Big C clarifies its mobile grocery store just a “prototype”

[snoop1130]

Big C clarifies its mobile grocery store just a “prototype”

 

 

The Office of Organizational Communications of Big C Group clarified today (March 28) that the “Mini Big C” mobile grocery store which was seen roaming housing estates and communities in Bangkok and its vicinity was just a trial operation and there is just one prototype vehicle.

 

The office said that the Mini Big C pickup truck was just an idea derived from the Kaokhonlakao or Step By Step charity run project when the company sent the mobile grocery truck to serve food and drink to Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai and his charity run staff.

 

The company was still studying the marketing and costing of the Mini Big C truck as well as its impacts in various aspects.

 

Full Story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/big-c-clarifies-mobile-grocery-store-just-prototype/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2018-3-28

[Get Real]

Yeah. That must make it legal then.

[petedk]

I can't see what the fuss is about.

 

There are pick-ups coming around our area daily selling vegetables and fruit.

Others come around on motorbikes converted to carts selling brushes, ice cream and who knows what.

 

For me the idea is the same, but with different products.

 

The only thing I would object to is if they come 6-o-clock in the morning with loud Tannoys.

[stanleycoin]

This could be very bad news for local sellers 

who go around the villages, a  big company like this will put them out

of business.

The big companies get enough as it is,  no need to dump on the small guy and his family.  

[Langsuan Man]

Greed is good

[PremiumLane]

1 hour ago, petedk said:

I can't see what the fuss is about.

screwing over the local sellers? squashing any competition... I could go on

[hansnl]

1 hour ago, petedk said:

I can't see what the fuss is about.

 

There are pick-ups coming around our area daily selling vegetables and fruit.

Others come around on motorbikes converted to carts selling brushes, ice cream and who knows what.

 

For me the idea is the same, but with different products.

 

The only thing I would object to is if they come 6-o-clock in the morning with loud Tannoys.

I presume you are joking?

It's all about big companies taking over everything.

[Sealbash]

This could be very bad news for local sellers 
who go around the villages, a  big company like this will put them out
of business.
The big companies get enough as it is,  no need to dump on the small guy and his family.  

I am personally quite pleased that companies in which I am a shareholder are innovative and find ways to increase profits, thus increasing the value of my holdings. Actually, I believe profits are the intent of creating a business.


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[Expatthailover]

2 hours ago, stanleycoin said:

This could be very bad news for local sellers 

who go around the villages, a  big company like this will put them out

of business.

The big companies get enough as it is,  no need to dump on the small guy and his family.  

Well lets face it the model amazon and others use is changing the face of retailing ALL over the world.

Small retailers have been doing it tough for years.

This phenomenon is not peculiar to thailand.

[robblok]

1 hour ago, hansnl said:

I presume you are joking?

It's all about big companies taking over everything.

So your ok with paying too much for bad products just to keep small companies alive ? I just buy  where the quality and price are best. Its not like those small mom and pop shops have sharp prices / good products.

[new2here]

I am personally quite pleased that companies in which I am a shareholder are innovative and find ways to increase profits, thus increasing the value of my holdings. Actually, I believe profits are the intent of creating a business.


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

I agree. I also think that there can be benefits to the end-consumer when a new player enters the marketplace. It could be that the older "mom and pop" shops have to step their game: look at the products and services they currently offer and price points, do they build relationships or do they tend to be transactional only?

So, just by financial heavyweight like BigC possibly entering the marketplace to isn't automatically bad -- so long as issues like "product dumping" or the like, don't occur, I think there's possible upside for the consumer.

I think in some cases mom and pop shops may actually have an advantage in that if they've done it right before this point in time, they may have such a strong community relationship, that even if better financed, lower price point competitor comes in, it's not enough to sway away that loyal base.



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[stanleycoin]

55 minutes ago, Sealbash said:

I am personally quite pleased that companies in which I am a shareholder are innovative and find ways to increase profits, thus increasing the value of my holdings. Actually, I believe profits are the intent of creating a business.


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Yes you are correct,  but at what cost ?

