Asia’s large format retailers prepare for steady growth

Global research organisation IGD has reported that Asia’s large format retailers are set to grow 3.3 per cent a year to 2022, with Vietnam, India and the Philippines forecast to see double-digit growth from large format players over the next five years.

Most of this growth is predicted to be driven by domestic retailers, except for Vietnam where foreign retailers have been investing to gain a foothold in this fast-growing market. Indonesia will see steady growth, also driven mainly by domestic players; with China coming through as another market with significant growth opportunities due to its vast geography.

Many large format retailers in Asia are still enjoying steady growth through expansion although they are facing pressures from increased competition in more developed markets.

Besides expansion to new regions, retailers are also digitising physical stores to create a seamless shopping experience in more matured markets.