Thai Supermarket Big-C Entering Hong Kong Market in September 2023: Report

Popular Thai supermarket chain Big C Supercenter is about to make a grand entrance into Hong Kong’s retail market in September. The Bangkok-based retailer will be rebranding the 24 existing outlets of grocery chain AbouThai as Big C stores from next month onwards, according to a report by South China Morning Post.

The strategic move signifies Big C’s first expansion outside Southeast Asia, putting the brand in direct competition with other established players in Hong Kong, such as Wellcome and ParknShop.

With over 2,000 retail stores already operating in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam under various brands like Big C Supercenter, Big C Market, Big C Foodplace, and Mini Big C, Big C is reported to invest HK$158 million over the next three years to establish its presence in Hong Kong.

The plan is to open 25 stores in Hong Kong annually, aiming for 99 stores in total by the end of 2026. This expansion will involve the hiring of more than 500 additional staff.

Big C Supercenter, initially founded in 1993 by Central Group, was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1995. Though delisted in 2017 after its acquisition by the trading house Berli Jucker — owned by the Sirivadhanabhakdi family — for over US$6 billion, the company has continued to thrive.

With an impressive track record and a reputation as Thailand's second-largest hypermarket operator, following Lotus's (previously known as Tesco Lotus), Big C is poised to introduce its successful retail model to Hong Kong. As the company's operations span four countries, namely Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, its mission is to provide exceptional experiences to customers in Hong Kong's vibrant communities.