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Published on August 15, 2007

The company announced sales of Bt15.1 billion at the end of last year, but consumer spending dropped 10 per cent in the first half of this year.

President Khunawut Thumpomkul said the company had to adjust its sales target, since consumer spending had fallen from an average Bt2,400 per bill to Bt2,150.

Khunawut said purchasing power upcountry had fallen sharply, 13 per cent on average, higher than the 7-per-cent drop seen in Bangkok. As a result, overall consumer spending in the Kingdom dropped an average of 10 per cent in the first half.

As per the market trend, the company plans to increase its house brands, offering prices that are 5-10 per cent lower than premium brands, from 800 items now to 1,500 items by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the company will open a new branch in Rayong at the end of the year, but delay opening a Pattaya branch until the first half of next year.

Yesterday, the company announced sales of Bt7.56 billion for a net profit of Bt308.6 million in the first half of the year, up 14.7 per cent and 11.9 per cent, respectively, from the same period last year.

Somluck Srimalee,

The Nation