Central Group Milestones
Explore our heritage, innovations, and landmark events that have formed today’s Central Group.
First Steps to Create Tomorrow (1947-1973)
Tiang Chirathivat and his son Samrit evolved a new style of business when they progressed from their small family-owned general store to a shophouse selling international books, magazines and imported goods and then to the first department store in Thailand.
Leading the Modern Era (1974-1993)
During a period of rapid change the group opened the Central Chidlom flagship store in Bangkok, took the department store concept to other parts of the country, and diversified into the chain restaurant business and hotels.
Borderless World (1994-2014)
Central Group became an international company, opening hotels in overseas markets, moving decisively into the European luxury retail sector, and becoming the largest foreign retailer in Vietnam.
The Digital Transformation (2015 - present)
Through increased use of technology and by entering into strategic ventures with world-class partners the group is moving towards an omnichannel platform that will fully embrace the digital lifestyle.
1947
Commenced the first Central Group business in a small shophouse in Bangkok selling local and international books and magazines and other general merchandises
1950
Founded Central Trading and expanded the product range to include imported goods such as ready-made clothes and cosmetics
1956
Opened the first Central Department Store in Wang Burapa district, the biggest department store in Thailand at that time
1974
Opened Central Chidlom, Thailand's first full-scaled department store, our Flagship store today
1978
Opened "Mister Donut", a donut franchise from Japan - the commencement of Central Group in fast food business, now "Central Restaurant Group"
1980
Established Central Plaza Co., Ltd. (now Central Pattana PCL) to undertake retail property development and management business
1983
Opened Central Plaza Ladprao, Thailand's first mixed-use complex comprises a department store, retail shops, hotel and office building
1990
Central Retail Corporation incorporated to extend the Group's retail businesses
1990
Central Plaza Hotel Public Co., Ltd. (CENTEL) Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand
1992
Opened Central Department Store - Kad Suan Kaew, Chiang Mai - The first Central Department Store in upcountry
1995
Acquired Robinson Department Store, no. 2 department store chain at that time
1996
Launched new specialty format
Tops Supermarket - now the largest supermarket chain in Thailand
1997
Launched new specialty format
PowerBuy - now the leading retailer of electrical appliances, IT products, mobile phones and gadgets in Thailand
Supersports - now Thailand's no. 1 sporting goods retailer
2001
Launched new specialty format
B2S, Central Group's books, entertainment, and stationery specialty store
2002
Acquired the World Trade Center property and renamed to CentralWorld
2005
His Majesty King Rama IX granted Central Department Store the right to use the Royal Garuda Emblem - the Royal Warrant of Appointment granted to companies and businesses that show exceptional services and commitment to the economic and social development of the nation
2006
Launched The1Card, Central Group's loyalty program (now the largest loyalty program in Thailand)
2010
Launched new specialty format
Thai Watsadu, a one-stop shopping store for building supplies and construction materials, the first large standalone specialty format of Central Group
2011
Acquired the Rinascente collection of luxury department stores in Italy, our first entry into Europe
2012
2 Major acquisitions
OfficeMate, Thailand's no.1 B2B e-business and total business solution and
FamilyMart, Thailand's No. 2 convenience store chain
2013
Acquired ILLUM Department Store, Denmark - a luxurious Scandinavanian department store
2013
Debuted Central Online, our first webstore for Central Department Store
2014
Opened Central Embassy, the iconic landmark of luxury retail
2015
Acquired Nguyen Kim (one of the leading electronics retailers in Vietnam) and Lanchi Mart (a modern retail pioneer in rural Vietnam)
2015
Acquired 3 luxury department stores in Germany – KaDeWe, Oberpollinger, and Alsterhaus – through the acquisition of KaDeWe Group
2016
Acquired Big C Vietnam, and later renamed to "GO!"
2017
Opened Park Hyatt Bangkok Hotel
2017
Forged alliances with Dusit, Hongkong Land, IKEA
2019
Invested in Grab Thailand - a leading online-to-offline mobile platform