Company History
Central Group began in 1947 as a small family shop run by Tiang Chirathivat in the city of Bangkok. His son, Samrit Chirathivat, in 1956 expanded the general merchandise business with the establishment of the first Central Department Store in Bangkok’s Wang Burapha district.
Both father and son were fully engaged in running the business, and were helped by other family members. This era was one of bustling trade and growth, and the visionary Tiang and Samrit quickly established businesses that were characterized by many “firsts” in Thailand. They were the first to import international cosmetic brands, the first to focus on customer services, the first to introduce a fixed price tag, the first to utilize barcodes for payment, and the first to institute a loyalty program among Thai retailers.
Under the stewardship of the Chirathivat family, Central Group has grown to become one of Thailand’s most recognizable brands and among the most successful retail conglomerates in Southeast Asia. The Chirathivat vision for the retail business has been passed on from generation to generation. Our expansion into the omni-channel arena has helped to drive our growth and strengthen our leadership position across multiple retail categories.
Our heritage (1947-2019)
Year 1947
Small shophouse opens in Bangkok.
Year 1950
Our importing business begins as Central Trading, which later becomes a part of Central Marketing Group.
Year 1956
The first Central Department Store opens in Wang Burapha district.
Year 1974
The new iconic Central Chidlom flagship store opens.
Year 1990
The lifestyle ZEN Department Store opens and Central Retail Corporation Limited is incorporated.
Year 1992
Our first Central Department Store outside Bangkok opens in Chiang Mai province, signaling our expansion into upcountry Thailand.
Year 1995
We acquire a majority stake in Robinson Department Store.
Year 1996
Launched new specialty format Tops Supermarket - now the largest supermarket chain in Thailand.
Year 1997
Our new specialty formats open, including Power Buy and Super Sports, and we enter into new retail categories.
Year 2005
His Majesty King Rama IX grants Central Department Store the right to use the Royal Garuda Emblem.
Year 2010
- Our first large standalone specialty formats open with Thai Watsadu.
- The first Robinson Lifestyle Center opens in Trang, establishing our model for expansion and penetration in upcountry markets.
Year 2011
Acquisition of the Rinascente collection of luxury department stores in Italy marks our entry into the EU market.
Year 2012
We begin our joint venture for FamilyMart in Thailand.
Year 2013
- Our first webstore, Central.co.th, debuts for Central Department Store.
- Launched new specialty format Baan & Beyond.
Year 2015
We begin joint ventures for Nguyen Kim and Lanchi Mart in Vietnam.
Year 2016
We acquire Big C in Vietnam.
Year 2017
Our new digitally assisted shopping platforms such as Rinascente ON DEMAND and Chat & Shop are launched.
Year 2018
We launch our Big C rebranding with the first GO! retail banner for hypermarkets in Vietnam as part of our expansion strategy.
Year 2019
June In 2015, Central Retail formed joint ventures with Nguyen Kim in Vietnam. Later, Central Retail acquired the remaining shares of Nguyen Kim on 7 June 2019, becoming wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Retail.
August On 29 August 2019, the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders No. 2/2019 approved the conversion of Central Retail Corporation Limited into a public company limited and the capital increase of THB 1,620 million from Central Retail’s registered capital THB 4,700 million by way of the issuance and offering of 1,620 million newly issued ordinary shares with a par value of THB 1.00 in order to make tender offer and purchase securities of ROBINS as well as support over allotment.
October Rinascente, Turin branch, Italy, a department store of Central Retail, was officially launched along with 1,000 world-renowned brands to cater tourists from all corners of the world. The department store had many chic restaurants, Temakinho for example, a stunning outdoor zone which was one of its selling points, and up to 3 additional floors in later expansion in order to provide comprehensive products and services.
December The Company made a tender offer for all securities of ROBINS and delisted the shares of ROBINS from being a listed securities on the SET. The Company compensated newly issued ordinary shares for the Conditional Exchange Offer and there was no cash alternative.
