Villar-owned chain to open 150 outlets in 2 years

MANILA, Philippines - The Villar-owned Finds Convenience Stores Inc. (FCS) is planning to open 150 outlets in the next two years, some of which are to be opened to franchisees.

The move is part of the company’s rapid expansion program, its top official said.

According to FCS chief operating officer Wilfredo Camarillo, the expansion program would boost sales to the P1 billion-mark by next year. Next year alone, the company plans to open 100 stores.

Camarilo said that aside from the billion-peso sales target, the expansion program would also propel the company to be the first nationwide convenience store chain and be among the top three chains in the country.

Of the different stores, Vista Land-owned properties – the property developer also owned by the Villar family – will host the first 25 company-owned stores.

 “These stores also show that Vista Land cares for the needs of its homeowners,” said Camarillo.

He said the plan is to rapidly increase the number of stores from the current 25 with the firm’s decision to open up the chain to entrepreneurs through franchising.

 “The next 50 stores will be opened to franchisees. In fact, the retail group is already inking partnership agreements,” he said, adding that FCS intends to open the next 50 stores by year end and then launch 100 more stores in the next two years.

Finds Convenience Store was initially conceptualized to complement the villages and subdivisions developed by Vista Land nationwide and to serve the daily needs of its residents.

It makes quality products and value-added services more accessible to the Filipino consumers by establishing stores that are conveniently located in every Filipino community. The chain has adopted global standards with the use of supply chain management system that allows it to restock rapidly to ensure that goods on its shelves are fresh and of the best quality.

FCS has also put up an al fresco dining concept which offers all-day breakfast meals and ready-to-go meals any time of the day.

The company opened the first store in 2008 in Bacoor and Las Pinas. At present, a total of 25 company-owned stores are now completely operational including those in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan and many parts south of Manila.