YCP Solidiance’s New Report on the Transformation of Myanmar’s Retail Sector

Yangon, Burma, October 16, 2020 –(PR.com)– The rise of Myanmar’s GDP per capita from USD 1,251 in 2014 to USD 1,407 in 2019 has resulted in an expanding economy and a burgeoning middle-class population that supported the Myanmar retail sector’s rapid growth, particularly the mixed and integrated retailers. Our latest white paper, “The Transformation of Myanmar’s Retail Industry,” highlights that Myanmar’s retail landscape will maintain a momentum of steady and robust growth, with ample opportunities for foreign investments.

Demographic Changes Lead to Bigger Opportunities
These are some critical components of the retail industry of Myanmar:

Demographic changes lead to more significant untapped potentials
The 16-35 years age group accounts for a third of the country’s – 54 million population – while the under 25 years age group accounts for 46% of the total population. As such, Myanmar represents the untapped rising consumer market and promises long-term growth opportunities for retailers and consumer brands.

The modern retail landscape is increasing in prominence
Years ago, wet markets and traditional stores dominated the retail landscape in Myanmar. Today, the number of modern retail channels increases and currently accounts for approximately 10% of the country’s retail segment. Despite its small number, its revenue growth from 2013 to 2018 is at the CAGR level of 32.8%.

Promising growth is expected in the coming years
These days, modern groceries, F&B franchises, and malls can be found easily in big cities. In the fourth quarter of the 2019 calendar year (Q4 2019), Yangon’s retail area grew by 5% Q-o-Q and 6% Y-o-Y, primarily driven by new shopping malls. However, traditional retail, such as kiosks, wet markets, and small grocers remain dominant, accounting for 90% of the retail industry. The government’s policy on liberalization has encouraged modern retail companies to expand their businesses through foreign partnerships.

Myanmar’s Future of Retail: What’s in it for investors?
The retail sector in Myanmar is expected to expand further due to the opportunities and critical drivers present across the industry:

One of the key drivers of this development is a fundamental shift in consumer lifestyle and behaviors. These days, Myanmar consumers spend more on foreign brands, and leisure and entertainment enabling mixed and integrated retail developers have better potential in entering these segments.

The new market potential is available in Mandalay, the second commercial capital in the country, which has witnessed a rise in retail development. Unfortunately, distribution costs may cause a problem for developers.

Multinational companies can tap into the e-commerce segment, which was only recently formed, but is expected to grow big quickly.