Lotus’s launches smart community centre flagship store
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Thailand’s retail chain Lotus’s has opened a Smart Community Centre concept dubbed Lotus’s North Ratchapruek in the northwest of Bangkok. Operated by Ek-Chai Distribution System, the $42 million project spans more than 47,000sqm and is home to 130 shops and a hypermarket, which features more than 28,000 products. A majority of tenants are new partners, who have opened a branch in conjunction with Lotus’s for the first time. “The new Lotus North Ratchaphruek Smart Community Center w
“The new Lotus North Ratchaphruek Smart Community Center will be a model for renovating existing Lotus branches and opening new branches in the future,” said Sompong Rungnirattisai, CEO at Ek-Chai Distribution System.
Rungnirattisai said the company plans to roll out several hypermarkets next year by adopting concepts from the North Ratchapruek branch.
Earlier this year, the operator disclosed it was to invest US$354 – $382 million in store openings, store revamps and the development of infrastructure and online systems.
The company has recently shifted its focus to expanding omnichannel and introducing new retail formats, including the Smart Urban Supermarket concept, Smart F&B Heaven and Open Air Mall.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the total size and cost of the new Smart Community Centre flagship store?
What is the total size and cost of the new Smart Community Centre flagship store?
The new Lotus’s North Ratchapruek centre in Bangkok spans more than 47,000sqm. This project, which includes 130 shops and a hypermarket, had a total cost of $42 million.
Q.How many products does the hypermarket in the new flagship store offer?
How many products does the hypermarket in the new flagship store offer?
The hypermarket within the Lotus’s North Ratchapruek Smart Community Centre features more than 28,000 different products. It forms a key part of the new $42 million retail development in Bangkok.
Q.What is the company's future plan for this new concept?
What is the company's future plan for this new concept?
Lotus’s intends for the North Ratchapruek Smart Community Centre to serve as a model for renovating existing branches and opening new ones. The company plans to roll out several hypermarkets next year based on this concept.
Q.What investment amount did Ek-Chai Distribution System disclose earlier this year?
What investment amount did Ek-Chai Distribution System disclose earlier this year?
Earlier this year, the operator disclosed plans to invest between US$354 and $382 million. This substantial investment is earmarked for store openings, revamps, and the development of infrastructure and online systems.
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