108 Shop to open 200 new stores
- By: PITSINEE JITPLEECHEEP
- Published: 30/03/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Business
Sun 108 Co, a Saha Group subsidiary, will open 200 new 108 Shop convenience store outlets this year in response to changing customer behaviour in the sluggish economy.
Apart from vending machines, Mr Vathit said Sun 108 plans to add more services at its existing stores, such as free-of-charge utility bill payments.
More consumers are opting to shop locally to cope with higher living costs and declining purchasing power, said managing director Vathit Chokwatana.
"We will cash in on this shopping trend by increasing the number of 108 Shop outlets by 30% this year," he said.
The additional 200 outlets will increase the company's network to 900 shops nationwide. Half of the new stores will be managed by the company and the rest will be franchises, which cost 600,000 baht each.
Sun 108 plans to add more services at its existing stores, such as free-of-charge utility bill payments. Currently, it offers the service at only 30 outlets.
Mr Vathit said he would consider charging a minimal transaction fee once 108 Shop has upgraded its computer system to link it with all utilities providers.
The company is considering expanding its 108 Shop brand's product range beyond its existing four categories of washing-up liquid, detergent, floor cleaner and fabric wash.
"Our house-brand products have received a better response than we initially expected," he said.
It forecasts 2009 sales growth of more than 50%, to 3.75 billion baht, up from 2.5 billion in 2008. 108 Shop sales grew by 8% in the first three months of this year.