At a Glance
Central Group consists of a variety of diverse investments in various corporations domestically and internationally, each of which has become a leader in the retail, property development, brand management, hospitality, and food and beverage sectors, and in digital lifestyle.
One Family’s Vision
With our eyes cast firmly to the future, the Central Group continues along the path of our founder’s dream.
The group’s early history can be traced back to Tiang Chirathivat, a determined and persevering entrepreneur who was committed to building a strong foundation for his family’s future.
Mr. Chirathivat first opened a small family-run shop in the city of Bangkok during the early 1950s. Then in 1956 his son, Samrit Chirathivat, expanded his father’s general merchandise business with the establishment of the first Central Department Store in Bangkok’s Wangburapha district. Both father and son, the group’s founders, were fully engaged in running the business, and were also helped by other members of the family.
The era was one of bustling trade and growth, and the young entrepreneurs quickly established businesses that were characterized by many “firsts” in Thailand: the first to import international cosmetic brands; the first to focus on impeccable customer services; and the first to implement innovative marketing communications.
Samrit Chirathivat believed that success would come from honesty and hard work, as well as from the provision of the best possible services and products for Central’s customers.
Central Group still remains 100% committed to our founder’s vision.
"Our success grew out of our determination to bring Thailand into the modern world. We are committed to contributing to its prosperity and enhancing the quality of life of its people."
- Samrit Chirathivat, Founder of Central Group -
"Vision & Mission - Central Group will lead the retail and service business of Thailand onto the world stage, while bringing development to localities and provinces in the countries expanded to, as well as driving the economy forward together.”
Central Group
The Central Family – the Central brand of retail, services and products has become synonymous with trusted quality and excellence in Thailand, and continues to remain at the top of the marketplace.
Central Group consists of a variety of diverse investments in various corporations, each of which has become the leader in the retail, property development, brand management, hospitality, and food and beverage in-dustries. These complementary businesses continue to strengthen our position in the marketplace, both domestically and internationally.
Central Group - 'The Central of Life'
Central Group aims at being in the center of peoples’ lives, where our customers really can live their own lives according to their own needs and lifestyle. We connect every gender, age and lifestyle together by designing products and services to fulfil the wishes of today’s society as well as creating new concepts to support future developments.
People and Employees
Central Group’s people offer an ideal combination of Asian experience and international expertise. What was originally a small family-run company has evolved into a group of highly-experienced professionals, with senior managers regularly receiving training aboard in modern merchandising, marketing and operational techniques.
However, being a family-run business also has many pluses, and our many employees are treated not just as employees but as family members. Indeed, it is apparent that many of our employees have had life long careers with the company.
Discover More
Systems
Modern information technology systems help Central Group to deliver superior value to our customers. For example, our advanced customer relationship management system provides specific offers to each individual customer, and enhances customer shopping and membership experiences.
Our modern distribution centers are integrated into an overall state of the art supply chain management system. In 2013 Central Group was the first in Thailand’s retail industry in using voice picking devices in our Distribution Center to increase efficiency and accuracy. Moreover, we are continuously enhancing our information technology systems to support our customers.
Brand Building
It is important to focus on core businesses and core brands by extending on past successes, and by being committed to the building of our brands to be number one in the perception of consumers and customers in each segment, creating differentiation in brand experience through "quality" that is excellent in every aspect in both the goods and the services of Central Group, and by focusing on stable growth through world class quality.