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Preecha Songwatana, president and managing director of FN Factory Outlet, last week said the group was concerned that rising fuel prices would deter shoppers from travelling to outlets.

"The group is expected to grow only 3-5 per cent this year, because of the slowing economy and the plan to shift our focus to producing high-value-added products rather than made-to-order goods," he said.

The company has factory outlets in Phetchaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Kanchanaburi, Chon Buri and Sing Buri provinces. The slowing economy means it has no plans to open more.

In a bid to increase income, Preecha said the company's products would be entirely its own brand as part of a strategy to obtain the highest benefit. This will create a greater return than for made-to-order goods, which provide smaller and short-term returns. Moreover, producers of branded products will enjoy greater benefit from free-trade agreements.

So far, the firm has divided production equally between its Fly Now brand and made-to-order goods. That focus will gradually change over the next decade.