Thai supermarket business Big C is planning to spend THB6.5 billion (US$214 million) on expansion both domestically and internationally next year.

While the majority of the funds earmarked for growth will go towards development within the brand’s home territory, THB500 million ($16.5 million) will be set aside for overseas expansion. The brand has just launched its first 8000sqm Big C in Cambodia, and has designs on a launch in Laos next year.

The firm’s domestic thrust is focused on small retail outlets – branded Mini Big C – designed to facilitate its reach to more customers in Bangkok and beyond. It is also investigating 3000–5000sqm hypermarkets as a “town centre” concept.

“We are committed to investing in Thailand next year because we are confident in the country’s economic foundation,” said Big C’s CEO Aswin Techajareonvikul. “From next year, we will pay more attention to expanding our retail business abroad, focusing on Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, where the economies are strong.”