Thai department store chain, Central, is moving its business to a regional level with targets to become one of the top three department stores in terms of sales in southeast Asia.

The company, led by Yuwadee Chirathivat, plans to open two to three department stores in the region in the next four to five years.

Central Department Store also plans to open three more stores under Central and Zen brands in China where it currently has 14 department stores under Central, Zen and La Rinascente brands.

“We intend to become a regional top-three department store in terms of sales in the next 10 years,” said Chirathivat.

Chirathivat’s confidence in the company’s expansion plans across southeast Asia was triggered by the result of the market survey the company has made in southeast Asia.

“When we did a market survey in Southeast Asia and asked local customers which foreign department store they wanted in their country, Central was their top choice.”

Domestically, Central Department Store will open five new stores in the next few years. Next year will see the company opening Central Festival Hat Yai in October and Central Festival Chiang Mai a month later.

GB