• 
• 

Published on November 29, 2007

They will be placed in three new Big C complexes at Ayutthaya, Navanakorn and Thanyaburi. Major Cineplex now has cinemas at five branches of Big C.

Big C also plans to add eight branches, inclusive of the three expected to have cinemas, in upcountry areas next year.

Praphan Eamrungroj, senior vice president for property, said the number of cinemas at Big C might increase if Major Cineplex was interested in locating at other branches.

He said a recent customer survey showed about 40 per cent of customers came to Big C for shopping and watching movies. He believes the cooperation with Major Cineplex will broaden the customer base. "Major Cineplex is an integrated entertainment complex. I believe our strategic partner will draw customers to shop and watch movies in Big C. I expect this cooperation will boost sales for Big C," he said.

Major Cineplex Group chairman Vicha Poolvaraluck said the company planned to add more cinema screens upcountry than in Bangkok, because it believed the proportion of Thai movies would increase and that the target group of this segment was people who live in provincial areas.

"If we want to expand our business, the expansion model is to be accompanied by hypermarkets," Vicha said.

He said 80 per cent of Major Cineplex screens were in Bangkok. He plans to increase the proportion for upcountry to 40 per cent within three years.

 Nalin Viboonchart

 The Nation