Central Retail Posts 72% Profit Jump as Robinson Plans $120M Revamp

Central Retail Corporation reported a 72% year-on-year jump in third-quarter profit, as the Thai retail group prepares for the year-end shopping season and prepares a major Robinson expansion for next year.

The group recorded core profit from continuing operations of THB 2.051 billion (US$60.6 million) in Q3 FY26. Total revenue rose 5% to THB 61.185 billion (US$1.81 billion).

Digital channels drove much of the growth. Online sales increased 21% year on year. Cenni, the AI-powered shopping assistant at Central Department Store, lifted customer conversion rates by 1.7 times. The 1 loyalty program expanded its membership base in Vietnam to 7.67 million people.

CEO Suthisarn Chirathivat tied the results to the group's physical footprint and its own-brand strategy.

"We strive to provide customers with access to quality products through our store network spanning 65 provinces in Thailand and 26 provinces in Vietnam while continuously enhancing our own-brand offerings to meet the diverse needs of all customer segments, and optimise our organisational structure to maximise operational efficiency," Suthisarn said.

What does Robinson's investment program deliver?

Central Retail is stepping up investment in its physical store network. Robinson's 2027 plan introduces two new formats, Ploen and Riva. The plan also refreshes the department store identity and integrates shopping centre and department store experiences.

The retailer will renovate several Robinson locations next year, with further upgrades running through 2029. Ploen Rangsit is scheduled to open in Q3 2027. The first Riva development in Ramkhamhaeng is expected to launch in Q1 2028.

The developments form part of Robinson's THB 4.094 billion (US$120.85 million) investment program for 2027. The program aims to build what the company calls a 'Complete Retail Ecosystem'.

Lertvit Pumipitak, CEO of Central Retail Property, under Central Retail, framed the strategy around customer positioning.

"Our goal is to become customers' top-of-mind destination. Our ambition to build a 'Complete Retail Ecosystem' is rooted in the belief that different models are connected by people's lives," Lertvit said.

He added that the new formats are designed to serve distinct markets and share gains across the network.

"By creating a seamless connection between Robinson' lifestyle malls and department store spaces, and introducing Ploen and Riva, we can respond more precisely to each market while creating mutual growth for partners, tenants and local economies," Lertvit said.

The combination gives Central Retail two engines heading into 2027. Digital growth, powered by AI conversion tools and a loyalty base of 7.67 million in Vietnam alone, is expanding margins now. The THB 4.094 billion Robinson program, with Ploen Rangsit in Q3 2027 and Riva Ramkhamhaeng in Q1 2028, extends that reach into physical retail through 2029.