Central Retail posts 42.5% rise in first-half core profit

Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (CRC) reported a 42.5% year-on-year increase in core profit from continuing operations to 5.002 billion baht for the first half of 2026, while total revenue rose 2.4% to 126.633 billion baht.

Second-quarter revenue reached 60.119 billion baht, up 3.5% from a year earlier, while core profit from continuing operations climbed 124% to 2.114 billion baht.

Chief Financial Officer Panet Mahankanurak said the performance reflected branch expansion and upgrades alongside measures to improve gross margins through adjustments to brand and product mix, a greater contribution from private-brand products and inventory management.

CRC also maintained discipline over costs and expenses despite economic and geopolitical volatility.

He said the company would continue to manage and allocate capital based on the growth potential of individual businesses while monitoring economic conditions and risks, with a focus on maintaining its financial position and liquidity.

New stores and retail formats

CRC expanded and upgraded stores during the second quarter, opening new outlets for Tops, Supersports, KIS, brands under Central Marketing Group, Power Buy, B2S, OfficeMate and Auto1 at Central Khon Kaen Campus and Central Northville.

The company also moved further into new retail segments, including standalone LOOKS and KIS stores targeting younger beauty customers, the launch of Japanese-style bakery Haruki, and TOPS DAILY Hybrid formats developed with PET N’ ME and TOPS CARE.

CRC has also been expanding its sports retail business in Thailand.

The company said these formats were intended to broaden its retail ecosystem and tailor its offering more closely to demand in individual locations.

Tourist sales rise more than 9%

Sales to tourists at CRC businesses in Thailand increased by more than 9% year on year in the second quarter, despite a slowdown in Thailand’s overall tourism industry.

In Vietnam, The 1 Vietnam loyalty programme was expanded beyond the food business to non-food brands including Supersports, Crocs, Dyson and Kubo.

Together with continued membership growth in Thailand, CRC’s loyalty programmes now cover almost 30 million members, comprising 23 million in Thailand and nearly 7 million in Vietnam.

The company also said it had maintained an AA- corporate credit rating with a Stable outlook from TRIS Rating for a fourth consecutive year.

CRC described the rating as the highest within Thailand’s retail industry.

Thailand and Vietnam remain focus for second half

CRC said it would continue allocating investment cautiously and maintaining financial flexibility during the second half of the year.

The company plans to expand and improve the efficiency of its portfolio in both Thailand and Vietnam, while continuing to assess growth opportunities and returns across its businesses.