Hypermarkets in Thailand are taking the place of supermarkets, reports the Bangkok Post. According to a survey, "Thailand's Shopping Habits", released this week by ACNielsen Co, a market research firm, 70 per cent of Bangkok shoppers visit a hypermarket at least once each month compared with 60 per cent who visit a supermarket. In average frequency of visits, the survey shows Bangkok shoppers made 2.2 trips per month to a supermarket, a sharp fall from 4.1 trips per month in 1999. In comparison, shopping frequency at hypermarkets has risen to an average of 2.1 trips per month compared with 1.9 trips per month in 1999. Respondents put convenience, in location and a familiar and friendly atmosphere, as the most important factor in their shopping preference. Product price and store offerings are secondary factors. But while shoppers head to modern trade outlets for packaged goods, traditional wet markets still dominate the fresh-food sector, gaining more than 80 per cent of shopper traffic. Nonetheless, the average frequency of trips to wet markets has fallen, to 12 trips per month from 17 trips per month a year earlier. The survey suggests that more shoppers are buying more fresh food from hypermarkets at the expense of traditional wet markets. The increasing popularity of hypermarkets in Thailand is reflected in the opening of 12 new hypermarkets in central Bangkok in the last 12 months. Source: Bangkok Post
