Retail/Watson

Editorial staff

Watsons , the No.1 health and beauty retailer in Thailand, plans to open average 50 new stores for the next five consecutive years along with sustainable scheme.

Pasitt Munkongkuntivong, managing director of Watsons Thailand, said that of the total 50 new stores, at least 8 stores were opened in the first four months of this year and the remaining will be opened under standalone concept and at shopping centres, community malls and hypermarket chains. The company also plans to renovate its 80 existing stores.

Nuanphan Jayanama

Nuanphan Jayanama, the company’s chief operating officer, said that the company remains to invest in the Thai market because it is confident in the current population size and the growing number of people who concerns on their health.

“Store expansion and sustainability are at the forefront of Watsons' strategy. As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility and convenience, Watsons Thailand is poised to further solidify our position as the sole health and beauty retail brand with a presence in all 77 provinces nationwide,” he said.

Moreover, it also remains dedicated to enhancing the customer experience while championing sustainability as well as bolstering its exclusive brand offerings. This strategy is to meet evolving consumer demands and driving positive change in the retail sector.  

In addition to new store expansion, Ms Nualphan adds that the company is greening the retail landscape for the future via three sustainable pillars including people, planet and products.
Recently, the company has renovated its flagship store at Siam Square branch to its first greener store.

The company has implemented many sustainability practices to combat climate change including the installation of solar panels and the use of decorative materials crafted from recycled wood and papers.

“The greener store framework is one of our commitments to inspiring a sustainable culture in the everyday operations of Watsons retail stores," Mr. Pasitt said.

The framework focuses on key areas such as responsible materials, energy efficiency, and customer engagement.

The company expects to open 2-3 standalone green stores this year. For stores those are in retail malls, the company has already changed total lighting to LED. This year, it plans to increase number of products those can be recycled.

Furthermore, the company is embracing electric vehicles for distribution, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions. The company is also dedicated to expanding its range of sustainable products and allocating more shelf space for these items, catering to environmentally conscious customers and encouraging sustainable lifestyles.

Building on the success of its O+O platform strategy, the compsny further enhances O+O (Offline plus Online) shopping experiences. With over 9 million Watsons Club members enjoying benefits from shopping in-store and online, it continues to provide exclusive perks for its members such as earning and redeeming points, alongside benefits through the O+O synergy promotion.

Furthermore, the company further elevates its customer journey through the Watsons Club Experience, providing members with exclusive activities in partnership with esteemed partners, workshops, and opportunities to redeem lifestyle vouchers.

In 2024, Watsons exclusive brand is further solidifying its leadership in the health and wellness sector with the introduction of Day-Vita, a nutrition solution. This launch is in response to the trend of today's consumers who are becoming more concerned about their health, aiming to help everyone have easier and more convenient access to good health at a reasonable price.

It marks a notable stride for Watsons exclusive brand as it ventures deeper into the wellness domain, leveraging its expertise to provide customers with innovative options for prioritizing their health and well-being.