Central Department Store has completed the renovations of their website, central.co.th, with the concept of ‘My Central is NOW’, to meet the ever-evolving needs of their ‘digital-gen’ customers, bringing the famous department store, and their strengthening online shopping platform, closer together, confirming Central as Thailand’s Omni–Channel Department Store Leader, with an expected growth target of 150% for 2019.
Natira Chirathivat Boonsri, President of Central Department Store, stated that customers’ retail behavioural changes have been occurring due to increasing global internet penetration, with over half of the global population having internet access. Thailand has marched ahead with over 80% of the population accessing the internet, with online shopping being one of the top five internet activities. In fact, the e-commerce market grew by 14% in 2018, with growth estimations of 20% in 2019.
Natira explained that with Central Department Store being the leading retailer in Thailand, with its long-established outlets, the opportunity of updating and strengthening the online retail-side reinforces the department store’s retail market position. This is evidenced by the store’s strong social media following, over various platforms, and the embracing of mobile app technology, with the ‘Central Chat & Shop’ service, via LINE, offering a fusion online/offline seamless shopping experience for the first time in Thailand starting in 2018. This was so successful, smashing its target sales by 111%, with revenues of 250M THB.
She continued “These factors were the incentive to renovate our website, central.co.th, using the strengths of the department store, to respond to our customers’ changing retail demands. This meant making sure that the top brands we are synonymous for are available in full assortment, across all categories, such as, but not limited to: Cosmetics, Small Appliances, Gadgets, Toys, and Maternity Accessories. This will make the online experience more towards bringing Central Department Store to our customers’ device screens, with a wide range of exclusive brands such as Giorgio Armani cosmetics, Nespresso, Delonghi, to House Brands such as Dorothy Perkins, Marks & Spencer, and Sanrio. We believe that by offering this high-level platform, central.co.th will consolidate Central Department Stores position as Thailand’s Omni–Channel Department Store Leader.”
Stephane Jubert, Senior Vice President of Online & Omni-Channel CRM Director, reveals that through customer surveys and research, new generations of shoppers are looking for an immediate shopping experience; for the brands they desire, without a wait and secure in their transactions. Central Department Store has ensured that these requirements were critical for the new website, with the aim to fulfil the needs of our diverse and modern customer group.
The new central.co.th website is brought together with the concept ‘My Central is NOW’, reflecting the identity of Central Department Store, which has a long-standing history of providing the highest and most reliable of services and products possible to its customers. The word ‘NOW’ is a reflection of the digital platform and the requirements of today’s consumers. The ability for them to shop anytime, anywhere for exactly what they want. This concept is founded in three core competencies:
- ‘Choice is Now’ Complete brand selections
Responding to the demands of our customers, they require the same level of top brands and names through all of our platforms. So just like stepping into a Central Department Store, there are over 60 top global brands available online, with prestigious brands such as Dior, here on the website with its full range of assortment, Kiehl’s, Tom Ford and La Mer. We also offer the best new-gen brands such as Banila Co., Fairy Drops and NYX, highlighting our leadership in the Beauty industry as an example. Throughout every department category, we have the same level of products available, including exclusive brands and only@Central names. - ‘Fast is Now’ Same-Day delivery in Bangkok
Our customers live ever-increasingly fast-paced lives, and the demands for everything to be evermore instant. Central.co.th responds with same-day delivery services within Greater Bangkok, on orders made by 12.00pm. Speedy, reliable delivery will be available throughout the rest of the country with delivery times of within 3 days. Ready to cater towards the convenience of our customers, customers can choose to pick up their shopping our numerous collection points located all around the country with the Chat & Shop service, accessible on BTS sky train stations, Central Department Stores, Robinson Department Stores, and the Family Mart located the Holiday Inn on Silom Road. - ‘Trust is Now’ Guaranteed quality & reliability
Central Department service offering complete peace of mind Store has a reputation for only the best in quality, services and reliability, and this will be the gold-standard for our online shopping experience. Anyone shopping with central.co.th do so in absolute comfort knowing that the best products will be delivered in the safest way, with our customer.
To Celebrate the launch of the new-look central.co.th. There will be fantastic opening offers and promotions for our customers. The 1st April – 5th May will see customers receive up to 70% off selected items, and every customers can enjoy up to 200.- discount when they spend 1,200.- on their first purchase, when they use the code ‘NOW200’. Between April 1st – 9th, customers can enjoy additional promotions from “brand of the days”, each day with a single brand with exclusive discount up to 1500.- with the codes available on the website. In addition, customers can receive 12% on-top discount and earn up to x4 The1 points when paying with Central The1 Credit Card. Also, there will be plenty of online-exclusive promotions to enjoy throughout the year and always the chance to Earn & Burn The 1 points when shopping with central.co.th.
Stephane concluded “With the renovations to the website, Central Department Store will be more of a force in the retail industry, leading the way and innovating as we have always done. By studying and understanding our customers’ shopping behaviours, we will be able to adapt, evolve and tailor promotions and the shopping experience for each of their wants and needs. We are expecting that this will move revenues to up to 1,500M THB in 2019, and by 2023, contributing 15% of Central Department Store’s revenue.
Come & visit the new–look website today! Shop anytime, anywhere with central.co.th
