• Tops Supermarket parent Central Food Retail plans to spend more than THB1 billion baht on expansion this year.

The company will unveil a new format – Tops Plaza – in Pichit by the end of this year which will be followed another in Payao. The concept resembles a community mall with several anchor tenants including a Tops supermarket, according to executive VP Phattaraporn Phenpraphat, who was interviewed by the Bangkok Post.

Tops Plaza was designed as a means for the brand to open outside shopping malls owned by Central Pattana and Robinson department stores, where Tops are traditionally located.

“We’re seeking new opportunities in Pichit to support a different customer segment,” Phattaraporn told the Bangkok Post.

Supersizing Superkoom

Meanwhile, Central will open 178 Superkoom value supermarkets during 2017 taking its network to 200. Each store will have a floor space ranging from 300 sqm to 500 sqm and stock 3000 to 4000 grocery items, excluding fresh food.

Phattaraporn said the company’s supermarket business achieved growth of 3 per cent in the first quarter which was ahead of the industry.