Tesco Lotus Takes Aim At Thailand's Convenience Store Segment

Retailer Tesco Lotus plans to challenge Charoen Pokphand’s hold on Thailand’s convenience store market by launching its 365 convenience store business in the country. Set to compete with the Thai retailer’s 7-Eleven chain, Tesco Lotus opened its first 365 store in Bangkok’s Pratunam area at a location surrounded by similar stores operated by rivals FamilyMart and 7-Eleven. Tesco Lotus hypermarket chain operator Ek-Chai Distribution System Co. said it plans to invest about 10 million baht to open five 365 stores by the end of 2014. The company said it plans to open a 365 store on every corner of Bangkok’s roads.