The First Ring: Roots
CHRONICLES
Chapter 1.15
Thailand, with a GDP of approximately USD 600 billion, is a growing economy with a strong presence in the automotive, tourism, and technology sectors. Bangkok is one of the main shopping hubs in Asia, offering a variety of department stores that combine luxury, local culture, and entertainment. The history of department stores in Thailand dates back to the mid-20th century, with the introduction of the first stores inspired by Western models during the modernization period.
Nightingale-Olympic is considered the first department store in Thailand. It was founded in 1930 in the Rattanakosin district of Bangkok by Phichai Sawatdikul. The store combined clothing, accessories, sports equipment, and household items, which was a novelty for its time. Over the years, it lost relevance due to increasing competition from large international chains and modern shopping malls, but it remains an important historical attraction.
The Central Department Store, founded in 1947 by the Chirathivat family, is one of Thailand's largest and most influential chains. Originally starting as a small import-export shop, Central quickly expanded across the country, introducing modern retail standards. Today, Central Group is a leader in the sector, with numerous department stores and international collaborations.
The Central Embassy in Bangkok is one of their flagship stores, combining high-end shopping, luxury restaurants, and hotels. In addition, Central Group purchased La Rinascente, the famous Italian department store chain. This acquisition allowed the Thai group to expand its international presence, further diversifying its operations in the retail sector.
Thai Daimaru opened in 1964 in Bangkok as a joint venture with the renowned Japanese chain Daimaru. Despite initial success, the store closed in the early 2000s due to growing competition from other chains and malls.
Robinson Department Store was founded in 1979 in Thailand. The chain was initially created to offer consumer products at more accessible prices than other, more luxurious department store chains. Over the years, Robinson has grown significantly and gained a solid position in the country's retail market. Its acquisition by Central Group in 1995 further consolidated its role in Thailand's retail landscape. Robinson is primarily present in secondary cities and continues to be a very popular brand.
The Mall Group is another major player, with shopping centers such as The Emporium, The EmQuartier, and Siam Paragon, which combine luxury retail, entertainment, and gastronomy. Siam Paragon is one of the largest and most prestigious shopping centers in Thailand.
Several international chains, such as Takashimaya (at ICONSIAM) and Isetan (formerly at CentralWorld, but closed in 2020), have tried to enter the Thai market, offering Japanese and international products.
Central Group also owns Robinson Department Stores, which cater to the middle market. Another major brand is Zen, which was rebranded as Central in 2019. In the past, Central had also expanded the Zen brand into China, but those stores were closed in 2013. Currently, Central operates 24 branches in Thailand, while Robinson has 54.
Blúport in Hua Hin (opened in 2014) and Blúpearl in Phuket (currently under construction).
Tokyu, a subsidiary of the Japanese chain, closed its last store in MBK Center in 2021.
Thailand continues to be a point of reference for retail in Asia, with a rich history of department stores that evolve to adapt to new consumer trends. Central Group and The Mall Group, among others, have managed to remain relevant by embracing the shift towards more immersive shopping experiences, combining retail, luxury, and entertainment. However, growing competition from e-commerce and changing consumer preferences could pose new challenges for these traditional retail giants.
Singapore is a global financial hub with one of the most open and developed economies in the world, boasting a nominal GDP of approximately USD 390 billion. Thanks to major chains like Takashimaya, Isetan, and the local Tangs, Singapore is an important center for department stores in Asia and is renowned for its luxury shopping scene, attracting customers from around the world.
As one of Asia's most dynamic commercial hubs, Singapore has a long and rich history of department stores that have played a significant role in shaping the city's retail landscape. The first department stores, which began opening as early as the 19th century, laid the foundations for the modern shopping culture that the country is known for today.
John Little, founded in 1845 by the British company Little, Cursetjee & Co., was Singapore's first department store. Originally located in Commercial Square (now known as Raffles Place), the store started by selling everyday goods and imports from Europe. Over the years, John Little evolved into a major shopping destination, expanding its offerings to clothing, furniture, and homewares. Although it thrived for over a century, it was acquired by Robinson & Co. Limited in 1955 and ceased operations in 2016.
Robinsons, founded in 1858 by Philip Robinson and James Gaborian (has no connection with the Thai brand owned by the Central Group), was one of the pioneers in the Singapore retail scene. From an initial supplies and home goods store, the company has expanded to include high-quality clothing, accessories and luxury products. Its head office in Raffles Place was destroyed in a bombing raid in World War II, but the company rebuilt it and continued to thrive in the years that followed. Robinsons closed its last physical location in Singapore in 2020 due to economic difficulties and changing consumer habits.
C.K. Tang (Tangs), founded in 1932 by Tang Choon Keng, an entrepreneur of Chinese origin, was the first local department store in Singapore. Located along Orchard Road, Tangs has stood out from the start with its combination of traditional Asian products and modern Western items. Known for its iconic Chinese architecture-inspired façade, Tangs has played a key role in transforming Orchard Road into a shopping mecca. Over the years, Tangs has undergone some changes, including acquisitions and restructuring, but has continued to be a central figure in Singapore's retail landscape.
BHG Singapore Pte Ltd, established in 1994 as Seiyu Wing On Department Store, was a joint venture between Seiyu Ltd (Japan) and Wing On Pte Ltd (Hong Kong). Today, operating under the BHG brand, it has become a well-established name in Singapore, synonymous with quality, value, and service. The company currently operates two stores strategically located in the North, West, and Central parts of Singapore, with a total retail space of 220,000 square feet.
In addition to the historical pioneers, Singapore is now home to international chains such as Takashimaya, Isetan, and other local and regional department stores. The city is renowned for its luxury offerings and retail innovation, with a unique fusion of Asian and Western styles that attracts customers from around the world.
While Singapore continues to evolve as a major shopping destination, the closures of John Little and Robinsons highlight the challenges faced by traditional department stores in the age of malls and e-commerce.
To be continued...
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