Big Apple Express Spa lays out aggressive expansion plan

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-owned wellness brand Big Apple Express Spa is targeting to open 10 branches next year as it celebrates a decade in the business as an innovative spa business that has made such services affordable to everyone.

The company aims to further grow the business and consolidate the sporadic spa industry to become the number one provider of spa services in the Philippines, Roselin Pagunsan, one of the owners, told The STAR in a chance interview.

In the future, the company also hopes to expand outside the country.

In June, the company opened its 20th branch at Ayala’s Ayala Fairview Terraces in Quezon City, which has been catering to nearby residents around the mall and the working class in the area.

For its 10th anniversary in 2015, the company is giving away desk calendars that include discount coupons they can use every month.

“A desk calendar will make our customers or the one who has it remember us all year round. With the calendar also has discount coupons that they can use every month to thank our customers for the invaluable support. With each desk calendar are 12 coupons with discounts for each month that they can avail to all Big Apple stores,” Pagunsan said.

She said the desk calendars would be available by Dec. 25 in the company’s branches.

The company is a business concept that utilizes modern business systems and service strategies.

“It is a venue where anyone can enjoy the benefits of massage therapy in a clean and comfortable environment at convenient times, locations and at affordable prices,” Pagunsan said.

In 2005, the company launched its pilot branch at Robinsons Galleria, introducing the revolutionary concept of bringing convenience and quality service of a destination spa at affordable prices.

As of 2008, just barely two years since it operated, the company registered a growth rate of 500 percent.

The company has expanded through franchising, with a low initial investment of P500,000 to P1.5 million, depending on the size of the area.

It also has reasonable payback period, site selection assistance as well as a simplified operating system.