Bangkok--6 Mar--Aziam Burson-Marsteller Big C reported a 17.8% growth in 2008 profits that exceeded the target. The discount retailer also unveiled its business plans for 2008. The companywill open eight new stores for upcountry consumers to buy quality products at more affordable prices. Big C will also focus on using diverse marketing strategies to boost brand loyalty while modernizing its corporate brand to distinguish itself and reach more consumers while also running more social and youth-oriented activities. Ms. Rumpa Kumhomreun, CFO & Vice President, Accounting and Finance, Big C Supercenter PLC said, “We are very pleased to achieve our 2007 performance target in spite of unfavorable economic circumstances. Sales were 61.6 billion baht, which is 3.56 billion baht or 6.1% higher than the 58.03 billion baht recorded in 2006. Net earnings were 2.5 billion baht, representing a growth of 378.8 million baht or 17.8% higher than the 2.12 billion baht recorded in 2006.” “Our performance was partly attributable to our store expansion. In 2007, we opened five new stores including Lamphun, Samui, Chonburi, Buriram and Hangdong and this has broadened our customer base. Our sustained marketing activations has led to enhanced customer satisfaction and more consumer shopping at Big C. As a result, average sales were higher in each store despite the economic slowdown and greater competition last year,” added Ms. Rampa. This year, Big C will make an additional investment of 6.2 billion baht to renovate existing stores and also open eight new stores in upcountry cities including Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Sukhothai, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphumi, Krabi, Nava Nakhon and Thanyaburi. With the eight new stores, the number of Big C stores will grow from 54 outlets in 2007 to 62 stores in 2008. The new stores to be opened include five 6,000 square meter compact stores and three 10,000 square meter standard stores. The new stores are all in G4: generation 4 design under the modern and superior hypermarket and shopping mall models. This will distinguish Big C and enhance its ability to reach more consumers, meet their demands and suit their changing lifestyles. Big C’s focus is also on supporting local communities to achieve greater prosperity and growth while returning benefits to the communities. These benefits include tax payments made to the communities where Big C operates, local employment and sponsorship of provincial and community activities. All of these activities underscore the essence of Big C’s business operations. “Last year, Big C was very successful. Our unrivalled marketing strategy is a proven success, we have enhanced customer loyalty and confidence in shopping at Big C. With more efficient cost management, our revenues were on target. We believe that we can maintain our current sales growth for 2008” said Ms. Rampa. Item 2007 2006 Change(%) Billion baht Billion baht Sales 61.6 58.03 +6.1 Net earnings 2.5 2.12 +17.8 Ms. Jariya Chirativat, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Big C Supercenter PLC commented about Big C’s business plans for 2008 adding that, “We are committed to implementing the Price Leader strategy, launching marketing activities that deliver fun and a unique experience for consumers while running social activities using the More Than Just Low Prices theme. Customers will be assured of shopping for outstanding products and services at Big C. We will continue boosting brand loyalty and store modernization to make Big C a modern hypermarket that can best suit changing consumer lifestyles. All of these are part of the Big C loyalty program.” “This year will see many significant changes at Big C including the addition of G4 stores and more offerings in line with Big C customers’ behaviors and lifestyles to ensure Big C customers, who are modern families, appreciate shopping at Big C,” added Ms Jariya. Given the brand promotion that has been implemented, Ms Jariya continued that “Big C launched the new Big C house brand under the Alternative for Smart Families theme. The new house brand launch is intended to serve customers who want diverse products that are of high quality at more affordable prices and suit the environmentally friendly demands which are so much in fashion today. Big C also launched Big C Shop Plus at the beginning of 2008. Cardholders are expected to grow from 80,000 people to 120,000 people by the end of this year. Other loyalty program activities that continue in 2008 include Shop Call Free and Big C Bonus cards. Big C introduced a new presenter family, Wattanasin Family featuring Jay Jetarin, Pin Ketmanee and their three children. The new presenter family reflects the modern and active family with a smart shopping experience at Big C which sells quality products at low prices. The Big C cartoon in Big C advertisements will also be redesigned to be a modern, active and smart Big C girl. As for its social activities this year, Big C will continue to concentrate on youth initiatives as it did in 2007. Big C and Big C Foundation remain committed to undertaking the Thai Children Love Reading program that was initiated in 2006 to encourage Thai children to realize the importance of reading. Educational and social activities for needy children will remain a priority for Big C in 2008. The Big C Foundation recently presented Big C Buildings 13, 14 and 15 valued at more than 5.5 million baht to schools in Udon Thani, Nakhon Sawan and Songkhla. Other notable projects were Big C Book Houses for more than 50 needy schools nationwide, basketball courts and children’s playgrounds for many communities, scholarships for students and Thai junior encyclopedias for schools in the communities where Big C operates its stores. Big C Supercenter PCL (BIGC), founded in 1993, is a retail consumer goods 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 55 stores nationwide. For further information about Big C Supercenter, visit our Web site at www.bigc.co.th. For further information, please contact: Satida or Supaporn Aziam Burson-Marsteller Tel. 0 2252 9871