The Mall Group Co, who runs The Mall, The Emporium, and Paragon Department Store, is resuming the growth of its Gourmet Market outlets this year as customer spending bounces back post-pandemic.
The firm’s chief business officer for supermarket and food, Supawut Chaiprasitkul, revealed that the company committed 100 million baht to begin a separate Gourmet Market branch at Design Village Bangna on May 7.
The expansion was paused for a total of three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The latest outlet spans over 2,500 square metres, boasting more than 30,000 exclusive goods and fresh foods, which include selections from Michelin-starred restaurants. The store operates daily from 10am to 10pm.
The targeted customer base comprises families and expatriates living in the Bang Phli, Bang Na and Prawet locales, Mr Supawut stated.
Owing to its proximity to Suvarnabhumi airport, the new store would appeal to tourists who can shop for mementos before getting ready to catch their flights, he mentioned.
Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima are home to a total of 17 Gourmet Market branches, providing an exceptional culinary experience for residents and visitors alike.
Mr Supawut expressed that the Bang Na district was selected due to the significant buying power of consumers in the region.
“Bang Na is one of the most lucrative areas in eastern Bangkok, surrounded by many high-end residential communities, schools and hospitals, all within 5 kilometres of the new [Gourmet Market] branch,” he elaborated.
The venture is enveloped by over 180 residential communities, which house approximately 42,000 households.
The decision to establish this outlet was also inspired by the prosperity of another Gourmet Market branch at Design Village in Phuttamonthon, Mr Supawut explained.
“The strength of the location, situated in Bang Na and Prawet districts, which are bordered by Lat Krabang to the north, Bang Sao Thong to the east, Bang Bo to the south, and Samut Prakan to the west, lead us to believe in the potential of the Design Village Bangna project,” he noted.
“The sales of all Gourmet Market stores in the first four months of this year have recovered by 80-90% and shown double-digit growth compared to the same period last year.”
“We are ready to move forward with opening more Gourmet Market locations. Although the Bang Na location is a competitive market for retail, it still holds potential for a stand-alone Gourmet Market in the area” he explained.
The company also aims to establish a fresh Gourmet Market at The Emsphere project on Sukhumvit Road by this year’s end.
The Mall Group has identified 10 locations for future Gourmet Market outlets.
“It is possible 1-2 new Gourmet Market branches will open in important areas with high potential this year,” Mr Supawut anticipated.
Additionally, the company is planning renovations for two existing Gourmet Market outlets in Bang Kae and Bang Kapi within this year.
