Central Retail accelerates growth with $558m investment plan

It aims to expand and renovate its stores in Thailand and Vietnam.

Central Retail Corporation (CRC) plans to invest $496m to $558m (THB16b to THB18b) in 2026 to expand and renovate stores in its core markets of Thailand and Vietnam.

The spending will support new openings, including eight to ten TOPS branches, two GO WHOLESALE outlets, and three to five Thaiwatsadu stores in Thailand, as well as two GO! Malls, one GO! Hypermarket, and six mini go! locations in Vietnam.

The company said the investment is part of its three-year “New Heights, Next Growth” strategy, which focuses on strengthening core operations, expanding new growth areas, and enhancing customer experience.

CRC is also upgrading its omnichannel platform, using AI to improve online shopping, and revamping stores to include lifestyle spaces, personalised services, and streamlined checkout options.

In addition, the company plans to continue modernising operations through data integration, logistics improvements, and AI-driven customer management.

CRC targets 4-5% revenue growth and 5–7% EBITDA growth in 2026, whilst maintaining financial discipline to support future mergers and acquisitions and deliver steady shareholder returns.

The company also aims to double its network with 53 additional branches, bringing the total network to 106 branches in high-potential locations nationwide.

The investment reflects CRC’s commitment to expanding its presence in high-potential markets.

In Thailand, the retailer operates 3,596 stores across 63 provinces, accounting for 80% of sales, whilst in Vietnam, it has 127 stores across 26 provinces, representing 20% of sales.

($1 = THB32.26)