Unveiling the Central European Village empire: a luxury shopping mall worth 2.4 billion baht owned by the Chirathivat family.
Stepping into its 15th year of expanding into the historic territory of Europe, Central Group, Thailand's leading retailer, is not only making a name for itself as a major investor who crosses borders to acquire businesses, but is also creating a new "mystery of success" that the business world is paying close attention to.
April 25, 2569 – With sales soaring to over 2.4 billion baht last year, amidst a changing consumer behavior trend where people crave more than just buying products, they are seeking “experiences” that money alone cannot buy.
The image of Central Group in the eyes of the world began to change when historic, landmark department stores in major European cities were revitalized under the umbrella of Thai capital. The mystery of the next step was clearly revealed by... Tos Chirathivat The CEO announced plans to elevate the iconic luxury department store network into a “community” that seamlessly integrates culture, creativity, and memorable experiences. A deeper look at this strategy reveals that the Chirathivat family doesn't just want to own a department store, but wants to be the "owner of time" for shoppers worldwide.
Assembling the "Inter Milan Generals" in a borderless empire.
To unify and enhance the efficiency of its European operations, Central Group has made a significant move by announcing the official appointment of a senior management team to oversee its European empire. This is not just a restructuring, but a step towards laying the foundation for each brand within its portfolio to work together seamlessly as one.
- Pierluigi Cocchini The CEO, who holds the overall vision, is responsible for setting strategic direction to enhance regional competitiveness and create a corporate culture that unites all luxury department stores while preserving the valuable identity of each banner.
- Giuseppe D'Amato The Chief Commercial Officer is responsible for driving the luxury brand portfolio, sourcing, and most importantly, transforming Retail Media into a new secret weapon to generate massive revenue from a superior customer database.
- Chart Chirathivat A key figure in the CEO's strategic role, acting as a liaison to foster collaboration between global brand partners and create seamless synergy between the European and Asian networks, ensuring Central Group remains an indispensable partner for luxury brands.
- André Maeder The leader who still helms Selfridges, the most influential department store in the United Kingdom and Ireland, is driving innovation to set new standards in global retail.
Landmarks of Time: From Heritage Buildings to World-Class Destinations
Currently, the Chirathivat empire in Europe encompasses 40 luxury department stores in 34 major cities, operating through its most influential banners, all strategically located in prime city center locations.
- Rinascente in Italy – the beginning of its greatness in 2554.
- Illum in Denmark – a luxury department store in the heart of Copenhagen.
- The KaDeWe Group in Germany – a symbol of luxury in Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.
- Globus in Switzerland – a department store reflecting Swiss sophistication.
- Selfridges Group – Crown jewels in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
A particularly noteworthy milestone was the opening of Globus Basel Marktplatz in October 2025, after more than three years of restoring the 119-year-old heritage building. The result is a destination that seamlessly blends original charm with contemporary luxury. This underscores Central Group's commitment to creating not just department stores, but timeless landmarks.
“40 Duke” and the rebranding of the experience to super-luxury.
If one were to ask about the advantages of this kingdom... launch “40 Duke” At Selfridges, Oxford Street, in April 2569, the answer lies this exclusive 2,300 square meter hybrid space, created for top-tier VVSP (Very Very Selfridges People) members under the Selfridges Unlocked program.
This isn't just a shopping destination; it's a "club" for discerning individuals, featuring 24 private rooms, a club lounge, and an outdoor dining area. It sheds the traditional mall image, transforming into an elusive and highly private "private lifestyle space," catering to the needs of wealthy new-generation individuals seeking exclusivity.
The new battleground of "Retail Media": a trillion-baht treasure trove.
A key driver in the rebranding from a retailer to a powerful media platform is the full-scale expansion into retail media. Central Group sees opportunities in its landmark locations and accurate customer database, anticipating this market in Europe to reach 1 trillion baht by 2569.
The success that has already been achieved can be seen from:
- Rinascente Announcing its transformation into a full-fledged "Media Company," the company is transforming all its branches in Italy into venues capable of spectacular brand takeovers.
- D Bancorp In the Netherlands, which has emerged as a leading platform for brand activation, creating campaigns with tens of millions of views, it has become a topic of interest for partner brands.
The end of a 15-year legend, and the endless journey ahead.
Central Group's significant expansion on its 15th anniversary proves that the Chirathivat family has not only achieved success in terms of sales, but they have also successfully created a "community" and set a new standard for luxury retail worldwide. Their valuable portfolio and strong network of partners are the foundation that will ensure the empire's continued growth.
as Tos Chirathivat It was stated, “The next step is to strengthen in all dimensions, including the management team, business structure, and expanding collaboration with partners to create added value and drive sustainable growth in both Europe and Asia.”
What will the future of the European trade battle be like? Will the wealthy Thai family be able to permanently capture the hearts of the world? We'll have to wait and see the movements of the four newly appointed leaders. But today, the name of the Central Group is already etched in history as the group that transformed "department stores" into empires of happiness where every second is spent valuably.
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