Bangkok--2 Apr--Big C Supercenter
Bangchak Petroleum PCL and Big C Supercenter PCL sign today a comprehensive “mutually exclusive” agreement that would lead to the opening of 500 Mini Big C stores in Bangchak Stations as well as the opening of Bangchak’s carwash and coffee shops in Big C.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Ian Longden, Senior Vice President for Small Store Formats of Big C Supercenter PCL, and Mr. Yodphot Wongrakmit, Senior Executive Vice President for Marketing Business of Bangchak Petroleum PCL.
Mr. Vichien Usanachote, President of Bangchak Petroleum PCL, and Mr. Praphan Eamrungroj, Executive Vice President for Properties of Big C Supercenter PCL, reveal in a joint press conference that “Both Bangchak and Big C have received very positive responses from our customers on the 10 pilot Mini Big C stores at Bangchak stations. We therefore agreed to expand our partnership into a long-term comprehensive “mutually exclusive” agreement which will enable our two companies to transform enormous potential of our businesses into maximum values and convenience for consumers nationwide.”
“This exclusive agreement lays the foundation for the opening of up to 500 Mini Big C stores at Bangchak stations by 2018. The agreement also provides opportunities for synergizing other businesses of Bangchak and Big C such as loyalty programs, fuel service for Big C’s supply chain and Inthanin Coffee Shop and Green Wash car wash in Big C stores.”
On Bangchak side, Mr. Vichien Usanachote, President of Bangchak Petroleum PCL, further elaborates that “In line with Bangchak’s corporate philosophy, Mini Big C stores at Bangchak stations will feature a local product zone to promote employment and income for local communities. In addition, members of Gasohol Club and Diesel Club will be able to collect points from their purchases at Mini Big C Bangchak. We will also open Bangchak stations, Inthanin Coffee Shop and Green Wash Green Serve Car Care in Big C. Currently we have Inthanin Coffee Shop in 6 Big C stores.”
Mr. Vichien reveals the expansion plan for Bangchak stations that “Bangchak plans to open 20 large stations as well as stations for truck on major highways this year. We will also rebrand 400 existing stations and increase outlets for E 20 to 700 stations and E 85 to 100 stations. In addition, we will partner with other business like restaurants, telecommunications and financial services to enhance convenience for our customers. With all these developments, we aim for our market share to increase to 14.5% or 240 million liters per month.”
On Big C side, Mr. Praphan Eamrungroj, Executive Vice President for Properties of Big C Supercenter PCL, reveals that “This agreement is instrumental in helping Mini Big C reach our target of 950 stores by 2016. In the future, for the first time, Mini Big C franchises will be offered to Bangchak petrol station operators. In addition, today’s agreement also lays the foundation for Big C to synergize our retail business with Bangchak’s energy business for maximum values and convenience for our consumers.”
Mr. Praphan further elaborates on Mini Big C expansion plan that “In 2013, Big C Supercenter aims to open 50-70 Mini Big C stores at Bangchak stations. We will build two sizes of Mini Big C stores -- a larger proximity supermarket of 200sqm where the location has strong residential population nearby and a smaller 150sqm store for highway locations. The larger format will stock 4,800 items with higher fresh food content than the smaller format with 3,800 items. Both formats will stock a broad range of food and non-food groceries and other daily needs items such as bakery and dairy products. The stores will offer exceptional value for money for our customers, running similar promotions to our Hypermarkets and provide the usual services expected by convenience customers such as bill payments, mobile phone cards and ATM's. We target between 800 to 1,000 customers per day, per each store — and expect Mini Big C stores at Bangchak stations to grow in line with the market.”
“We are confident that our historic partnership today will be long and fruitful for both parties, our stakeholders and our loyal customers.” Mr. Praphan concluded.
For further information, kindly contact :
Marketing Communication Departments, Bangchak Petroleum PCL, Tel. 02 335 4543 or Public Relations Department, Big C Supercenter PCL, Tel. 02 250 4921