Retail/Tops

Editorial staff

Central Food Retail Group under Central Retail is making waves in the convenience store industry with the launch of ‘Tops Daily × Tops Wine Cellar’—a hybrid model under one roof.

‘Tops Daily × Tops Wine Cellar’—combine the strengths of a convenience store and a specialty wine shop and target tourists, cashing in on high demand of premium alcohol products.

The move is to cater to Thailand’s 600-billion-baht convenience store market growth. It also sets a new benchmark in Thailand’s convenience store industry.

The store offers extensive range of over 700 premium alcoholic beverages from 13 countries worldwide. With Thailand’s tourism industry rebounding and the growing demand for premium alcoholic products, Tops Daily × Tops Wine Cellar’ strategically targets high-traffic tourist destinations. The company is launching 13 pilot stores in prime locations—including Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Pattaya—as part of the first phase, with plans to expand by an additional 20–25 stores in 2025.

Stephane Coum, chief executive officer of Food Group at Central Retail, said Thailand’s convenience store sector remains highly competitive, driven by evolving consumer trends, government stimulus measures, and the continued growth of the tourism industry. It is projected that in 2025, the market value of the Thai convenience store market is expected to grow significantly to 638 billion baht, according to information from Land and Houses Bank. To stay ahead in this competitive landscape, Tops Daily has strategically differentiated itself by capitalizing on the resurgence of international tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) forecasts 40 million inbound tourists in 2025, a sharp increase from 35.54 million in 2024, contributing to a growing demand for premium alcoholic beverages—up 13% in key tourist hotspots like Pattaya and Phuket.

Recognizing this emerging opportunity, ‘Tops Daily × Tops Wine Cellar’ was born—a hybrid convenience store model combining the strengths of two powerhouse brands -Tops Daily, a mini-supermarket offering a diverse range of global consumer goods, while Tops Wine Cellar, a specialty wine store featuring a curated selection of premium, exclusive from top wineries worldwide. This innovative retail model redefines convenience shopping, providing customers with a unique experience that meets local lifestyle needs all in one place.

Maytinee Phisutsinthop, the company’s chief operating officer (small format), said ‘Tops Daily × Tops Wine Cellar’ is a unique hybrid model, the first in the market to merge a convenience store with a specialized wine shop. It enhances customer convenience with enjoyment. With this model, the alcoholic beverage selection—comprising beer, wine, and spirits—expanded from 240 to 700 items.

Additionally, a dedicated zone was introduced to showcase premium alcoholic products, allowing customers to explore a wider selection and immerse themselves in the world of fine beverages. The integration of ‘Tops Daily × Tops Wine Cellar’ caters to customers seeking a complete shopping experience in one place.

Currently, its hybrid model is operating in 13 key tourist destinations in its first phase, including Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Pattaya. This pilot phase will allow ‘Tops Daily to gain insights into customer engagement with the model in each location. Moving forward, the company aims to expand this model with an additional 20–25 branches by the end of 2025.