Central Group, Thailand’s retail and hospitality giant, calls for unity and harmony to boost up consumer confidence and quick economic recovery.

ข่าวประชาสัมพันธ์

Central Group, Thailand�s retail and hospitality giant, calls for unity and harmony to boost up consumer confidence and quick economic recovery.

Bangkok, 16 April 2009: Thailand�s two largest retail conglomerates, Central Retail Corporation Ltd. and Central Pattana Public Co., Ltd., have launched a campaign calling Thai consumers in efforts to stir up economic recovery, through more spending and more traveling and shopping within the country.  The two companies announced their intention to join up with the government�s effort in promoting and lifting up the country�s image among international travelers.


Central Retail Corporation Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Busaba Chirathivat and Central Pattana Plc Executive Vice President-Marketing Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, speaking after the recent political demonstration, share the company�s wish to make Thai people more united in helping to boost consumer confidence and economic recovery, while making the country more attractive to foreign visitors and investors.  

Both companies affirm their intention to march ahead with the planned business expansion projects, further launching activities to boost up �National Happiness Index.�

Busaba says �Central Retail is fully aware of the severe existing political situation.  We would therefore like to ask for unity and harmony among the Thai people.  This is to strengthen and promote full economic recovery, starting with activities such as �Travel in Thailand�, �Use Thai Product� and �Purchase in Thailand.�  

As recently as two months, Central Retail Corporation�which operates Central Department Store, ZEN Department Store, Robinson Department Store, Tops, HomeWorks, PowerBuy, Supersports, B2S and Office Depot--has participated in the recent government campaign to boost national spending, entitled �Shop for Nation.�  In this campaign, Central Retail provided customers with good quality products at reasonable prices and exclusive offers to consumers who used the government�s cheque.  In addition to the regular promotional campaigns by the nine affiliated-companies, Central Retail Corporation also plans to participates in �Tourism Authority of Thailand�s Amazing Thailand Grand Sales.�
       
Busaba further says: �Central Retail will not stall our commitment in business expansion. The committed sum of 9,200 million Baht, the largest amount in past 5 year, is set aside for business expansion in continuous projects such as Robinson Department Store in Khonkaen province and Robinson Department Store in Chonburi province, a community mall on Rachapruek Road.  This sum is also reserved for merger and acquisition activities, as well as renovations of existing stores.  

Most important implication of such projects will be the job creations that they bring.  These business expansions will create around 10,000 new jobs, with around 3,400 employees posted at the aforementioned new stores, and around 6,500 employees filling in current vacant positions.  At the management level, around 100 positions will also be needed.

Meanwhile, Central Pattana Plc. has set aside 5,600 million baht worth of investment this year.  These investments include four major projects such as newly-opened Central Plaza Chaengwattana, Central Festival Pattaya Beach, and an up-coming Central Plaza Chonburi and Central Plaza Khonkaen, both of which are scheduled to be opened in May and December respectively.  Complete renovation is also planed for Central Plaza Ladprao.

The Central Group further comments that the government should speed up implementation of the plans to stir up the economy, enhance efforts in areas of public relations to create and bolster good image as well as boosting confidence among tourists and foreign investors.
               
Dr. Nattakit adds: �We have planed to organize events and promotions from this and up-coming-months, including �Melody of Life�, �Thailand Grand Sales� Floating Market, Royal Project Expo, HM The Queen�s Art and Crafts.  

Regarding security, our security team of every CPN�s shopping complex has strict criteria and systematic standards in handling any unexpected situations.  We also have a full cooperation of the Royal Thai Police�s special branch and Thailand National Security. Our main concerns are utmost  security of our employees and customers in the complex.�  

As Central Group has been with Thai society more than 60 years, the company takes a serious role in our commitment to develop the country.  That is why we call for all Thais to be united and to join hands in helping the country overcome this economic crisis.