Puregold partners with Philippines AirAsia

MANILA, Philippines - Puregold Price Club Inc. is taking its retail marketing to greater heights through a partnership with budget carrier Philippines AirAsia (PAA) for two plane liveries.

Puregold president Vincent Co told reporters during the launch of the new plane livery the supermarket chain decided to partner with PAA as part of efforts to encourage more individuals to shop at its outlets.

“The partnership is a perfect opportunity for Puregold to expand our brand’s reach,” Co said.

Under the partnership, two of PAA’s Airbus A320 aircraft have been wrapped with the official name and logo of Puregold.

Apart from the two plane liveries, Antonio de los Santos, vice president for operations at Puregold said the supermarket chain is also giving away PAA tickets to shoppers who meet a minimum purchase of P8,000.

“Not only are we partnering with AirAsia for the livery, we are also making sure Puregold customers get to try AirAsia for free,” he said.

PAA chief executive officer Dexter Comendador said the partnership with Puregold is in effect for one year.

“We are honored to be carrying a homegrown retail brand on the ground and in the skies, extending as far as the whole of Asean region to China, Korea and into the AirAsia Group’s massive network of over 120 destinations,” Comendador said.

As of last year, Puregold had 329 stores nationwide.

Of the 329 stores, 277 are Puregold outlets, 12 are S&R membership shopping warehouses, 23 are S&R New York Style fast food outlets, nine are NE Bodega Supermarkets and eight are Budgetlane Supermarkets.

Puregold plans to expand its presence further by opening 25 stores this year.

PAA, which has domestic and international flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu and Kalibo, utilizes 17 aircraft.

It has flights to or from the following domestic destinations: Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan) and Clark.

For international flights, it carries passengers to or from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Singapore.