Bangkok, 20 June 2025 – Central Group has once again made its mark on the global retail stage, taking home three prestigious accolades at the IGDS World Department Store Awards 2025. This year, three of its luxury department stores across three countries - Central Chidlom (Thailand), Selfridges (UK), and Brown Thomas (Ireland) - were recognised for their exceptional innovation and service excellence, cementing Central Group’s position as a true global retail leader.

The IGDS World Department Store Summit (WDSS), jointly hosted by the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS) and Lotte Department Store of South Korea, is regarded as the most esteemed forum in the global department store industry. The awards are judged by a distinguished panel of experts from leading international organisations. This year’s grand ceremony was held in Seoul, where the Central Group delegation was led by Yuwadee Chirathivat, along with senior Thai executives including Suthipak Chirathivat, Natira Boonsri , Tapida Norpanlob, and Rvisra Chirathivat. They were joined by André Maeder, CEO Central Group Europe and CEO of Selfridges Group, and key European leadership.

This international recognition reflects the Group’s strength as a global leader in retail and services. Central Group continues to operate with a strong commitment to sustainability, bridging local market expertise with a unified global vision. By setting new standards through innovation, creativity, and customer-centric service, the Group remains dedicated to continual growth that is both meaningful and sustainable.

The three international accolades underscoring excellence in innovation and service are as follows:

• Central Chidlom, Thailand, under Central Retail, was named “The Most Innovative Department Store in the World” for seamlessly integrating innovation, technology, and experiential retail into the lifestyle of modern consumers. Reinforcing its identity as “The Store of Bangkok,” Central Chidlom has captured the hearts of shoppers in the heart of the city. It is also the first and only Thai department store to ever receive this esteemed global honour. The award was accepted on behalf of the store by Natira Boonsri, CEO of Central Department Store Group under Central Retail.
• Selfridges, London, an iconic department store in the portfolio of Central Group, was named a Finalist in the same category, standing out on this highly competitive global stage. With its forward-thinking approach that blends technology with fashion, art, and sustainability, Selfridges continues to elevate the retail experience in bold and inspiring ways. The brand has been recognised in this category for five consecutive years, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s most iconic luxury department stores.
• Brown Thomas, Dublin, also under Central Group’s portfolio, brought pride to its entire organisation when Michelle Curtin, Head of Personal Shopping, was awarded “World’s Best Sales Associate at a Department Store”. Known for her thoughtful, heartfelt service, Curtin exemplifies the Group’s unwavering commitment to service excellence – a reflection of an organisational culture where “the heart of service” is deeply embedded.

Yuwadee Chirathivat, Executive Director Central Retail, Central Group , stated:

“We are truly honoured that our three leading department stores have been recognised on this prestigious global platform. These awards highlight the strength of our teams across countries, who drive the business forward with creativity, world-class standards, and a deep understanding of customer needs. We remain committed to elevating the customer experience and take great pride in representing Thailand on the world stage.”

André Maeder, CEO Central Group Europe and CEO of Selfridges Group, added:

“This achievement reflects the power of collaboration across the Central Group. By connecting diverse cultural perspectives with a unified business vision, we continue to shape the future of global retail with sustainable growth.”

Pictured from left:
Timo Weber, Rvisra Chirathivat, Leonie Foster, Donald McDonald, Michelle Curtin, Natira Boonsri, Yuwadee Chirathivat, André Maeder, Suthipak Chirathivat, Tapida Norpanlob, Simone Heift,

Central Group remains steadfast in its vision to advance its department store business on the world stage under the “Central of Life” philosophy - creating ideal lifestyle destinations that inspire people across all corners of the globe.