Bangkok, March 16, 2026 – Central Food Retail, under Central Retail Food Group—the operator of leading brands including TOPS, TOPS FOOD HALL, TOPS DAILY, TOPS ONLINE, TOPS CARE, and Matsukiyo—is accelerating its food retails portfolio expansion through a strategic alliance with South Korean retail giant, Emart. This partnership marks the official Thailand debut of "No Brand," Emart’s world-renowned store. The move aims to diversify Central Food Retail’s portfolio by introducing an international "Value Retail" model to Thai consumers. This launch directly addresses the "Smart Value" trend, where modern shoppers prioritize high quality and cost-effectiveness, while capitalizing on the enduring popularity of "K-Trends" in Thailand. The first No Brand standalone store is scheduled for its official grand opening at Central Bangna on March 31, 2026.

Mr.Thanawat Jirajariyavej, Managing Director of Central Food Retail under Central Retail, stated: “The strategic alliance with Emart to introduce ‘No Brand’ to Thailand marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening and diversifying Central Food Retail’s business portfolio. This partnership synergizes the unique strengths of both retail giants: our extensive retail network and deep insights into Thai consumer behavior—which increasingly prioritizes product quality and Smart Value. This trend is clearly reflected in the consistent growth of TOPS’ s Own Brand products and the exceptional reception of No Brand items at TOPS, which have seen a 1.5X sales increase compared to 2023. As a highly successful Own Brand in South Korea and multiple global markets, ‘No Brand’ represents the gold standard of value retail. This ‘Co-Creation’ between the two food retail giants of both countries brings an authentic Korean shopping experience that perfectly aligns with the K-Trend and 'Smart Value' lifestyles of Thai consumers—delivering it right here in Thailand without the need for international travel. This initiative marks another significant step in elevating our portfolio toward becoming a World-Class Grocery Destination through a Value-Driven Retail model that sustainably delivers quality, design, and value to our consumers. Furthermore, it highlights Thailand’s potential as a strategic consumer hub in Southeast Asia, which continues to show robust growth and attract world-class brands to expand their presence in the region.”

“No Brand is a renowned South Korean own brand built on the cornerstone of ‘Smart Value’—offering high-quality products at accessible price points. The brand provides a comprehensive range of daily essentials, spanning dry food, consumer goods, household items, and lifestyle products. Each item is characterized by a minimalist design that prioritizes exceptional quality and functionality to seamlessly integrate into consumers' daily lives.

The brand’s hallmark lies in its meticulous product curation, focusing on uncompromising quality, practical utility, and superior value. This successful retail model has become a South Korean phenomenon and is widely recognized for defining the 'Smart Value Lifestyle' concept. Today, ‘No Brand’ operates more than 270 stores across South Korea and has successfully expanded its footprint into international markets, including the Philippines and Laos. Furthermore, No Brand products are exported to over 20 countries worldwide, underscoring the brand’s strong potential to meet the evolving demands of modern consumers across Asia and globally.”

“The introduction of ‘No Brand’ to Thailand is set to be a significant Game Changer for the Thai retail landscape in 2026. This comes at a pivotal moment as consumer behavior evolves beyond simple price competition toward a ‘Value for Money’ era—where quality, design, and overall worth take center stage. This collaboration does more than just offer a new choice for Thai consumers; it reflects a clear shift in the retail industry toward a Value-Driven Retail model,” Mr. Thanawat concluded.

The first standalone ‘No Brand’ store in Thailand is set to make its official debut at Central Bangna on March 31, 2026. The store will feature a meticulously curated selection of over 2,200 Korean-style lifestyle and consumer products, ranging from popular snacks and pantry staples to household essentials. All items are offered under the ‘Smart Quality’ concept, delivering premium standards at accessible prices. Beyond the products, the store will immerse shoppers in a K-Lifestyle atmosphere, capturing the essence of the “Seoul Experience.” This launch aims to establish a new Must-Visit Destination for Korean culture enthusiasts, offering an authentic shopping experience directly to Thai consumers without the need to travel to Seoul.

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