Tops under Central Retail welcomes 2025 with three new branches in tourist hotspots: Samui, Phangan, and Kamala, catering to the Surge in Tourism Demand, aiming to become Thailand’s largest supermarket chain.
Bangkok, 8 January 2025 — Tops, the food business under Central Retail, is accelerating its expansion strategy as it welcomes 2025. With a goal of reaching 1,000 branches by 2026, Tops has expanded its presence in Southern Thailand’s premier tourist locations by launching three new stores: Tops Haven Samui and Tops Phangan in Surat Thani Province, and Tops Kamala in Phuket. These new branches are set to meet the high demand during Thailand’s tourism high season. Each location offers over 10,000 premium products tailored to meet the needs of international tourists with high purchasing power. The expansion not only enhances the shopping experience for customers but also boosts local employment opportunities, solidifying Tops’ position as a Food Discovery & Destination brand for over 28 years.
Mr Stephane Coum, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Group, Central Retail, stated, “According to the latest data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), international tourist arrivals in 2024 increased by an impressive 26% compared to the previous year. Additionally, information from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirms that Southern Thailand generated the highest tourism revenue, approximately 660 billion baht.
In response to this growth, Tops is expanding its footprint in Southern Thailand’s prime locations with the launch of three new stores: Tops Haven Samui and Tops Phangan in Surat Thani Province, and Tops Kamala in Phuket. These openings aim to attract both local and international customers, supporting the region’s economic and tourism growth.
Aligned with our vision of becoming a ‘Truly World-Class Omni-Channel Lifestyle Food Retail’ brand, we are committed to reaching 1,000 branches within two years, or by 2026. This expansion not only enhances market accessibility but also creates employment opportunities within the local communities, reinforcing our ambition to become Thailand’s largest supermarket chain that prioritises both market growth and community empowerment.” Tops has already established 28 branches in key tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Songkhla. Insights reveal an average customer growth of 9% per branch. This highlights the strong growth potential of branches located in tourist cities, aligning with the resurgence of international tourist arrivals to Thailand this year, a trend expected to continue in 2025.
To capitalise on this growth, Tops has launched three new branches in prime Southern Thailand tourist locations: Tops Haven Samui and Tops Phangan in Surat Thani Province, and Tops Kamala in Phuket. These branches, inaugurated at the end of 2024, are designed to cater to the needs of both local and international customers in these vibrant areas.
The highlights of each branch include:
Tops Haven Samui in Surat Thani Province: A New International Shopping Destination and Must-Visit Spot for Tourists on Koh Samui
Tops Haven Samui spans an impressive 870 square metres and is located within the newly opened Haven Samui Community Mall. Situated on Chaweng Beach, the longest stretch of pristine white sand on Koh Samui, it is surrounded by over 50 three- to five-star hotels. The branch is ideally positioned to cater to more than 14,000 Thai and international customers daily, with most visitors within walking distance.
This all-encompassing shopping destination offers a curated selection of over 15,000 products tailored to meet the diverse needs of tourists. Shoppers can find everything from daily essentials and imported fresh produce to premium meats, frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, freshly baked bread, and beverages. Tops Haven Samui ensures a seamless and comprehensive shopping experience for all.
Tops Phangan in Surat Thani Province: The First Supermarket on the Main Road Connecting Haad Rin and Thong Sala, Offering a Curated Selection for International Tourists
Tops Phangan is strategically located in the heart of the island’s main commercial area, on the key road linking Haad Rin and Thong Sala. Covering 550 square metres, the store is surrounded by over 70 three- to five-star hotels. According to Tops’ market research, 60% of visitors to Koh Phangan are European, making this location an ideal choice for its newest branch.
The store offers an extensive range of over 11,000 premium and exclusive products sourced from around the globe. Specialising in imported goods tailored to Western lifestyles and cooking preferences, Tops Phangan also features a selection of locally crafted Thai products perfect for souvenirs. As the first supermarket on the route between Haad Rin and Thong Sala, it provides a seamless shopping experience, catering to tourists every day of the year.
Tops Kamala Beach in Phuket: The First Premium Supermarket on Kamala Beach, Showcasing World-Class Products
Tops Kamala Beach in Phuket is the first premium supermarket on the tranquil two-kilometre stretch of Kamala Beach, a popular destination for both Thai and international tourists. With approximately 34,000 visitors circulating daily, Kamala Beach is a prime location poised for further growth, supported by upcoming luxury real estate projects catering to high-spending travellers.
Spanning over 950 square metres, Tops Kamala Beach offers a comprehensive selection of over 17,000 items, including fresh produce, premium meats, imported ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, freshly baked goods, and everyday essentials. The store creates a shopping experience akin to browsing top-tier international supermarkets, perfectly suited to the discerning needs of tourists.
In addition to its extensive range, the supermarket is complemented by renowned outlets such as McDonald’s, Fruit Fusion on The Go, King Kebab, and Five Star Chicken, along with a Money Exchange service for added convenience. Tops Kamala Beach redefines the shopping experience on Phuket’s serene shoreline. “Through our strategic expansion efforts, Tops now operates 16 branches across southern Thailand. We remain steadfast in our commitment to opening new stores in high-potential locations that cater to the needs of shoppers in each tourist destination, while continually crafting fresh, innovative experiences for our customers to solidify our position as a premier Food Discovery & Destination.
Beyond driving business growth, Tops places great emphasis on contributing to local economies by creating job opportunities and supporting community and SME products. This approach reinforces the strength of Thailand’s economy and aligns with our mission to ensure shared success for everyone,” concluded Mr Stephane Coum.
Tops Haven Samui and Tops Phangan in Surat Thani, and Tops Kamala in Phuket are now officially open! Offering a wide range of premium items, from gourmet foods to essential goods, these stores are tailored to meet the needs of avid travellers. Don’t miss out on exclusive promotions available only at Tops! For more information, visit www.tops.co.th, TopsThailand on Facebook, or LINE @TopsThailand.
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