Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most significant and fastest-growing convenience store markets with over 20,000 stores across the country.
Key Points
- 7-Eleven is the dominant player with 12,740 stores and plans to expand by 700 more stores in the next 12 months.
- Convenience stores in Thailand have one of the highest shares of the packaged grocery market of any country globally with over one-third of all sales going through the channel .
- The convenience store market in Thailand is expected to grow by 18% in 2022, driven by increased demand for on-the-go and ready-to-eat products.
Convenience stores account for over one-third of the packaged grocery sales in Thailand, and attracts shoppers with its on-the-go and top-up offerings. The dominant player in the market is 7-Eleven, owned by CP All, with more than 13,000 stores and plans to open 700 more in the next 12 months.
The second-largest player is FamilyMart, owned by Central Retail, with 450 stores. However, FamilyMart recently announced that it will exit the market and rebrand its stores as Tops Daily, a supermarket format under the same parent company.
This move is expected to create more differentiation and value for customers, as Tops Daily will offer more food and alcohol products than FamilyMart. Other players in the market include Mini Big C, owned by BJC, with 1,000 stores, and Lawson 108, owned by Saha Group, with 200 stores .
According to Euromonitor data, the number of convenience stores in Thailand increased from 21,390 in 2020 to 23,500 in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2%. The sales value of convenience stores also grew from 382.4 billion baht in 2020 to 452.9 billion baht in 2023, with a CAGR of 5.7%. The convenience store market is expected to continue growing in 2024, with an estimated 24,500 stores and a sales value of 483.6 billion baht.
Driven by factors such as consumers’ changing lifestyles, preferences, and needs, the convenience store business offers various services, such as ready-to-eat food, beverages, snacks, personal care items, bill payments, mobile top-ups, and delivery services.
This kind of business is usually open 24/7 and located in strategic and accessible locations, such as near public transportation, offices, schools, and residential areas.
What are the reasons behind the growth of the convenience store market in Thailand?
Some of the reasons behind the growth of the convenience store business in Thailand are:
- The changing lifestyles, preferences, and needs of the consumers, who seek more convenience, quality, and value in their shopping experience.
- There is expansion to the rural areas, where convenience stores can fill the gap of modern retail and offer a broader range of products and services than traditional markets.
- Adopting digital and omnichannel strategies, such as e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, and loyalty programs, enhances customer experience and loyalty.
- The development of new products and services, such as fresh and quality food, health and wellness products, and financial services, which cater to the changing needs of the consumers
Who is currently leading the convenience store industry in Thailand?
There are different companies currently competing to dominate the convenience store industry in Thailand.
Currently, the convenience store market in Thailand is being led by three major players: 7-Eleven, Tesco Lotus Express, and FamilyMart. These chains have different strategies and strengths to compete and expand.
7-Eleven is the undisputed leader of the convenience store market in Thailand. It is operated by CP All, a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Thailand. 7-Eleven has the largest network of stores in the country, with 13,000 outlets as of 2023. It also has the most diversified product portfolio, offering over 3,000 items, including its own private labels and exclusive brands. 7-Eleven is also known for its innovation and technology, such as its digital payment system, AllPay, its e-commerce platform, AllOnline, and its loyalty program, All Member
Tesco Lotus Express is the second-largest convenience store chain in Thailand. It is operated by Tesco Lotus, a subsidiary of Tesco, one of the largest retailers in the world. Tesco Lotus Express has 2,066 outlets as of 2020 It focuses on offering fresh and quality products, such as fruits, vegetables, bakery, and ready meals. It also leverages its parent company’s expertise and reputation in the retail industry and its synergies with other formats, such as hypermarkets and supermarkets.
FamilyMart is Thailand’s third-largest convenience store chain. Central FamilyMart, a joint venture between Central Group, another major conglomerate in Thailand, and FamilyMart, a Japanese convenience store giant, operates it. The company offers a Japanese-style shopping experience, with products such as sushi, onigiri, bento, and mochi. It also caters to health-conscious consumers with products such as salads, sandwiches, and organic drinks.
The convenience store market in Thailand faces some challenges, such as the saturation of the urban areas and the competition from other retail channels, such as online and traditional markets. However, the convenience store market also has some opportunities, such as expanding to rural areas, adopting digital and omnichannel strategies, and developing new products and services to meet the changing needs of consumers.
The convenience store market in Thailand is a dynamic and competitive sector, with three major players vying for market share and growth. 7-Eleven is the clear leader, with its extensive network, diverse product range, and innovative technology. Tesco Lotus Express and FamilyMart are the challengers, with their strengths and niches. The convenience store market in Thailand is expected to continue evolving and growing in 2024 as consumers seek more convenience, quality, and value in their shopping experience.