This guy thinks a bit like you. 

 

What a pleasant chap he is.

[stanleycoin]

50 minutes ago, Expatthailover said:

Well lets face it the model amazon and others use is changing the face of retailing ALL over the world.

Small retailers have been doing it tough for years.

This phenomenon is not peculiar to thailand.

Yes, but we can keep the brakes on a bit in Thailand

in the rural community. 

Support your local shops and Markets if you can. 

[davemos]

Maybe time for a Costco or Aldi operation to give the big players something to worry about. Often I see the mum and pop shops at Big C  buying bulk to resell 

[petedk]

I presume you are joking?
It's all about big companies taking over everything.

I am all for mom and pop stores, but to tell the truth some of them have no incentive to increase their business.
I buy products at local stores they all copy each other selling exactly the same products. I have sometimes asked if they could stock certain products that they can buy on their weekly trip to Big C, but they tell me that there is no demand.

Also I have noticed that some of the small mom and pop stores do try to charge me a slightly higher price. Normally it may be only a little, but one shop I used to buy at suddenly wanted 20 baht for a 7 baht bottle of water.

You don't get that problem at Big C or the other big companies.

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[thaiguzzi]

13 hours ago, Sealbash said:

I am personally quite pleased that companies in which I am a shareholder are innovative and find ways to increase profits, thus increasing the value of my holdings. Actually, I believe profits are the intent of creating a business.


Sent from my iPad using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

Jesus wept.

7 hours ago, petedk said:

 

 

 

I am all for mom and pop stores, but to tell the truth some of them have no incentive to increase their business.
I buy products at local stores they all copy each other selling exactly the same products. I have sometimes asked if they could stock certain products that they can buy on their weekly trip to Big C, but they tell me that there is no demand.

Also I have noticed that some of the small mom and pop stores do try to charge me a slightly higher price. Normally it may be only a little, but one shop I used to buy at suddenly wanted 20 baht for a 7 baht bottle of water.

You don't get that problem at Big C or the other big companies.

Sent from my BLL-L22 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app
 

 

For the love of God.

13 hours ago, new2here said:

 

 

I agree. I also think that there can be benefits to the end-consumer when a new player enters the marketplace. It could be that the older "mom and pop" shops have to step their game: look at the products and services they currently offer and price points, do they build relationships or do they tend to be transactional only?

So, just by financial heavyweight like BigC possibly entering the marketplace to isn't automatically bad -- so long as issues like "product dumping" or the like, don't occur, I think there's possible upside for the consumer.

I think in some cases mom and pop shops may actually have an advantage in that if they've done it right before this point in time, they may have such a strong community relationship, that even if better financed, lower price point competitor comes in, it's not enough to sway away that loyal base.



Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

And you guys think the Western World is doing great and that capitalism, globalism and buy outs has enrichened the lives of the vast majority huh?

 Sod the small retailer, it's all about the share price.

Jeez.

[new2here]

And you guys think the Western World is doing great and that capitalism, globalism and buy outs has enrichened the lives of the vast majority huh?
 Sod the small retailer, it's all about the share price.
Jeez.

I don't think any system is without its drawn backs - so capitalist, socialist, communist or otherwise, I think they all will have some drawbacks.

I don't think we will ever see a system that is truly do-able on a nationwide basis, sustainable over the long haul and also insures true benefit to all .. so while I cede it does have clear drawbacks, I'm less willing to condemn capitalism - because I think that given the size and diversity of a national marketplace, I tend to believe that there IS space for the mom-and-pops to exist - largely because I think the big retailers, like Big C, rely upon massive economies of scale to make things work.. and in smaller communities where distribution and other supply chain issues may be more limited - I don't think this works for them-- thus the space for mom-an-pops to serve.


So, no, I don't think it's "sod" the small retailer at all... but I DO think that they will have to adapt to an ever changing marketplace, consumer attitudes, values and habits.... and in the end I think this change is positive and helps the end consumer as well..


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[thaiguzzi]

So tell me this - how can a small independent supermarket in a market town sell stuff cheaper than an out of town Big C/Tesco?

