g&g convenience store takes home two wins at Retail Asia Awards 2025

The store earned recognition for its efforts in driving franchise growth and for spearheading a store model that blends retail, lifestyle, and tourism. 

g&g convenience store received the Convenience Store of the Year - Myanmar and Store Retail Initiative of the Year - Myanmar accolades at the Retail Asia Awards 2025, underscoring its position as a leading force in Myanmar’s retail sector. 

Franchise growth

g&g has transformed the convenience store landscape with a franchise model that empowers local entrepreneurs and expands access to daily essentials in the country. It had opened 60 new stores by the end of 2024, bringing its total network to 420 locations nationwide.

g&g’s franchise programme has also been steadily growing since February 2019, when its first franchise store opened. Today, over 65 franchise stores operate successfully across Myanmar, which is the biggest franchise network in Myanmar. The programme has attracted aspiring business owners, including many without prior retail experience. Franchisees report steady income and long-term growth, which has led many to expand to multiple stores.

One example of this is Mrs Wathan Htoo, who started her first g&g store in 2020 and now owns four. 

“Becoming a g&g franchisee was one of the best decisions of my life. The level of support provided—from training and store setup to marketing and operations—has been exceptional. I started with one store, and now I own four. The system is designed for growth, and g&g’s team has been there every step of the way,” she said.

Beyond franchise success, g&g’s corporate store expansion has also played a vital role in creating jobs and bringing essential products closer to communities. The brand prioritises local product assortments that meet regional tastes and support local producers. Furthermore, g&g is expanding its franchise model to empower local MSMEs, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow with the brand. This approach strengthens community ties while contributing to the local economy.

Meanwhile, to offer customers greater value, g&g continues to expand its private label range by offering affordable, high-quality items from grocery staples to ready-to-eat meals. Strategic partnerships with both local and global suppliers ensure reliable stock, fair pricing, and unique product offerings.

Behind the scenes, g&g invests in smart inventory and demand planning tools. This helps stores stay stocked whilst reducing waste and costs—boosting profitability for both corporate and franchise locations.

Bagan Experience Store

g&g redefined the traditional convenience store model with the launch of its flagship Bagan Experience Store, a dynamic blend of retail innovation, lifestyle engagement, and cultural immersion that is strategically located in Myanmar’s most iconic heritage destination. It enhances the local tourism landscape whilst offering a modern and welcoming space for both travellers and residents.

This initiative is a strategic collaboration with Carlsberg Myanmar that introduces freshly poured draught beer within a convenience store setting—an industry first in the country. It also turned the Bagan Experience Store into a must-visit destination, drawing casual shoppers and beer aficionados alike.

After its launch in August 2024, the store achieved unprecedented success, generating 60% of monthly revenue in on its first day of operations. After just four months, the store had already achieved 70% of the its expected annual revenue.

Moreover, the Bagan Experience Store consistently outperforms foot traffic expectations, and this is credited to its prime location near key tourist attractions as well as its unique offering. The store has averaged 15% higher customer visits compared to traditional g&g outlets, with visitor numbers soaring during peak travel seasons.

The g&g Bagan Experience Store merges comfort, culture, and convenience through its freshly poured Carlsberg draught beer; a curated ready-to-eat menu that combines local culinary favourites with international flavours; a complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi that serves both digital nomads and travelling guests. It features a sleek, air-conditioned tab counter indoors, while seating is available outdoors in shaded, garden-style areas; as well as a design aesthetic inspired by Bagan’s heritage that creates an immersive atmosphere.

More than enhancing the customer journey, the g&g Bagan Experience Store also hires locally and builds strong supplier networks. It has created new job opportunities, supported regional economic development, and has also driven local logistics and supply chain activity.

It creates an engaging and leisurely environment for tourists, which has helped extend visitor stays and increased local spending, contributing to the sustainable growth of Bagan’s tourism industry.

The g&g Bagan Experience Store sets a new benchmark for the role of convenience stores in modern lifestyles. This project exemplifies the brand’s vision of making everyday retail both meaningful and memorable.

The Retail Asia Awards honours the achievements and innovations of the key players in the retail industry in Asia. The annual event also serves as a showcase of the diverse range of categories in various aspects of the sector.

The Retail Asia Awards is presented by Retail Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional products or initiatives in the Retail industry, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].