MaxValu Thailand to close on 30 September

MaxValu, the Japanese supermarket chain in Thailand, is to serve customers for the final time on 30 September 2026, with its 30 branches set to be converted to the Tops brand.

The closure follows Central Retail Corporation's plan to acquire Aeon (Thailand), the operator of MaxValu supermarkets.

Central Retail plans 30-store conversion

Central Retail Corporation Plc (CRC) informed the Stock Exchange of Thailand on 7 August that its wholly owned subsidiary, Central Food Retail Co Ltd (CFR), had signed an agreement to buy ordinary shares in Aeon (Thailand) Co Ltd.

Aeon (Thailand) operates 30 MaxValu supermarkets across Bangkok and the surrounding provinces. The sites include smaller branches inside buildings and larger stand-alone stores.

CRC said the acquisition would allow it to convert the branches to Tops outlets, expand its store network in strategic locations, strengthen its food business and add 900,000 customers to its base.

For expats, retirees and visitors living near these locations, the main immediate issue is likely to be shopping convenience. Customers who rely on a particular MaxValu branch should watch for store notices on closing arrangements and the opening dates of replacement Tops branches.

Staff say 30 September is the final day

Sales staff contacted by Matichon said they had been told that MaxValu would remain open until 30 September 2026, its final day of trading.

From 1 October, the MaxValu name will therefore disappear from Thailand's retail market.

However, staff have not yet been told clearly whether they will remain employed after the changeover. Central Retail has not detailed the timetable for individual branch conversions.

Large sites could have wider potential

Analysts cited in the report said several of the locations are in high-potential areas. They suggested Central could do more than simply install Tops branding at larger stand-alone branches close to mass-transit lines, given the group's interests in retail, property and hotels.

MaxValu's Lak Si branch was highlighted as one site attracting attention. It occupies a large plot beside the Pink Line and opposite Phranakhon Rajabhat University, with condominium developments nearby.

There has been no confirmation of any broader redevelopment plans for that branch. For now, the confirmed plan is for the 30 MaxValu stores to become part of the Tops network.

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20 August 2026