In Thailand.

I can give you half a dozen examples off the top of my head.

The exact opposite of the UK and Europe where no corner shop can compete on pricing with the big Supermarkets?

How is that possible or is it utter greed?

[new2here]

So tell me this - how can a small independent supermarket in a market town sell stuff cheaper than an out of town Big C/Tesco?
In Thailand.
I can give you half a dozen examples off the top of my head.
The exact opposite of the UK and Europe where no corner shop can compete on pricing with the big Supermarkets?
How is that possible or is it utter greed?

I don't think that consumers shop based on price and price alone... I think while hard to objectively measure, issues like service, reputation/history and the like, all fit into the consumers buying decision.

So, to your question, Id argue that for a small retailer that lacks massive scalability, that trying to go after someone like Big C from a price point of view, is probably going to be a losing

... but I also think that this massive scalability that Big C has, is, to some degree, their inherent weakness too.

By that I mean a small mom-and-pop can offer *exactly* what their customers have told them that they want... now, true... the Big C's of the world can do that too.. but only if they can do it on a massive scale size.. anything less is unprofitable (again, because it's measured in the 10's or 100's of thousands of units and not perhaps single 100's that a mom-and-pop would use)

I also think that smaller retailers also have an advantage in that they can be more nimble and reactive when it comes to responding to consumer demand... again, for folks like Big C, may struggle with this as changes must take palace relative to their whole network and multi-level supply chain. Mom-and-pops commonly don't have this level of depth and therefore can adapt much quicker.

So.... price? No.. price and price alone, the big box guys have a clear structural advantage.. but, I don't think that price and price alone is the sole value that derives consumer buying decisions...

For me the key to mom-and-pop stores surviving and prospering in the face of Big C-like stores, will require them to focus on things are their assets and at the same time, are the inherent weaknesses of a large retailer... localized/community-based product selection, rapid adaptability to consumer demand and classic "service"....


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[rickudon]

The mom and Pop's shops can only thrive when they are the nearest source for all the bits and pieces Thai's want. The problem now is that as soon as demand increase in a village, small town or suburb, up pops a Mini BigC, Tesco Express or a 7/11. This makes it harder to succeed. They only can because the markups at BigC and Tesco are often quite extravagant - wife being in this business I can safely say that the big boys are adding on markups of typically 20% or more over wholesale. In the UK, the markups made by supermarkets and their corner shops (e.g. Tesco Express, Sainsbury's local) are more like 10%. At that rate, it is impossible to compete in the UK. This is why UK supermarkets have very slim profit margins. In Thailand, the retail profit potential is fantastic if efficiently run. There just isn't the level of competition among the big boys here. When that greed disappears (which, in the long run, is likely) Mom and Pops will be doomed.

[robblok]

On 30/03/2018 at 12:47 AM, thaiguzzi said:

So tell me this - how can a small independent supermarket in a market town sell stuff cheaper than an out of town Big C/Tesco?

In Thailand.

I can give you half a dozen examples off the top of my head.

The exact opposite of the UK and Europe where no corner shop can compete on pricing with the big Supermarkets?

How is that possible or is it utter greed?

They can't compete on price but price is not the only thing they can compete on. The 711 is more expensive then the Big C but still it has a lot of trade. So its not always about price. 

 

Unlike you I am not willing to pay more for inferior quality. Do I like it that the companies are big, not really I have my own small accounting firm. I compete too with the bigger ones and I lose out on some points win out on others. That is just life things change. In future I might not be able to do my business anymore I need to prepare for that you never know how things go. 

 

I don't believe in protection as it means that you don't have to compete on quality (mind you Thailand has a lot of protection and i dislike it)

[rickudon]

We can buy from a wholesaler, or Makro, or even Big C for some items, and match prices in 7/11, Tesco Express or the big shops for individual packs or bottles and still make a good profit. I wonder how much Tesco Lotus, Big C actually pay per unit when they can buy direct from producers/importers while we have to buy from middle men.

 

But at least their greed leaves a niche for the village shop.

