Retail

Economic growth, government price support for agricultural commodities, and stimulus programmes have all contributed to robust retail growth over the past several years. Modern hypermarkets such as Tesco Lotus and Big C continue to dominate the sector, although popular criticisms of their hegemony have prompted a Retail Act that if passed would restrict their expansion. The mall sector is contested primarily by two large groups, CPN and the Mall Group, although newcomer Siam Future is threatening to upset this balance. For all segments of retail, however, the upcountry provinces hold the potential for the most future growth. This chapter contains an interview with John Christie, CEO, Ek-Chai Distribution System (Tesco Lotus).