"We plan to promote our Cnex IT Shop to become a 'one-stop shopping' outlet for both IT [information technology] products and content," said executive chairman Supant Mongkolsuthee.

The new-style stores feature a modern design and attractive displays, with a complete line-up of IT products and services.

The company plans to open 50 shops this year in Bangkok and major provinces, with 50-100-per-cent growth next year and sales of Bt2 billion.

The marketing-communications budget for this year is Bt5 million.

The company is confident of expanding 10 per cent this year from Bt9.3 billion in sales last year, which were up 4 per cent from 2005.

Cnex IT Shops will carry exclusive items, provide drop-off repair service for better quality and convenience for shoppers and enforce a one-price policy.

"The outstanding feature of Cnex IT Shops is their professionalism. Cnex is a leader with a strong vision in computer technology. We want to maintain our professionalism in offering good quality products and services, together with a modern and unique lifestyle and a quality guarantee.

"Cnex is a part of Synnex, which is one of the country's largest distributors of IT products and accessories and has been widely recognised by consumers for its product and service quality and price-protection guarantee," Supant said.

The firm will expand distribution channels and have specialist sales and technical staff.