Thailand Financial News

Big C announces 12.8% growth in 2006 earnings, while setting aside 4.5 billion baht for 2007 marketing activations.  The Company also plans to open four new provincial stores to allow upcountry consumers to shop for premium products at reasonable prices.  These initiatives reinforce its “Shop at Big C and Get Richer Everyday” marketing strategy.

Big C remains committed to running more social and youth-oriented activities. Ms. Rumpa Kumhomreun, Chief Financial Officer, Big C Supercenter PLC said, “We successfully hit our 2006 performance target in spite of unfavorable circumstances including declining consumer confidence and reduced consumer spending. Sales were 58.03 billion baht, 9.1% up from 53.19 billion baht in 2005. Net earnings grew 12.8% to 2.12 billion baht from 1.88 billion baht in 2005 and earnings per share were 2.65 baht, compared to 2.35 baht in 2005.”

In 2006, Big C opened four new stores in Bangkok and upcountry including at Phrae, Ratchaburi, Lamlukka (Pathumthani) and Prachinburi and renovated 11 existing stores.  This has helped Big C increase its customer base and improve customer satisfaction.  These factors have also boosted sales and profit growth during the economic slowdown.” Ms. Jariya Chirativat, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Big C Supercenter PLC said regarding Big C‘s property & business development plans for 2007 that “the company plans to open four new stores in Lamphun, Hangdong (Chiang Mai), Samui (Surat Thani) and Chonburi. This expansion will increase our extensive retail network from 49 to 53 stores by the end of the year.  We remain committed to promoting and supporting the growth and prosperity of local communities by making tax payments to all local communities in which we operate our stores, increasing local employment and supporting provincial and community-based activities.

“We will also renovate and upgrade six existing stores, including Big C Supercenters and town centers as part of an ongoing effort improve customer satisfaction. We plan to invest a total of 4.5 billion baht in this sector, including 3 billion baht to build new stores and 1.5 billion baht to renovate existing stores.” “Our 2007 marketing plan focuses on pricing strategy which is our strength and we will launch promotions using the “Shop at Big C and Get Richer Everyday” theme, aiming to provide a fun shopping experience and increased savings for customers who want quality products at attractive prices. These promotional initiatives will include a “Buy One and Get One Free” program, discount coupon offerings and lucky draw campaigns. We will continue to concentrate on offering higher levels of fast and convenient customer service that will boost customer satisfaction and loyalty,” added Ms Jariya. 2007 promotions will focus on particular product categories that meet customer needs, which represents a change from our earlier efforts that focused on all products. This will include promotions for clothing, household utensils and other key items. Big C will prepare supporting advertising to encourage shopping at Big C. To welcome the coming summer, Big C is launching the “Rich in Summer with Ngeng Neeng Ngeng (Money)” campaign. Customers who spend 400 baht or more from February 28, 2007 to March 29, 2007, will get 2 chances to win: 1) First lucky draw, the customer will receive a coupon that they fill in and submit for a chance to win a 5,000 baht Big C voucher.  50 prizes will be awarded every week for four consecutive weeks, for a total of 200 prizes and a cumulative value of 1 million baht.  Every 400 baht payment made via the Big C card or the Krungsri GE credit card will be granted an additional coupon; 2) Second lucky draw, customers who spend a cumulative 2000 Baht will have a chance to win two Ngern Ngern Ngern (Money) Musical theatre tickets, worth 1,000 – 2,500 baht per ticket. Every week for four consecutive weeks, 20 prizes will be awarded, with a total of 80 prizes with a cumulative value of 240,000 baht. The customer only needs to send the total spent at Big C via SMS through AIS, DTAC or TRUE MOVE to tel: 4219333 (3 baht/message service charge). The winners must submit a total shopping value of least 2,000 baht. “Regarding social contributions, Big C will continue supporting the socially important work of the Big C Foundation. Education for deprived children is our focus and this will include provision of school buildings to needy schools, scholarships for underprivileged students and the donation of youth encyclopedias initiated by His Majesty the King to schools in communities where Big C operates its stores. In 2007, Big C in collaboration with the Big C Foundation will launch the Thai Children’s Reading program designed to increase reading among youth. Thai children will be encouraged to realize the importance of reading through activities held throughout the year to celebrate His Majesty’s 80th birthday anniversary,” concluded Ms. Jariya. Big C Supercenter PCL (BIGC), founded in 1993, is a retail consumer goods trade operator trading under the name of Big C Supercenter. It offers a wide variety of products at the most competitive prices under the slogan “More Than Just Low Prices” to maximize the highest value for customers at its 49 store nationwide. For further information about Big C Supercenter, visit our Web site at www.bigc.co.th . For further information, please contact:

Satida Sritunyathorn or Waraporn Somboonwanna