Central Retail Defies Economic Headwinds with Q3/2026 Profit Surging 72% YoY to THB 2.051 Billion, Gears Up for High Season, Reinforces Retail and Wholesale Leadership Across Thailand and Vietnam


Key Highlights: Q3/2026 Performance in Thailand and Vietnam
- CRC reported total revenue of THB 61.185 billion in Q3/2026, up 5% YoY, while core profit from continuing operations surged 72% YoY to THB 2.051 billion, exceeding THB 2 billion for the third consecutive year.
- For the first nine months of 2026, CRC recorded core profit from continuing operations increased 50% YoY to THB 7.053 billion, an increase of THB 2.350 billion.
- CENNI, the AI shopping assistant from Central Department Store under Central Retail, helps boost customer conversion rates by 1.7x times and drive continued online growth.
- CRC secured Best CEO, Best CFO, and Best IR in the Commerce category at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2026 for the fifth consecutive year, as well as the Outstanding IR Awards at the SET Awards 2026 for the fourth consecutive year.
Bangkok, 12 November 2026 – Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (CRC), a leading retailer and wholesaler in Thailand and Vietnam, reported total revenue of THB 61.185 billion for Q3/2026, up 5% YoY, while core profit from continuing operations reached THB 2.051 billion, surging 72% YoY. For the first nine months of 2026, CRC recorded total revenue of THB 187.818 billion, up 3% YoY, and core profit from continuing operations of THB 7.053 billion, increasing 50% YoY. These results reflect the success of the company’s business strategy amid continued pressure on consumer purchasing power.
Mr. Suthisarn Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited, said, “2026 has been another challenging year for the global economy, with consumers remaining cautious about spending and shopping behaviours evolving faster than ever. As a leading retailer and wholesaler, we recognise the importance of creating value for the broader economy in line with our “Retail and Wholesale for All” vision. We strive to provide customers with access to quality products through our store network spanning 65 provinces in Thailand and 26 provinces in Vietnam while continuously enhancing our own-brand offerings to meet the diverse needs of all customer segments, and optimise our organisational structure to maximise operational efficiency.
Central Retail’s strength lies in our comprehensive ecosystem spanning Food, Fashion, Hardline, and Property, supported by a clear strategic direction through our ‘New Heights, Next Growth’ strategy and ‘Innovation in Action’ approach. By harnessing the power of The 1’s extensive membership data and AI, we continue to develop innovative solutions that more precisely address our customers’ needs. Our consistent quarterly growth despite challenging economic conditions reflects the success of our strategy and reinforces our readiness to drive the next phase of growth as consumer purchasing power recovers.”
Mr. Panet Mahankanurak, Chief Financial Officer of Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited, added, “The more challenging the economic environment, the more critical financial discipline becomes. Central Retail maintains strict investment controls, ensuring that every project undergoes a thorough assessment of its financial viability, with a focus on locations and business formats that offer clear returns on investment. At the same time, we continue to optimise costs and expenses through initiatives such as joint sourcing across business units, the integration of IT systems under our One Tech Platform, and the installation of solar rooftops and adoption of electric trucks to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. These efforts enable us to maintain a balance between growth and financial strength. Our commitment to financial discipline continues to earn recognition from the capital markets, as reflected in the successful completion of our second bond issuance of 2026, and the maintenance of our ‘AA-’ corporate credit rating with a ‘Stable’ outlook from TRIS Rating.”
Furthermore, Central Retail’s success has been further recognised on prestigious platforms, securing three major accolades – Best CEO, Best CFO, and Best IR in the Commerce Sector – at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2026 for the fifth consecutive year. The company also received the Outstanding IR Award at the SET Awards 2026 for the fourth consecutive year, reaffirming its excellence in corporate management, financial management, and investor relations.
Central Retail’s Q3/2026 performance reflects the successful execution of its three-year “New Heights, Next Growth” strategy. The company aims to build on this momentum in Q4 through its “Innovation in Action” approach, focusing on three key priorities:
1. Uplift Customer Experience by enhancing both in-store and omnichannel shopping experiences through AI-driven solutions to better serve customers. In Q3/2026, Central Retail’s online sales grew by 21% YoY, demonstrating the potential of technology to accelerate growth across digital channels—supported by innovations such as the launch of CENNI, Central Department Store's intelligent shopping assistant. Meanwhile, Central Retail elevated its in-store shopping experience by bringing together more than 10 brands under its portfolio to simultaneously open stores with refreshed concepts at Central Northville in July. Additionally, Central Chidlom continued to host signature events to reinforce its position as a lifestyle destination. In Vietnam, the company continued to strengthen the GO! brand through nationwide campaigns.
In Q4/2026, TOPS and TOPS DAILY continue to expand their store networks and progressively renovate existing stores to deliver enhanced shopping experiences, offering a diverse selection of quality products and exclusive benefits through The 1 membership programme.
2. Reinvent Concepts and Merchandise by enhancing the portfolio of global brands to meet the evolving lifestyles of today’s consumers. Recently, CMG opened Southeast Asia’s first Crocs store featuring a new concept and exclusive items at centralwOrld. The opening reflects the company’s commitment to creating retail experiences that go beyond shopping, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for global brands and paving the way for further collaborations with leading international brands. In addition, Central Department Store continues to strengthen its brand portfolio with the addition of more than 25 new brands, including Maison Francis Kurkdjian, SENSAI, Favre-Leuba, and Salomon.
During the year-end festive season, brands under Central Marketing Group (CMG) are preparing special experiences for customers to welcome the high season. Highlights include the launch of Hermès Beauty’s Holiday collection at all counters and an immersive MLB event at centralwOrld from 13–29 November, featuring a giant beanie sculpture designed to attract Gen Z consumers and fashion enthusiasts. Central Department Store is also launching its “CENTRAL SEASON OF GIVING 2027” campaign in collaboration with Sanrio and Hello Kitty, featuring exclusively designed items available at all Central Department Stores nationwide and online channels until 24 November. The campaign also includes the opening of Thailand’s first Sanrio Sweet Café at Central Chidlom on 14 November.
3. Drive Operational Excellence by leveraging the One Data Platform to integrate online and offline customer data to deliver personalised offers across all channels, supported by The 1’s extensive membership base of over 31 million members in Thailand and Vietnam. In Q3/2026, The 1’s membership base in Vietnam continued to expand, reaching 7.67 million members. In addition, the company continues to implement AI to streamline operations and enhance customer service across various functions—from marketing, product ordering, and pricing to in-store management and delivery.
In addition, Central Retail continues to advance its synergy plan, by bringing together the strengths and capabilities of its business units to enhance operational efficiency and drive quality growth. The company is also accelerating store expansion and upgrading existing stores in high-potential locations. Key developments include the opening of Thaiwatsadu’s Ratchaburi branch and the major renovation of Robinson Samut Prakan to strengthen its position as a lifestyle destination for the local community. In Vietnam, Central Retail has expanded its network with the opening of GO! Hypermarket in Dan Phuong, while progressing with the construction of GO! Mall in Tuyen Quang, which is scheduled to open in Q4/2026.
“As we enter the high-season in Q4/2026, Central Retail is ready to accelerate our growth initiatives across Thailand and Vietnam, from developing stores in high-potential locations and launching new campaigns and experiences tailored to festive-season spending to seamlessly connecting online and offline shopping journeys. With the strength of our ecosystem and our financial discipline, we are confident in our ability to sustain our growth momentum and continue bringing something new to customers at every stage of their lives,” Mr. Suthisarn concluded.