With competition heating up from new offshore players, 7-Eleven is boosting its product range and expanding its store count in Thailand.

CP All, the local operator of the Japanese convenience store chain, says it will open 540 new stores by next year to counter rivals like Tesco Express, Mini Big C, Lawson and FamilyMart.

Product offerings will get a further boost with the addition of ‘trendy items’ and more international brands will be added to stores at tourist spots, the company says.

“Customers will see and touch many big changes at our 7-Eleven convenience stores next year, from product merchandise to premium offerings,” said CP All president Piyawat Titasattaworakul.

CP All will invest 1 billion baht (US$32.6 million) to open two new distribution centres in Samut Sakhon and Chon Buri to support the expansion plans.

Suwit Kingkaew, president of the Development of Thai Capital Retailers Association, said Thailand’s convenience store market will likely to see 1000 new store openings next year.

Convenience stores are predicted to increase further as purchasing power is expected to rise after minimum wage has been raised in the country.

GB