Thailand: SEA’s convenience store capital

With 12,246 convenience stores, Thailand is considered the capital of convenience stores in Southeast Asia.

Of the convenience stores, 7-Eleven holds the largest market share with 7000 stores followed by Tesco Lotus Express with 850 stores. Both plan to expand, targeting annual store openings of 500 and 200, respectively.

The 7-Eleven network is projected to reach 10,000 by 2018, FamilyMart’s 3000 by 2017 and Big C aims for 850 Mini Big C stores by 2016.

In 1989, each convenience store served 10,000 households. Today that ratio is down to 3000 households.

According to Phattaraporn Phenprapat, an executive at Tops Supermarket, more competition among convenience stores will benefit customers as the format, decor and merchandising will be upgraded to meet international standards.

Thailand’s steady economic growth, its proliferation of high-rise buildings and condominiums along the mass transit routes and higher consumer purchasing power have spurred the growth of the convenience stores.

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