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RETAILING
PITSINEE JITPLEECHEEP
Zen Department Store Co, owned by Central Retail Corporation, expects sales this year to grow by 80% from last year as it continues to add unique offerings.
Allan Namchaisiri, the company's president, said sales at Zen grew by 80% in the first half and the figure is expected to keep rising in the second half.
"We are happy with our sales performance under the current economic environment," he said, adding that the sharp sales increase was driven by new fashion products and higher space occupancy.
To continue the momentum, the company will increase the proportion of exclusive product items at Zen to 25-30% by the end of this year, from 5% at present. The exclusive products will be added in all categories from fashion to home decoration, food, and baby products.
For example, the British designer Vivienne Westwood will open a flagship store at Zen by the end of August. Pierre Clarence, the French shirtmaker, will be available there. Another 20 new fashion brands will be added at Zen by the end of this year.
"Offering more exclusive products will help Zen attract more regular and loyal customers so that we do not join a price war," Mr Allan said.
As well, the company will spend 80 million baht to open the 3,000-square-metre Zense, a chic restaurant that offers Thai, Japanese, Italian and Indian menus on the 17th floor.
It also plans to spend money to renovate its sixth floor by the end of this year, turning a space of 1,800 sq m into a trendy baby products area. Meanwhile, stationery, small electronic devices, books and CD products will be moved to the fifth floor. The renovation will be completed in September. New centres will also be added for children's and adult education.
As a result, the occupancy rate at Zen is expected to rise to 85-90%, up from 70% at present.
Sales at Zen were 1.8 billion baht in 2007.
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