Index Living Mall Co, the distributor of home furnishings and furniture, will open six new outlets over the next six months.

Each outlet will require an investment of 150-300 million baht, depending on the size of the stores, which will vary between 5,000 and 9,000 square metres.

Managing director Kijja Pattamasathayasonthi said the six new stores would be located in Ubon Ratchathani, Chiang Mai, Bang Yai in Nonthaburi, outside of Bangkok and in Ekamai, Phetkasem Road and Mah Boonkrong in Bangkok, bringing its total number of outlets to 13 by the end of March.

Last weekend, the company opened its seventh outlet, with an investment of 300 million baht, in Hua Hin.

Many retail groups have opened outlets in Hua Hin including Tesco Lotus and Home Pro and a 200-million-baht lifestyle shopping mall is now under construction near the Hua Hin intersection.

``We chose to open a store in Hua Hin because of the strong purchasing power of people in the resort town. New property projects are being developed there and in nearby areas such as Cha-am and Pran Buri,'' Mr Kijja said.

Hua Hin is one of the Thailand's major tourist destinations. According to a survey taken by Index, the earnings of people in the town are on par with those of Bangkok residents.

Mr Kijja said the company's three-storey Hua Hin outlet was designed in a resort style to fit in with the local setting. It has 9,000 square metres or retail space, offering decorative items and furniture as well as food and beverages, and parking for about 100 cars.In addition to its expansion plan, the company will spend another 150 million baht during the next few months to strengthen its brand awareness and promote its outlets.

``We will continue to spend money on opening new outlets next year despite the declining economy. Up to now, our business has remained good and we expect our sales this year will grow by 15-20%,'' Mr Kijja said.
Bangkok Post 25 October 2005 www.bangkokpost.com

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