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Thailand: CRC to allow SMEs free sales space as part of growth plan
Central Retail Corporation (CRC) has rolled out a plan to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling with the pandemic by allowing free space at Robinson department stores.
The scheme encompasses fashion, food and hardline retail through offline and online channels and at all Lifestyle Centers that are part of CRC.
Over 19 million Thai workers (57% of 33 million total employees nationwide) are being mobilised to drive economic growth. The goal is to accelerate distribution of income to Thais at every level and at every stage of business.
The plan involves over 450,000 SMEs around the country. In total they are expected to drive retail valued at over 3.5 trillion baht, with services making up 54% of Thai GDP.
“The Central Retail & Service Platform is being given the centre stage as the mechanism to drive growth in the country’s retail and services sector,” said Yol Phokasub, chief executive of Central Retail Corporation.
“This is based on two key principles: first, hygiene and sanitation, stressing strict compliance with government directives to upgrade cleaning systems with smart systems for maximum effectiveness. Second, boosting local economies and connecting all public sectors.”
Bringing them onto this platform is intended to stimulate income and jobs, reduce the cost of living and improving community quality of life, he said.
The company designed “five strategies of promptness” to help Thais cope with the pandemic.
The promptness is meant to boost the Thai economy and help Thais at every level.
Three key aspects have already been implemented as follows.
Mobilising over 19 million Thai workers to join its platform to drive its economic “re-invigoration” campaign, increasing employment and developing the grassroots economy, said Mr Yol.
During the pandemic, Central Retail has provided free space to sell products at its stores and malls all over Thailand, including Robinson Lifestyle Center, Tops Plaza and Thai Watsadu, as well as online channels Tops Online, Central Online and Robinson Online.
This move should create jobs and generate income for over 450,000 people, communities and SMEs, he said.
The company’s scheme includes increasing purchase volumes for SMEs to produce community products.
Tops and Central Food Hall are helping out Thai farmers by purchasing 9,000 agricultural products and processed food products from 1,170 communities nationwide, while opening sales space in Tops, Central Food Hall and all branches of Jing Jai Market in order to help 24,000 Thai farmer households generate income and raise living standards sustainably.
CRC locked in the prices of over 23,000 product lines for a three-month period and cooperated with the Internal Trade Department to reduce prices on 3,000 items by 5-68% throughout 2020 at every Tops and Family Mart branch, said Mr Yol.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/1917744/crc-to-allow-smes-free-sales-space-as-part-of-growth-plan