Phuket SuperCheap boss finally outlines plans for destroyed store

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Phuket SuperCheap boss finally outlines plans for destroyed store
Zazithorn Ruengchinda


SuperCheap MD Boonsom Anancharoonwong.

PHUKET: -- SuperCheap will rise from the ashes of the October 16 inferno, with a new, more robust building on the same site.

“At the moment we’re cleaning up the area,” said SuperCheap MD Boonsom Anancharoonwong today (November 13) after meeting with Governor Maitree Intusut at Phuket Provincial Hall.

“We’re planning to start rebuilding at the beginning of next year will reopen around mid-2014. The cost will be about B100 million.”

That amount may appear large, but Mr Boonsom said that Supercheap’s annual revenue is between B4 and 5 billion.

“We came here today to say thank you to Phuket and to all the authorities involved for helping us during and since the fire.”

In the talks, Gov Maitree expressed concern for the wellbeing of SuperCheap’s employees. “We’re eager and ready to assist if anyone is having trouble getting a job after the fire, though so far there don’t seem to be any problems,” he said.

He also urged SuperCheap’s owners to make plans to minimise disruption of traffic during the reconstruction, and to be more prepared in future for disasters.

Mr Boonsom assured him that the company would have people on standby 24 hours a day, and an improved security system.

Funds for the rebuilding will come from insurance, Mr Boonsom said. “We’re insured and the insurance also covers damage of other houses nearby.

“We’re planning to rebuild to an [open air] design similar to the last one but with stronger materials. It will be two single-storey connected buildings, but with many more entrances and exits.”

Asked about the effect of the fire on the company’s finances, Mr Boonsom said, “Total company revenue drop 30 per cent but are minimarts are selling more since the fire.

“We’re still operating [in tents] in the parking lot, selling fresh meat, seafood, vegetables and other necessities but sales of larger items such as white goods and furniture will have to wait until after the reconstruction.”

The “cheapest store in town” model will continue, he said. “ We watch the details, we minimise all unnecessary cost, and we train our department managers to manage their sections as if they were their own stores.

“Our aim is to achieve 10 per cent profit growth every year at every store. If profits grow more than that, we will use it to help keep prices down.”

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-supercheap-boss-finally-outlines-plans-for-destroyed-store-42825.php


-- Phuket News 2013-11-13

[Carrerakiss]

"Finally" outlined plans? It burned down less than a month ago. Personally I wonder how come they are so prepared with their plans after an unforeseen accident. But that's just me being cynical.

[AoChalong]

I'm just glad to hear they are rebuilding it. My wife and I have shopped there for over 15 years.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I must have missed... has there ever been any official word of who/what started that fire in the first place?

[RogueLeader]

Presumably this will all happen while he's being tried for running such a firetrap in the first place?

[phuketsub]

That place was a colossal firetrap that could have killed hundreds if not thousands, yet the brand remains the kwanjai (sweetheart) of the Thais. Then when Tesco threatens to open an outlet with all modern safety design and equipmnet, they bay for blood. I don't get it; really don't.

[phuketsub]

..and how is it that every SuperCheap minimart has the exact same, rank odor?

[Soupdragon]

"Finally" outlined plans? It burned down less than a month ago. Personally I wonder how come they are so prepared with their plans after an unforeseen accident. But that's just me being cynical.

Maybe that is why the man runs a multi billion baht business, he is able to think and act quickly. Yes I think you are being cynical.

[RogueLeader]

That place was a colossal firetrap that could have killed hundreds if not thousands, yet the brand remains the kwanjai (sweetheart) of the Thais. Then when Tesco threatens to open an outlet with all modern safety design and equipmnet, they bay for blood. I don't get it; really don't.

They need to keep Tesco out of their country. Tesco and the rest of the big three already ravaged British farming and communities.