Robinson Department Store is investing Bt2.4 billion this year on four new stores as part of its plan to expand in the country by three to four outlets annually over five years.

About Bt650 million is going to a 28000 squaremetre property in Trang that will open in November.

The store has been developed as a “lifestyle complex” and will be a prototype for the further development of Robinsons at sites in Bangkok and upcountry that have small catchment areas in terms of shoppers, spending power and distance from competitors.

Next year will see three Robinsons opening in Chiang Rai and Phitsanulok and on Rama IX in Bangkok.

Four Robinsons are earmarked for 2012.

Thailand now enjoys good economic fundamentals with strong value of agricultural products and tourism, Preecha said.

via Robinson expansion begins with four new stores.

During 2009, Thailand’s economic growth had experienced the first shrink since the 1997 Asian financial crisis; the downturn was mainly due to the recent global economic slowdown, including Thailand’s political turmoil in April and H1N1 pandemic. However, the economy had shown the sign of recovery in the fourth quarter; it led to an improvement of the consumer confidence and a better mood of consumption.

Robinson’s revenue from sales was Baht 12,842 million in 2009, an increase of Baht 425 million or 3.4% from last year. In addition, the Company has opened two new stores in this year which have a good response from the customers and gratifying sales; moreover, existing stores also has a satisfying sales growth from the previous year.

Currently, the Company operates totaling of 22 stores, which consist of 9 stores in Bangkok and 13 stores in upcountry.

Gross profit was Baht 3,001 million, an increase Baht 113 million or 3.9% from the same period of last year due to sales increase. Gross profit margin was increased to 23.4% from 23.3% because of a good merchandising management, along with a persistent growth in private brands and exclusive brand products.

With the Company’s marketing activities which better served customers’ needs and continuous sales promotions, its revenue from sales was Baht 12,842 million in 2009, an increase of Baht 425 million or 3.4% from last year. In addition, the Company has opened two new stores in this year which have a good response from the customers and gratifying sales; moreover, existing stores also has a satisfying sales growth from the previous year.Currently, the Company operates totaling of 22 stores, which consist of 9 stores in Bangkok and 13 stores in upcountry.2. Gross profit was Baht 3,001 million, an increase Baht 113 million or 3.9% from the same period of last year due to sales increase. Gross profit margin was increased to 23.4% from 23.3% because of a good merchandising management, along with a persistent growth in private brands and exclusive brand products.