Thai retailers are continuing to expand their presence in Cambodia's retail sector.

[ASEAN NOW]

 

CP Group and Berli Jucker Plc (BJC), two major Thai companies, appear to be continuing their expansion into Cambodia's retail industry.

According to media sources quoting the Cambodian Business Council in Thailand, CP Group is interested in opening its first Tesco Lotus supermarket in Cambodia. According to the Construction & Property website, which is endorsed by the Cambodia Constructors Association, Tesco Lotus is “looking for at least three hectares of land in Phnom Penh.”

 

This would not be the CP Group's first venture into Cambodian retail. CP ALL (Cambodia), the company's local division, established its first 7-Eleven convenience shop in Phnom Penh's Chroy Changvar neighborhood at the end of last month. In the rain, eager customers queued all evening to purchase the store's assortment of Thai-sourced goods.

 

The opening had been postponed due to the emergence of the Coronavirus Delta strain, which slowed consumer purchasing. CP ALL had planned to open its first 7-Eleven in the Prek Pnov region of northern Phnom Penh, at the PTT petrol station on National Road Number 5. The abandoned PTT store, as well as a third location, which is now only a sign at a petrol station south of the Chroy Changvar outlet, are still displayed on Google Maps.

 

BJC, another of Thailand's large companies, competes with CP Group. It established its first Big C branch in Cambodia's capital, the Mini Big C Depo Branch, earlier this month. There could be more Big Cs on the way. According to the Bangkok Post, the corporation wants to raise investment to expand its retail business in Cambodia over the next five years.

 

“With our five-year plan, we aim to become Cambodia's No. 1 retailer in terms of value, size, and perception among Cambodian customers,” said Chief Operating Officer Gary Hardy, adding that the company plans to open hundreds of Big C stores in Phnom Penh and other major cities such as Siem Reap and Battambang. Hypermarkets, supermarkets, and Mini Big Cs would be among the stores. BJC launched its first Big C hypermarket a few years ago in the border town of Poipet.

 

“Cambodia has a population of 15 million [sic], and Phnom Penh is a commercial center with a population of 2 million,” Hardy remarked. “Because Cambodians and Thais have similar interests, there are chances to grow Big C products and brands like Happy Price and Besico.”