Watsons to continue Thai store expansion programme, improve digital communication

The target was to open 50 stores, but Watsons achieved 55 openings, ending the year with 425 outlets around the country. 
Watsons on Monday also revealed its plans for the current year, during which it will once again focus on accelerating growth and store expansion, with another 50-55 stores planned by the year’s end. 
Store expansion will be well balanced between Bangkok and upcountry to ensure improved access to Watsons for Thai consumers, the company said. 
The investment budget will also allow for substantial spending on store refits, e-commerce development, digital communication and Watsons’ own-brand product development. 
Investment is targeted to ensure an improving customer experience and access across both online and in-store operations. 
In addition, the company is continuing to improve product innovation, promotional excitement and the Watsons loyalty programme, as they are proven growth drivers, it said.
Rod Routley, managing director of Watsons Thailand, said: “Watsons has successfully achieved double-digit sales growth from many factors, including product innovation, attractive and exciting sales promotions and increased accessibility for customers through many more stores, digital platform and more exclusive CRM [customer relationship management] activities for Watsons’ customers.”
Last year, the company saw increased trends towards digital communication and e-commerce, and it will therefore continue to improve digital communication and ensure it is well targeted and relevant to customers, he said. 
Watsons’ eStore has been well received and the company’s innovative mobile application has dramatically improved customer experience, the MD said, adding that the business will continue to strive to ensure that it is easier and more convenient for customers to access its innovative products.