Bangkok - Thailand has overtaken Taiwan as host to the third-largest number of 7-Eleven convenience stores in the world, behind only Japan and the USA, media reports said Tuesday.
The number of 7-Eleven outlets in Thailand reached 5,500 this year, surpassing Taiwan's 4,000 stores, but behind Japan's 12,000 stores and the USA's 6,000, the Bangkok Post reported.
'We expect the number of total stores will reach 7,000 within 2012, ranking No 2 to replace the US,' said Suvit Kingkaeo, senior deputy manager director CP All Plc, the local operator of the 7-Eleven franchise.
The ubiquitous 24-hour convenience stores were introduced to the Thai market around 20 years ago, and now offer various services, such as paying bills and buying mobile phone credit, as well as conventional corner-store fare.
Sales are expected to grow by 10 per cent this year despite political unrest in Bangkok between March and May, when protests closed off parts of the capital and bloody street clashes put a crimp on Thais' propensity for shopping.
'If there are no further political problems during the rest of this year, I'm confident that the shopping momentum will continue to increase,' Suvit said.
The chain of convenience stores, owned by Japan's Seven & I Holdings Co Ltd is one the world's largest with 38,000 outlets in 100 countries.http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/business/news/article_1567132.php/Thailand-pips-Taiwan-to-world-s-third-biggest-7-Eleven-base
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