Thai department store chain Robinson will open 25 branches in the next five years, doubling its local network.

Robinson will open its 25th mall in Rama IX on December 14. The company budgeted 1.2 billion baht for the six storey store which is aimed at catering for younger shoppers. 

The plan is to complete construction of the 50 department stores by 2016, expected to generate 34.6 billion baht in sales.

“After preparing ourselves for a few years, we are now ready to speed up our expansion from only one or two new outlets each year as in previous periods,” said Robinson president Preecha Ekkunagul.

The first five new stores will be located in Suphan Buri, Bang Na, Surat Thani, Bang Khae and Lampang.

About 2.5 billion baht is planned to be spent for every five department stores that will be built.

The additional 25 branches will be operated as department store in a large shopping complex, stand-alone and lifestyle shopping centre.

Robinson also plans to renovate its branch in Sukhumvit by 2013 and has just extended the lease period for its Ratchadapisek Rd branch until 2013.

GB