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"The greatest weakness of FamilyMart in Thailand is our work fundamentals, and our first priority is to make them strong and solid enough before considering any rapid expansion," CEO Takeshi Takasugi said yesterday.

 The Japanese chain, after 15 years in Thailand, will focus on strengthening its business foundation, especially in all major departments such as operations, service functions and product assortment.

Human resources, both sales supervisors and area managers, will be upgraded as they contribute significantly to consistent growth of the company.

The focus will also be on growing its business, together with all stakeholders - suppliers, employees and customers.

"We would like to restructure our business foundation and make it strong. We would like the Thai management to run our business here," Takasugi said.

Siam FamilyMart will spend Bt400 million this year on store expansion, including applications and equipment, as well as the renovation of 25 units.

"We have already opened 30 FamilyMarts in the first six months of this year and 30 more outlets will be opened in the second half. Including those existing outlets being shut down, the total number of FamilyMarts will be about 500 by the end of this year," he said.

Product assortment will see more food merchandise, including fast food, ready-to-eat and frozen items.

"We aim to increase the ratio of food products in our FamilyMarts from 45 per cent on average now to about 70 per cent in the near future," he said.

Sales last year were Bt6.2 billion and are expected to be stagnant this year.

"We will however expand our new store outlets at the constant rate of 15 per cent of total stores year on year. We expect to achieve a share of about 20 per cent of the convenience store market in Thailand in five years," he said.

Siam FamilyMart yesterday unveiled its first exclusive agreement with San Miguel Marketing (Thailand) by launching Berry Sunbest mixed-berry flavour fruit juice as part of its 15th anniversary celebration.

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

The Nation