Modern retail operators in Thailand are diversifying into smaller local grocery formats across the country as they seek a bigger pie of Thailand’s Bt 1.62 trillion (US$45.2 billion) traditional grocery trade.
The latest to join the move is Siam Makro Plc, operator of Makro stores, which recently launched BuddyMart community store concept.
In 2021, TD Tawandang Co, the operator of Tookdee convenience stores, which is under Carabao Group, pioneered modern grocery store expansion in provincial areas under the Tookdee concept. It now has more than 5,000 Tookdee stores. This is followed by Ek-Chai Distribution System Co, the operator of Lotus’s retail stores, which opened Rannee Khaidee. Meanwhile, Big C Supercenter Plc launched Donjai format to the market. Donjai is a new retail model that provides traditional trade store owners an opportunity to modernise their stores through cooperation with Berli Jucker Plc. Big C now has 771 Donjai stores in the country.
