Thailand's leading mall operator Central Retail Corporation (CRC) is set to spend 17 billion baht to remodel and expand Robinson Lifestyle under its five-year business plan spanning 2022 to 2026.
Philippe Broianigo, chief executive for property and business development, said the company has set four strategies to expand its business between 2022 and 2026.
They comprise new store concept design, acceleration of new business growth engines, contribution to local communities and a sustainable growth push.
According to Mr Broianigo, of the total 17 billion baht investment budget, 3.78 billion baht will be spent this year, 3.2 billion baht of which will be used to open three Robinson Lifestyle branches in Rayong, Phuket and Ratchapruek, Bangkok.
The remaining 580 million baht will be used to renovate three existing Robinson Lifestyle branches in Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao and Chanthaburi.
"Under our five-year roadmap, we will remodel Robinson Lifestyle as an all-in-one shopping centre, aiming to modernise spaces and maximise convenience. Each branch of Robinson Lifestyle will exhibit a unique design inspired by the local identity,'' he said.
Robinson Lifestyle will house various stores such as Robinson Department Store, Tops market, Supersports, Power Buy, B2S, OfficeMate and Auto1 as well as other services including restaurants and cinemas.
The New Robinson Lifestyle model was opened in Banchang, Rayong in March as the new concept for further Robinson Lifestyle development.
"The remodel of Robinson Lifestyle will create next-level uniqueness for our shopping centres,'' he said.
Two flagship Robinson Lifestyle stores in Thalang and Ratchapruek will be opened this year.
The company is spending 1.1 billion baht to develop Robinson Lifestyle Thalang, Phuket. It has a space of over 44,000 square metres with designs inspired by Sino-Portuguese elements and will open in August.
The 1.2-billion-baht Robinson Lifestyle Ratchapruek, the largest Robinson Lifestyle format, will open in October, covering over 48,000 sq m.
At the same time, it is investing over 580 million baht to renovate Robinson Lifestyle in Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao and Chanthaburi this year, expecting to complete in June and August and later this year, respectively.
With the five-year business plan, Robinson Lifestyle branches will more than double to 49 provinces over the next five years, up from 24 last year.
In addition, the company will join forces with leading partners to introduce mixed-use developments, including condominiums and hotels in addition to shopping centres, which will draw more traffic and offer greater convenience to customers.
It also supports SMEs and startups by bringing access to new distribution channels for local goods and creating new sources of income.
The company is also committed to continuously reducing electricity costs and expanding the number of shopping malls powered by green energy to up to 23 branches this year, up from 20 branches last year.