[rkidlad]

I understand the whole idea of hating on the big companies who take business from the small people, but sometimes the small people just can’t be trusted. I bought a PS3 from a small shop and it broke after 3 months. I took it to get fixed and they said I had to pay. They then ripped me off on the part they replaced by overpricing it.

 

I had my shower fitted by a guy while I was at work. He hung it slightly crooked. I called him and asked him to come back and hang it straight. He said he would and I never heard from him again. 

 

I had had two guys come and paint my spare room. I told them to put newspaper down and they didn’t. There were specs of paint on the floor. 

 

I went to Homepro to get some kitchen tiles. They said they would fit them too. I asked the lady if they don’t do a proper job what can I do? She said if I’m not happy, show them why and they’ll sort it. The Homepro people came and did an awesome job. 

 

Buying a cheap brush of bunch of bananas means nothing to me. I’ll happpily buy from the small man and take any dissatisfaction on the chin. When I’m buying big or buying something that needs to be done professionally, I’ll always go to the big companies. They might not alsays be perfect but at least they understand the concept of costumer service (most of the time). 

 

Last one: lady I usually buy beers from put them up 7 baht. I checked Seven and nothing changed. I told her and she said rudely “buy in seven then”. So I did. And I never bought anything from her again. As is my right. I also like to buy from people who know that as a customer, I’m the important one. Not them. 

 

[Thian]

On 29-3-2018 at 7:48 AM, stanleycoin said:

This could be very bad news for local sellers 

who go around the villages, a  big company like this will put them out

of business.

The big companies get enough as it is,  no need to dump on the small guy and his family.  

Those small guys with 500 plastic bags hanging on the pickup are a danger for other roadusers when they loose a bag...Also they make an awfull lot of noise when they yell through the speakers.

 

So i'm for this truck, it looks more roadworthy and safe. Also i guess this one shows the price which is great.

[stanleycoin]

On 31/03/2018 at 6:01 PM, Thian said:

Those small guys with 500 plastic bags hanging on the pickup are a danger for other roadusers when they loose a bag...Also they make an awfull lot of noise when they yell through the speakers.

 

So i'm for this truck, it looks more roadworthy and safe. Also i guess this one shows the price which is great.

And you think, they won't have loud speakers as well or a large horn to sound

as they come into your village !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. 

You don't know Thailand very well mate !!!!!!!!! 

 

I am all for the small guy earning a living here.  good luck to them.

and down with the big boys trying to bust them out out existence. 

 

 

 

[Thian]

5 minutes ago, stanleycoin said:

And you think, they won't have loud speakers as well or a large horn to sound

as they come into your village !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. 

You don't know Thailand very well mate !!!!!!!!! 

 

I am all for the small guy earning a living here.  good luck to them.

and down with the big boys trying to bust them out out existence. 

 

 

 

You know what? I don't live in a village but in a guarded community...sure they won't come in...and we have Makro, Tops, BigC, and everything else very close....those vendors better go to nakhon nowhere where the next Tesco is a 1 hour drive.

[stanleycoin]

3 minutes ago, Thian said:

You know what? I don't live in a village but in a guarded community...sure they won't come in...and we have Makro, Tops, BigC, and everything else very close....those vendors better go to nakhon nowhere where the next Tesco is a 1 hour drive.

So its,   i'm all right  jack then,  and piss off to the local Thais trying to earn a living. 

Thank you for clarifying that to us all. 

 

[Thian]

7 minutes ago, stanleycoin said:

So its,   i'm all right  jack then,  and piss off to the local Thais trying to earn a living. 

Thank you for clarifying that to us all. 

 

Yup, in the Makro and Tops they have only farang staff, no Thai works there...guess that's why they don't try to charge me inflated prices 5555

[DLock]

I could care less about a Big C mini truck...

 

...but I'd get damn excited about a Mr. Whippy ice-cream van from about 3 blocks away.

[stanleycoin]

On 31/03/2018 at 6:01 PM, Thian said:

.Also they make an awfull lot of noise when they yell through the speakers.

 

I just spotted it,   priceless