Advanced Info Service Public : AIS 5G partners with PowerBuy, connecting Thais to the digital world Stimulating local economies through 400 AIS Telewiz outlets nationwide e-Ordering sales channel for IT products and supporting services in one place

20 September 2021: AIS 5G has formed a strategic partnership with PowerBuy, Thailand's number one retailer of electrical and electronic products under CRC, to stimulate local economies on Cross Channel Platforms with 400 AIS Telewiz shops in communities around the country. Consumers are connected through different Touch Points with technology, giving them access to IT products and services through the e-Ordering service for PowerBuy's extensive range of high-quality products. Sales staff act as a personal shopper, providing every service in a single location.

Pratthana Leelapanang, Chief Consumer Business Officer at AIS, explained, 'We are focussed on leveraging our digital network to be as the intermediary connecting new services and lifestyles. We provide opportunities to access digital technology, which has become an essential tool for Thai people working, learning, and trading under Covid-19 restrictions, something we have consistently promoted since the pandemic began. We believe that this has a variety of direct and indirect positive effects on national economic recovery. Most particularly, driving local economies and the retail sector improves the macro-economy. We are working with partners who have the same goals to deliver digital services which level up our customers' quality of life with technology. We are delighted to be working with PowerBuy on this occasion, to help grow grass-roots economies during the current challenges, and upgrade Thai people's quality of life by providing full access to digital technology.'

Varawut Pongchinpak, President of Power Buy Thailand Co. Ltd. under Central Retail mentioned that the Covid-19 pandemic has sparked new behaviors, especially in shopping. Sales through online channels have increased continuously, as customers become less attached to seeing the physical product before they decide to buy. E-Catalogs and E-Ordering have increasingly taken the role of presenting products and services. PowerBuy is a leader of its segment with multi-channel strategies, and looks for opportunities with partners with the potential for expanding its customer base to every part of Thailand. This collaboration with AIS and over 400 Telewiz stores to provide E-Ordering locations not only gives PowerBuy access to a bigger customer base, but also enhances the experience of visiting a Telewiz outlet.

'AIS' nurturing of its 43.2 million customers nationwide has provided insight into demand for access to electronic products which have internet connectivity. The collaboration between PowerBuy and AIS Telewiz shops is an innovative new format of sales channel for customers using e-Ordering technology to buy products that can be connected to the internet or Home Wi-Fi Broadband such as TVs, audio equipment or other products. AIS Telewiz sales staff at over 400 stores in major cities and provinces will act as personal shoppers via a tablet which displays PowerBuy's products and their functions, enables comparisons and exclusive deals, while organizing payment and home delivery. Even after-sales service is provided from the same single location. Customers in provincial cities will experience seamless shopping, covering every need of digital lifestyles.'

Varawut explained further that under this collaboration, PowerBuy would manage the e-Ordering sales locations in Telewiz stores through its e-Catalog, a range focussed on TVs, audio players, gadgets and other accessories. Customers in a Telewiz shop can select products on a tablet, take advantage of various exclusive privileges and choose a delivery channel. After making payment for the products, they get a slip confirming the purchase. Shopping through Telewiz will see customers provided with the same full service as if buying directly from a PowerBuy store. For instance, there is free delivery to designated locations, a full warranty, and recommendations directly from PowerBuy's Call Center. Therefore, whether buying from a PowerBuy or a Telewiz, customers can be confident of excellent service and 100% guaranteed branded products.

Pratthana concluded, 'Digital technology will have ever-increasing impacts on the workflows of every business sector to align with constantly changing consumer behavior. This link-up between AIS and PowerBuy clearly illustrates our goals as a Digital Life Service Provider, from the perspective of upgrading experiences and creating new opportunities for Thais with network technology, enabling access to all Thais in big cities and provincial communities nationwide.'