CJ Express Supermarket vs 7 Eleven

If you are in Central Thailand region, you would be able to see many CJ Express Supermarket around. There are more than 300 CJ Express outlets located across Thailand.

1. Types of items being sold
I would say that CJ is similar to mini BigC or Tesco Express whereby it is a supermarket/ convenience store occupying one or two shoplot space. There are more items type being sold and the items are in the normal size.

For example, if you were to buy toiletries like shampoo or face cleanser from 7 Eleven, usually the smaller sizes are available. Hence if you are traveller who is staying in Thailand for a few days to two weeks, then you can find the right size of toiletries that you need from 7 Eleven. CJ would sell the normal size items.

2. Operating hours
CJ usually operates from 6am to 10pm. It is not 24 hours. But the operating hours are sufficient to cover where most people would visit the store.

Whereas all 7 Eleven stores operates 24 hours a day.

3. Pricing of items
Certain items like bread comes with a standard pricing so all stores including 7 Eleven would charge at standard pricing. However CJ tends to have more offers from time to time. For example last Christmas, they have discounts on Danish butter cookies which I bought a few tins from. Their offers are published on their Facebook page which is in Thai language but the pictures and pricing of the items are available.

4. Food availability
I could have food from 7 Eleven for breakfast, lunch and dinner. What makes 7 Eleven quite unbeatable is that they really have a huge selection of ready meals, burgers, croissants, sandwiches which foreigners like us love. And they constantly experiment with new types of food and flavours.

CJ also have instant meals and drinks but the variety is not as much as 7 Eleven stores.