Harrison White
In a strategic move set to transform Cambodia’s retail landscape, OCIC and Thai retail-chain BIG C announced a partnership to develop the first BIG C hypermarket in Chroy Changvar Satellite City. This collaboration signifies a promising future for the region’s retail sector, bringing an array of choices and convenience to residents while bolstering Cambodia’s economic growth.
OCIC and BIG C inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the first hypermarket in Chroy Changvar Satellite City, located north of Phnom Penh. The agreement was attended by Canadia Group Vice Chairperson Dr. Carolyne Pung, Canadia Group Executive Vice President Mr. Charles Vann, and OCIC Director Ms. Lim Lychin, along with BIG C COO Mr. Gary Hardy and BIG C Vice President Mr. Charun Chasawat.
Enhance the overall shopping experience for residents
The partnership aims to enhance the overall shopping experience for residents in Chroy Changvar Satellite City and surrounding urban areas. As part of the agreement, the hypermarket will offer a wide range of premium fresh and dry food items, imported products, and a clean, efficient shopping environment with excellent service. The 2.7-hectare property will be located at the Sovann Machha roundabout, adjacent to OCIC’s latest commercial development, Sovann Machha.
Read more: Big C plans rapid expansion as first Phnom Penh store launched
Ms. Lim Lychin, OCIC Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are pleased to welcome the first BIG C within our Chroy Changvar Satellite City, which is envisioned to be Phnom Penh’s newest central business district. This will be one of our anchor commercial establishments that will be directly connected to our newest, Sovann Machha.”
Lychin also emphasized OCIC’s commitment to developing Chroy Changvar Satellite City into the “Crown Jewel of Phnom Penh,” with a focus on leisure, entertainment, and business opportunities. “These contributions by OCIC can never be measured in terms of the solutions we provide, but in the number of lives that we impacted and bettered throughout the years.”
“This is OCIC’s continued commitment to everyone, which undoubtedly translates to more employment and economic opportunities for our country, the Kingdom of Cambodia, that in turn would contribute towards propelling human capital and the national economy forward,” she added.
Expansion strategy in Cambodia over the next five years
After the success of their first hypermarket in Poipet in 2019 and the establishment of 20 small-format “BIG C MINI” stores throughout Phnom Penh and Kampot, BIG C plans to continue its expansion strategy in Cambodia over the next five years. Factors contributing to this decision include rising incomes, brand recognition, strategic supply chain locations, and similar consumer demand in Cambodia as in neighboring countries such as Thailand and Laos.
Mr. Gary Hardy, BIG C’s COO, shared his excitement about the expansion, stating, “We are extremely delighted to be expanding our network in Cambodia with the signing of our first BIG C Hypermarket in Phnom Penh in Chroy Changvar. We opened our first hypermarket in Poipet in 2019 and have expanded 20 small-format ‘BIG C MINI’ throughout Phnom Penh and Kampot.”
“We are pleased to be partnering with OCIC and Canadia Group. This progressive step is part of a broader expansion strategy over the next five years to develop multiple formats across the whole of Cambodia and indeed the SEA region,” he added.
Read more: Big C continues rapid expansion plans in Cambodia buying Kiwi Mart
The ambitious expansion plan involves opening 350 stores and employing over 1,200 staff by 2026. The entry of BIG C into Cambodia’s retail market is expected to increase competition, as seen in the acquisition of 18 Kiwi Mart stores by the Thai-owned company last year. The development of the hypermarket in Chroy Changvar Satellite City will attract more residents from surrounding communities, increasing foot traffic and demand for goods and services.
Developing numerous projects in Chroy Changvar Satellite City
Hardy further explained the rationale behind the expansion, stating, “The BIG C brand already has a strong presence in neighboring countries such as Thailand and Laos – so strategically, Cambodia was the obvious next market destination for us. In addition, Cambodia is a rapidly growing economy, and we want to establish our brand here as it continues to grow.”
OCIC’s commitment to developing numerous projects in Chroy Changvar Satellite City has positioned the area as a prime destination for investors and international franchises. Some of the group’s initiatives include the Russey Keo bridge, the entry of global F&B brands like Starbucks, and the construction of government buildings and educational facilities.
The diversified group is also developing projects in Norea City, Olympia City, and Techo International Airport, with more townships and high-rise buildings slated for release in the second semester of 2023. The recent entry of BIG C into OCIC’s Chroy Changvar Satellite City is guaranteed to attract many more residents from surrounding communities who look forward to greater variety and ease of accessing basic goods.
