Tesco Lotus plans to roll out internet shopping to the Thai market this year according to the groups CEO, John Christie.
He stated that the launch of internet shopping was an integral part of the company's plans to grow its retail business in the country, the Jakarta Post reported.
Thailand will be the first South East Asian market in which Tesco will provide an online service. The retailer already provides internet shopping services in Britain and Eastern Europe, the newspaper reported.
'My priority is to innovate to provide a better shopping experience and a wider product range for customers,' said Christie, who was appointed Tesco Lotus CEO on 27 February.
'We will also enhance the quality of our fresh food products, as they are important to our customers,” he added.
He says the retailer would focus on its human resources to ensure long-term success in Thailand.
'Moreover, we will focus on our people, particularly career development and talent management, to ensure that we continue our business success in years to come.
'In the medium and long terms, I wish to see Tesco Lotus continue leading the retail industry in Thailand by bringing innovation to benefit our customers. I also wish to see Tesco Lotus grow alongside Thai suppliers, farmers, our people and our communities,' he said.
Shoppers would be able to purchase both dry and fresh produce from the service, Christie said.
'We have seen the potential of internet shopping here, especially in some parts of the country where internet penetration is high,' he said.
Christie also announced the retailer plans further investment in the Thai market through new store openings and revamping and modernising existing malls.The company will also establish new distribution centres in the north, northeast and south of the country.'We expect to open at least 300 new stores across all formats this year, from Express to Extra. It will create about 9,000 new jobs,' he said. Tesco Lotus had more than 900 stores at the end of 2011.
