JWD InfoLogistics Public Company Limited is upbeat about the outlook of self-storage business this year in the face of an E-commerce boom and condominium units getting smaller. The company has recently opened two new branches – at Thiam Ruam Mit and Ram Inthra – and is poised to launch a “car storage” service, targeting eastern Bangkok. Storage space with a 24/7 access and security system is designed to satisfy the demand of a new lifestyle.
Mr. Charvanin Bunditkitsada, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JWD, an ASEAN top logistics and supply chain solution, revealed that “In our assessment of the self-storage business, we have found it has a superb growth potential in 2020, We see that existing operators are putting more money into expanding their businesses while many new operators are entering the industry. This is because E-commerce is experiencing a rapid growth in Thailand, which pushes the demand higher for storage space close to commercial areas.”
Furthermore, new residential condominiums in town have been built with smaller units, leaving residents to struggle with less storage space. As a result, there are increasing needs for secure space to store personal belongings and valuables. Under these conditions, JWD has seen an opportunity to increase investment in self-storage business in areas with high potential in Bangkok, added Mr. Charvanin.
Recently, JWD has opened two new branches under the “JWD Store It!” brand. The Thiam Ruam Mit branch covers an area of 2,000 square meters with storage space of between 1-42 square meters per unit. It is situated within 10-minutes’ walk from the MRT Cultural Center station. It is located close to densely populated communities and commercial areas of Ratchadapisek, Rama 9, Ramkhamhaeng and vicinity. Since its opening on December 16 last year, consumers’ response has been satisfactory.
The branch has also started a new “Car Storage” service after a survey found a surging need among residents for secure parking spaces. Offered as drive-in storage, each unit covers between 14-16 square meters with 24-hour access under the watchful eye of a security system.
On January 2, the newest branch was opened in Ram Inthra area. The branch has 1,800 square meters of space with each storage unit taking up between 2.4-35 square meters.
The CEO added that the branch is situated in a high-potential area of commerce and residences in eastern Bangkok, and since its opening, there have been many inquiries from interested people. He is confident that the newest branch will receive good customers’ response. JWD is currently preparing the construction site for the fifth branch to be located in the Ramkhamhaeng area. It is expected to be open for business during the third quarter of this year.
Meanwhile, the JWD Store It! operations have been going well with the Si Kritha Branch (Krungthep Kritha Road) and the Siam Branch. The Si Kritha Branch, with an occupancy rate of 98%, caters mainly to long-term storage needs. The Siam Branch, with an occupancy rate of 60%, is seeing an increasing demand while it also offers a service for safe deposit boxes for storing valuables and JWD Art Space In response to the need of art collectors, the Siam Branch is offering a new, comprehensive service to store as well as move artwork that is up to international standards.
JWD aims to be the leading provider of self-storage services in Thailand. Within the next three years, JWD will have 15-20 branches with storage space of more than 20,000 square meters with locations convenient to customers in residential and commercial areas and easy access in order to fulfill the needs of modern consumers.
