In a bid to cash into Thailand’s growing wholesale cash and carry market, local retailer Big C has launched a new store format that will cater to shopkeepers and wholesalers.
The launch of the first Big C Jumbo store in Sumat Prakan last week has fired a shot across the bows of Thailand’s largest wholesaler Siam Makro, which has seen an impressive increase in profitability this year. According to a report by Bloomberg the retailer recorded net income earnings of Bt685m (US$22.8m) in the three months ended March, compared to earnings of Bt472.2m in the same period last year – a 45 per cent increase.
Big C will be emboldened by recent net-profit gains and has reported second quarter profits increased by 44 per cent on the same period last year.
The retailer plans to open its second Big C Jumbo store in southern Pattaya on 18 August.
The Big C Jumbo format will join the five other formats Big C currently operates in Thailand: the original Big C Supercentre hypermarket; Big C Extra - former Carrefour stores that stock more premium products; Big C Market, a supermarket format; Mini Big C, a 24-hour convenience store; and Pure by Big C, a health and beauty chain.
The company has also announced a deal with Michelin Siam Group and Toll Logistics to create a green supply chain. According to the Bangkok Post Big C will aim to reduce carbon emissions in its supply chain by 1.8m kgs by 2014.
