SPAR ties up with Bangchak to open 300 stores in Thailand

Dutch retail giant SPAR International targets to open 300 stores by 2020 in Thailand as part of a €74 million investment. The expansion plan, according to a company release, is in partnership with Bangchak Retail Company Limited (BCR), operator Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited’s non-oil businesses.

BCR plans to launch seven SPAR stores in 2016, and from 2017, it aims to open 50-80 stores every year. The company forecasts retail sales of €245 million and creation of up to 2,500 jobs for the next five years.

SPAR will bring in best practices in terms of supply chain, retail operations, staff training, retail design, and brand development strategy.

“The launch of SPAR in Thailand in partnership with BCR represents a significant and important step forward in SPAR’s ongoing expansion into Asian markets. It brings together our internationally tried and tested retail expertise particularly in convenience and supermarket formats with the extensive knowledge of the Thai market,” said Tobias Wasmuht, Managing Director of SPAR International.

“BCR is excited to bring this new offering to customers in Thailand. SPAR and BCR share many key values such as a dedication to growth, a commitment to local suppliers, supporting communities and offering diverse retail solutions,” said Viboon Wongsakul, Managing Director of Bangchak Retail Company Limited.