Thai supermarket chain operator Big C plans massive expansion with 1000 Big C outlets poised to spread across the country.

Big C is to invest 5 billion baht (US$163.02 million) in a collaboration with Bangchak petrol stations operator Bangchak Petroleum which opens the way for Big C to operate 300 mini marts at Bangchak petrol stations across Bangkok and extending out into the provinces.

Bangchak petrol stations in Pattanakaran Rd, Charoen Krung, Rama III, On Nut and Navamin will get the first new mini marts within the next few months.

There are 1080 Bangchak petrol stations throughout Thailand, with 120 anchored by Bai Chak mini marts, about half of which will be replaced by new format Big C stores. It also has 36 Lemon Green stores which will be phased out by the year’s end.

Big C’s massive expansion is its form of counteracting rival Tesco Lotus which now has more than 900 stores in Thailand.

“The partnership with BCP is our second big move to accelerate the number of our convenience stores to compete with Tesco Lotus,” said Praphan Eamrungroj, Big C’s EVP for properties.

As of December last year, Big C had a total of 181 outlets, 92 of which were hypermarkets, 15 were Big C Extras, 14 were Big C Markets and one was Big C Jumbo.

Big C also plans to invest 2 billion baht (US$65.21 million) for opening new hypermarkets and 1 billion baht (US$32.60 million) for expanding its small retail concept Big C Market.

Mini mart operator 7-Eleven is also in partnership with a petrol stations operator while Tesco Lotus has teamed up with petrol stations operator Esso.

GB