Bangkok--Nov 14--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Big C has reported a significant growth in sales for Q3 2005 as sales increased by 1.524 billion baht compared with the same period last year. The company also experienced a 40% increase in net profits. The company believes that its price leadership, offering of essential consumer products and concentration on customer service are the major factors contributing to its strong growth in the current economic slowdown.
Mr. Yves Bernard Braibant, Chief Executive Officer & President, Big C Supercenter PLC announced the operating results of the company and its subsidiaries for Q3 2005, which showed a net profit of 349.9 million baht, representing an increase of 99.6 million baht or 39.8% over O3 2004's profit of 250.3 million baht.
"The success stems from customer satisfaction by shopping at Big C. Big C has changed its strategy to increase customer services to meet customer demand. In addition, Big C has spent almost 300 million baht renovating 7 existing stores, both supercenters and towncenters. Big C has upgraded its customer service standards to further meet customers' demands with the launch of the 'Big C?Big Heart?Big Smile' campaign, delivering fast and friendly check out-counter services along with big smiles from all staff.
These factors make more customer shop at Big C," said Mr. Braibant. "Moreover, the launch in 2005 of three stores ? Omyai, Petchkasem and Sukhaphibal 3 ? also contributed to the satisfactory sales increase in Q3. Our successful growth correlates to consumers' confidence in our leadership in pricing. Big C, therefore, continues to build on our strength by providing necessary products at low prices, and consistent special sales and promotions. All of these factors will meet consumers' needs during the current economic downturn, " said Mr. Braibant.
The company and its subsidiaries recorded revenue of 14.789 billion baht during Q3 2005. Sales were 13.245 billion baht, representing an increase of 1.524 billion baht or 13% over the same period in 2004. Rental and service income from tenants was 539 million baht, representing an increase of 71 million baht or 15.2% over the same period last year. Other income was 1.005 billion baht ? an increase of 215 million baht or 27.2%.
"During Q4 2005, Big C will continue to organize marketing activities that reflects its leadership in pricing and the availability of even more diverse products. The company will also focus on launching special promotional activities to entice consumers during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year. We will achieve a very satisfactory result in Q4," said Mr. Braibant.
Big C opened its Ekamai store on November 9, 2005, targeting urban consumers. The company will open its Sakon Nakorn store at the end of November 2005. This will increase the retail network of Big C stores to 45 by the end of 2005. The company believes that the two new stores opened in Q4 2005 will receive favorable customer acceptance and will definitely increase revenue.
"Our strong and solid performance for the past three quarters has proven that Big C has enjoyed steady sales growth during this tough economic period. Overall we are confident that sales and revenues will expand as targeted for the entire year 2005," concluded Braibant.
Big C Supercenter PCL (BIGC), founded in 1993, is a retail consumer good trade operator trading under the name of Big C Supercenter. It offers a wide variety of products at the most competitive prices under the slogan "More Than Just Low Prices" to maximize the highest value for customers at its 44 store nationwide. For further information about Big C Supercenter, visit our Web site at www.bigc.co.th.
For further information, please contact:
Waraporn Somboonwanna
Aziam Burson-Marsteller
Tel. 0 2252 9871 End.