Robinson bets B4.1bn on expansion drive - Bangkok Post

Robinson is introducing two new concepts, Ploen and Riva. Robinson, a subsidiary of SET-listed Central Retail Corporation, plans to invest 4.1 billion baht in 2027 to renovate shopping centres and introduce new locations.

Lertvit Pumipitak, chief executive of Central Retail Property under Central Retail, said the company plans to renovate seven Robinson locations in 2027: Roi Et, Buri Ram, Phetchaburi, Prachin Buri, Sakon Nakhon, Phayao and Robinson Ratchaphruek in Nonthaburi.

The company also intends to renovate 12 locations between 2028 and 2029.

Robinson operates 46 stores across 38 provinces, comprising more than 1 million square metres of gross leasable area and attracting an average of 350,000 visitors a day, he said.

The company is constructing Robinson Nong Khai, valued at more than 2 billion baht and scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2027. Occupying roughly 33 rai, the development will serve both local shoppers and cross-border visitors, said Mr Lertvit, adding that construction is nearly 40% complete.

Robinson plans to add one new location a year in 2028 and 2029.

In addition, the company is introducing Ploen, a new retail concept developed around the theme of community-centric development.

A Tops supermarket will serve as the main anchor, supported by popular restaurant brands, the largest ready-to-eat food market in the catchment area and a comprehensive range of services.

The debut project, Ploen Rangsit, is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2027.

The community mall occupies 24 rai within a broader master plan covering more than 322 rai, with an estimated project value of 1.5 billion baht.

Robinson will launch three Ploen branches a year in 2028 and 2029, bringing the total to seven locations by 2029.

"The Ploen format will focus primarily on Bangkok, key regional hubs and major tourist cities," he said.

The company is also set to introduce a new retail concept called Riva, which blends nature, dining, recreation, wellness and community spaces into a destination for leisure and connection, featuring distinctive architecture, landscaping and activity zones.

The first project, Riva Ramkhamhaeng, is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028, occupying 24 rai with a project value exceeding 2.5 billion baht and a gross building area of 54,000 sq m.

The company plans to open one additional Riva location each year in 2029 and 2030, bringing the total to three by 2030.