0519 GMT - Recovery of consumer spending at Central Retail Corp. seems stronger than expected, UOB Kay Hian's Tanapon Cholkadidamrongkul says in a note. Its July same-store sales growth turned positive, supported by the FIFA World Cup campaign, effective marketing initiatives and improved product merchandising, the analyst says. The Thailand multi-format retailer is focusing on generating higher revenue from its existing asset base and larger customer base, while slowing store expansion. Its acquisition of Aeon (Thailand), including 30 Max Valu stores, creates upside to the company's earnings. The brokerage raises the stock's target price to 33.00 baht from 31.00 baht with unchanged buy rating. Shares are 1.8% lower at 27.25 baht.