Thai grocer Big C will open 200 new stores and will build two distribution centres this year.

The retailer says it will earmark 8 billion baht to fund the expansion. Five billion baht will used to open six hypermarkets, 13 Big C Market, 50 Pure drug stores and 150 Mini Big C convenience stores.

The remaining 3 billion will be used for building the two distribution centres.

This year will see Big C operating 565 stores – 275 Mini Big C, 119 hypermarkets, 140 Pure drug stores and 31 Big C Markets.

“We see huge potential in developing convenience stores in the country, so we’ll double our expansion of Mini Big C this year, opening another 150 on top of last year’s 75,” said Praphan Eamrungroj, EVP for properties.

Big C has recently partnered with Bangchak Petroleum to open convenience stores at 500 Bangchak petrol stations countrywide.

The retailer expects sales to rise by nine to 10 per cent this year.