Convenience chain FamilyMart plans to rapidly roll out new outlets in both domestic and overseas markets.

FamilyMart’s expansion target this year will see it open 1500 new outlets in Japan and an additional 1000 overseas, including 300 in Thailand, 200-300 in China and 80 in Vietnam.

Once the expansion program is complete, FamilyMart will have 14,017 stores worldwide, 11,745 in Japan.

The company said it will use Thailand as regional hub to expand in Asean and Indochina.

“Thailand is the role model for convenience store business in this region. The country has advanced in many aspects, from store concept and merchandise to customer service,” said Junichi Yamashita, senior executive officer at FamilyMart.

FamilyMart Thailand is operated by a joint venture between FamilyMart Japan and Central Group. The JV plans to increase its investment budget by 30 per cent to 1.3 billion baht ($40.2 million) to support its expansion plan, technology improvement and product development.