Kohler Co, an American sanitary ware maker, is expanding into Southeast Asia by opening a 50-million-baht store in Bangkok.
Kohler: Bangkok site will serve region
The company plans to open an additional 11 stores worldwide during 2017-18.
President and chief executive David Kohler said the company is introducing the Kohler Experience Center (KEC) to showcase innovative bathroom and sanitary products through a more engaging and comprehensive shopping experience.
Kohler is including KEC at its newest flagship stores and outlets, including the one in Bangkok.
KEC have also been opened in Kohler's New York, London, New Delhi and Taipei stores.
In 2018, the company is slated to open locations in Singapore, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Toronto, and Dubai.
"The Bangkok store is our first flagship location in Southeast Asia," Mr Kohler said. "It will serve markets across the region, as well as the Middle East and China, where many developers are using architects and designers from Thailand."
He said Kohler chose Bangkok for its regional flagship site because of the capital's rich architectural history.
The store is located along Sukhumvit Road in Thong Lor, one of Bangkok's trendier neighbourhoods, and a strategic area for lifestyle and real estate development in Thailand and the region.
The store is a joint venture with D.P. Ceramic Co, one of Kohler's authorised distributors.
Prasit Nopparatnapalai, managing director of D.P. Ceramic, said it invested 50 million baht to open at Noble Remix Thonglor.
"We expect the store to generate a revenue of 100 million baht in the first year, and 300-500 million baht per year in the next few years," he said.
D.P. Ceramic said its total revenue would be 700 million baht this year and climb to 1 billion baht per year in the next three years. The firm's largest income streams will be Kohler stores as well as its existing shop in Pin Klao.
Mr Kohler said Thailand's real estate and property market will continue to grow, especially in the high-end segment. The rate at which luxury residences are launched into the market has accelerated in the last few years, and these properties have secured an impressive response.
