Tesco Lotus, Thailand

Leading Thai hypermarket chain Tesco Lotus last week launched an online grocery shopping and home delivery service for its Bangkok-based customers, with plans to extend the service throughout the country.

'Our plan is to offer a convenient online grocery shopping service to all of our customers in Thailand,' said corporate affairs director Salinla Seehaphan. 'We’re starting in Bangkok before the service is rolled out to other big cities around the country.

'We will combine online technology with our retail expertise to provide a great online shopping experience for customers.'

Seehaphan highlighted adapting to meet modern consumer needs as crucial to businesses success.

'Tesco Lotus is committed to innovation to meet the changing needs and lifestyles of today's consumers,' she said.

'In today’s hectic world our customers need more help to make their lives easier – an extra pair of hands to do the shopping for them.

'Tesco Lotus is ready to do just that – have specially trained personal shoppers to pick the best products and deliver them to customers at the time customers choose.'

According to Tesco Lotus, internet penetration in Thailand has registered a 27.3 per cent rise to sit at around 30 per cent. In urbanised areas such as the capital city of Bangkok, however, this is thought to be as high as 50 per cent. In Chiang Mai and other northern provinces, it is estimated at 25 per cent.

Tesco Lotus was initially established as a joint venture between UK-based Tesco and local retailer chain Lotus. However, Tesco Lotus is presently operated by Ek-Chai Distribution System, a firm based in Bangkok.