75 years after Tiang and Samrit Chirathivat opened their first bookstore,
Central Group’s department store business has reached its new heights of becoming
an international luxury department store leader.
The largest international department store presence across 11 countries, 80 cities, 120 locations, and 16 luxury flagship stores at top tourist cities in Europe and Asia.
Since its founding, Central Group has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently creating new and unique experiences for its customers. The company built the first department store in Thailand, some of the region’s most well-known department stores, as well as Thailand’s first one-stop multi-purpose shopping complex. Its first foray into Europe began in 2011 with the acquisition of Italy’s prominent luxury department store, Rinascente, followed by Illum in 2013, KaDeWe in 2015, Globus in 2020, and finally Selfridges Group in 2022.
Central Group will push ahead with its luxury strategy in two main areas :
Strategy #1
Develop and expand collection of stores in partnership with luxury brands
Working closely with world’s most influential brand conglomerates such as LVMH, Kering, and Richemont to uplift the luxury assortment, store image and shopping experience. Each store is designed to showcase the uniqueness of its city and heritage, a story that is appreciated by local customers and tourists. Food and gastronomy is also an integral part of the offer and transformation.
Transformation works and upcoming projects in Europe
Major ongoing transformation works at existing stores :
- KaDeWe Berlin, Germany - KaDeWe has completed the transformation of luxury and fine jewelry zone on the ground floor this year, following the opening of the newly constructed escalator atrium in October 2021.
- Globus Zurich and Geneva, Switzerland - In 2021, Zurich flagship store has embarked on a “luxury up” program to introduce top luxury brands and stylish home and F&B concepts. Works will continue on all remaining floors. Globus Geneva will undergo similar program starting in 2023.
- Rinascente Milan Duomo, Italy - full remodeling of Men’s floor (2nd floor) into men’s universe with more contemporary touch.
- Rinascente Rome Piazza Fiume, Italy - total remodeling of historic store including new façade, with target full completion in 2023. Store was originally designed by Italy’s renowned architect Franco Albini.
New store development projects for future openings :
- Carsch-Haus Dusseldorf, Germany - The redevelopment of an iconic building into a luxury department store in central Dusseldorf, featuring open-air retail space on an underground courtyard and a large roof terrace restaurant. The project is planned for 2023 opening.
- Vienna, Austria - Vienna’s first luxury department store, with a complementary upscale Thompson hotel behind, and green passage to access public roof gardens in between. The project, designed by O.M.A., is on track for completion by 2024.
- Globus Basel, Switzerland - Redevelopment of a heritage building into luxury department store in the sought-after location of Markplatz, at the center of Basel. The store’s target opening date is set for 2025.
- Selfridges London, UK - The renowned site consists of underutilized hotel, carpark, and mews, which are being assessed for redevelopment potential into luxury hospitality or commercial spaces, as well as an outdoor public space.
Strategy #2
Become a leading eCommerce platform and partner of choice for luxury and fashion brands with global reach
Central Group’s European eCommerce platforms receive 30 million online visitors monthly and generates €1 billion in sales annually, accounting for 17% of total sales. Online orders are shipped to 130+ countries worldwide. International sales contribute up to 40% of Selfridges.com turnover. Such expansive scale and global reach is comparable to pure online retailers.
Central Group luxury department stores
