group sales of EUR10,684m for Q3 2015, down 0.5% on an organic basis. Sales growth accelerated in France, with all Casino's banners contributing positively. Internationally, performance was mixed with food sales up in Latin America but a more difficult environment in Asian markets.   Improvement across all banners in France France retail sales were EUR4,812m, up...

Aeon has opened a new concept store in Hong Kong and re-commences its Thailand expansion by opening a new shopping mall. Japanese-led store in Hong Kong Aeon has invested HKD$30m (US$3.9m) on renovating its Tsuen Wan store in order to target the area's rising affluence. The new 170,000 sq ft (15,794 sq m) store that opened last week has adopted ranging and design elements from its Japan...

Big C Thailand has reported a 4.4% decrease in sales to BHT28.4bn (US$0.8b) in Q3. Falling like-for-like sales despite higher transactions Big C was committed to offering the best value to its customers this quarter. Although this led to a lower average basket spend, the number of products sold increased by 1.9%, along with improvements in transaction numbers. In addition, trading was hea...

Lawson reported a 4.1% increase in net sales to JPY1,035bn (US$8.6bn) in H1, with operating profits also up 5.1% to JPY42bn (US$350m). Focus on three key areas During the half, Lawson strengthened its convenience business by focusing on stores, products and its franchise network. Initiatives included: expanding the number of franchise stores, launching a semi-automatic ordering system t...

Following Tesco's interim results, we highlight five ways in which the retailer's new strategy is delivering positive outcomes. 1. UK recovery is on track  Tesco's ongoing investment into the customer offer though service, availability and price is driving a return to positive volume growth and an improved UK sales performance. Tesco has delivered a steady and consistent improvement in like...

Tesco Lotus has opened its second regional distribution centre in Surat Thani, helping it efficiently deliver goods to over 200 Tesco Lotus hypermarkets and Express convenience stores in south Thailand. New DC will improve business efficiencies The new DC is the second regional distribution centre that Tesco has launched in Thailand, having opened its first centre outside of Bangkok last ...

Tesco Lotus has said that it has invested THB 1bn (US$20m) in its loyalty programme this year, whilst in an attempted to make the scheme more rewarding, it has partnered with Asia's leading low cost airline. Unique partnership brings additional member benefits As part of the investment, Tesco has teamed up with AirAsia Big to allow Clubcard members the chance to exchange points for fr...

Despite much speculation, Tesco's Chairman has confirmed that the retailer has not discussed any further material overseas disposals of its operations. South Korean disposal approved by shareholders At a meeting for shareholders, where the retailer's sale of its South Korean operation was approved, the Tesco Chairman, John Allan, commented that the business was not in discussions to sell...

IGD Chief Executive Joanne Denney-Finch is speaking at the Asia Pacific Retailers Convention & Exhibition (APRCE) in October. Ahead of the event, she shared her perspectives on the industry with the event organisers, as below: APRCE: What are the key trends in food retail? JDF: Shopper behaviour is evolving faster than ever before. Empowered by technology and information t...

With smartphone penetration soaring, increasing levels of cross border e-commerce and a growing number of online grocery models, Asia's online grocery market is growing fast and in lots of different ways. Here we summarise three of the big developments in the channel this week. China: Alibaba partners with new international retailers German retailer Metro Group and UK retailer Sainsbury'...