A number of new convenience stores are set to open in Thailand as SPAR announced it will open 300 new shops in the country between now and 2020 as part of a large initial investment. The company revealed in a press release that it will partner with Bangchak Retail Company Limited for its entrance into Thailand.
Dutch-based SPAR is the world’s largest food retail voluntary chain and currently has 12,100 stores worldwide, however, it is still relatively new to Asia and will continue to grow the brand in the region with the deal. The partnership with BCR will see SPAR share knowledge including information about supply chain, retail operations, staff training, retail design and brand development strategy.
The 2 partners are set to open 7 new stores this year focusing on establishing key flagship convenience and neighbourhood developments. Starting next year, there are plans to open 50-80 stores per year until it reaches the 300 stores target. The expansion could create as many as 2,500 jobs in the process.
BCR is teaming with SPAR hoping to take advantage of strong market growth in the neighbourhood grocery sector in Thailand. The two partners worked together to detailed store designs and layouts for SPAR’s outlets in Thailand.
“In the last decade, SPAR has grown from strength to strength in key strategic markets of Asia. Today, we have a significant multi-format presence including hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience and online in China, India, and Indonesia,” Tobias Wasmuht, Managing Director of SPAR International says. “The launch of SPAR in Thailand in partnership with BCR represents a significant and important step forward in SPAR’s ongoing expansion into Asian markets. It brings together our internationally tried and tested retail expertise particularly in convenience and supermarket formats with the extensive knowledge of the Thai market. The partnership is a true example of the SPAR ethos in which through working together all shall benefit.”
