BMN, The Mall team up on supermarket

The partners are banking on a full-scale supermarket within a station complex meeting the needs of on-the-go MRT passengers.
 Natthavut Trivisvavet, managing director of BMN, said the company’s Metro Mall concept for retail space within the metro system has reached seven stations.
“Various shops highlight the products and services that facilitate the needs of the passengers of MRT and fit in with the lifestyles of the new generations that prefer fast and convenient services,” Natthavut said. “Currently, we have Lawson 108 and Cafe Amazon as our trading partners that have launched their shops in all outlets of Metro Mall. 
“In April, shops at Thailand Cultural Centre Station have been opened. This concept is well accepted by both MRT passengers and white-collar workers in the surrounding buildings, such as the AIA building and True Tower.
“For Lat Phrao Station, a survey found of the area found that location of the station at Ratchada – Lat Phrao intersection has brought about the rapid growth of residential areas, especially, the high-end condominiums, which house residents with high purchasing power who use the metro system.”
 The station also has a park-and-ride building that will accommodate more than 2,000 people using the MRT. BMN noted that in the future, the station will be connected to the MRT Yellow Line. 
“Therefore, the company has seen the potential of this station to be developed for retail space to accommodate the growth in the number of consumers and the residents living nearby,” Natthavut said. 
The retail space of Lat Phrao Station comprises two parts. 
This year, the first section will be opened with retail space of 2,300 square meters. 
“In corporation with The Mall Group, a leader in premium supermarkets, we will launch the Gourmet Market in the MRT system. “This is the first time in Thailand that Gourmet Market will be at a train station,” Natthavut said.
“More than Bt35 million has been invested in the infrastructure facilities to meet the fast-paced urban lifestyle, providing convenience to MRT users. 
The shop will kick off its services from September 19.” 
 BMN’s revenue for the five years from 2012 has been growing at an average of 14 per cent.
 Its main income comes sources are from its advertising and telecommunication businesses.
Chairat Petchdakul, vice president of merchandising supermarket for The Mall Group Co Ltd said: “Gourmet Market as a leader in the development of food retail business, which elevates Thai supermarkets to world-class quality, offers a wide range of quality products, including consumer products from leading domestic and overseas brands.
“We are delighted to be working with BMN to develop the Gourmet Market in MRT Lat Phrao Station, which is another project that is expanding our business to reach ever more consumers.”