Thai Supermarket Chain Big C Expands to Hong Kong, Aims to Further Connect with China

Thai Supermarket Chain Big C Expands to Hong Kong, Aims to Further Connect with China

Big C Inaugurates Flagship Store in Hong Kong

Big C, a leading supermarket chain in Thailand, has taken a significant step in its international expansion strategy with the inauguration of its flagship store in Hong Kong’s Miramar Shopping Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. The opening followed Big C’s acquisition of the Hong Kong retail chain APITA, signalling the Thai company’s first expansion outside Southeast Asia. Dr. Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong, attended the opening ceremony.

Special Promotions to Attract Customers

As part of the inaugural celebrations, Big C has announced enticing promotional offers for its customers. For every 100 HKD spent, customers have the opportunity to add selected items to their purchase for as little as 1 HKD. This promotion will be applicable in all 24 Big C branches across Hong Kong until Friday, the 29th. The discounted items range from instant noodles, dried satay fish, soda water to Thai beer, crispy pork strips, dried fruit, and a variety of snacks.

Big C’s Plans for Hong Kong and China

During the inauguration, Big C CEO Aswin Techajareonvikul expressed his view of Hong Kong as the ideal bridge between Southeast Asia and China. He highlighted plans to establish long-term operations in Hong Kong and strengthen ties with China. He also emphasised the company’s confidence in Hong Kong’s swift recovery from the pandemic. Big C has outlined ambitious plans for expansion in Hong Kong, with a target to increase its store count to 99 within the next three years, representing an annual addition of around 25 stores. The company is prepared to invest over 200 million HKD and aims to achieve a sales volume of 1 billion HKD in the next three years.

Big C and APITA: A Seamless Transition

Big C’s acquisition of APITA promises a smooth transition as both chains offer similar Thai specialty products. Big C also brings with it exclusive products including snacks, cleaning agents, and essential oils.

Postponement of Big C’s Listing in Thailand

Aswin Techajareonvikul addressed the delay in Big C’s listing in Thailand, attributing it to changes in the market environment with the new government. Consequently, the Thai IPO will be postponed until next year. In the meantime, Big C has been invited by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Special Administrative Region Government to discuss the possibility of listing in Hong Kong. The decision to list in Thailand first, or to list simultaneously in Hong Kong, will be based on clearer market conditions expected in the coming year.

Big C Plans Online Expansion in Mainland China

In terms of mainland development, Big C plans to expand its operations online. The company has partnered with popular payment platforms WeChat Pay and Alipay to better serve Hong Kong and mainland merchants. Additionally, Big C revealed that it has a procurement office in Guangzhou, China, which sources high-quality products and could potentially source from Hong Kong in the future.