A new hybrid hypermarket concept has opened on the Thai side of the border with Laos to cash in on the growing number of consumers shopping in Thailand.
The store – MM Mega Market takes up 10,000sqm in the Asawann Shopping Complex II, which is just 4.4 km from the Thai-Lao friendship bridge in the Nong Khai province.
It blends hypermarket and wholesale concepts with customers free to buy in bulk or a single unit.
MM Mega Market was built by TCC Logistics and Warehouse Co, a division of TCC Group, owned by Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi who wants to capitalise on the growing trade between Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia in the wake of the new  Asean Economic Community opening up this year.
The large format store is expected to attract customers from Laos as well as locals.
TCC already operates convenience stores and hypermarkets – and a pharmacy chain in Thailand.
This new format will now be rolled out in other locations close to border posts and potentially other markets, with 15 planned for completion by 2019.
Source insideretail.asia