Largest iStore opens in Cebu

The growing sophisticated and IT-savvy market in the Philippines prompted Cebu-based HPS ICT Inc., to open three more iStore shops in the country, particularly in Bacolod and Metro Manila.

iStore®, is the only Authorized Premium Reseller and Gold-level Apple Service Provider in Cebu, and the chain will soon conquer the big Metro Manila market, through the opening of its two stores in the next few months, said Stanley Yap, iStore chain managing director.

Recently, the company opened its largest iStore in Cebu—its third outlet, located at the SM Northwing.

In an interview with Yap, he said that with technology becoming a necessity, cost only comes as a secondary consideration next to the quality.

Although the Apple brand has a high cost-related impression in the market, it has slowly taken off in the Philippine market because of the growing number of highly educated IT savvy market.

Interestingly, he said what pushed the strengthening of the brand in the Philippines is the introduction of iPhone and iPod.

Philip Chua, Apple South Asia managing director said that the Philippines is slowly becoming one of the most active markets for Apple products in the region, especially with the introduction of iPod and iPhone.

"Philippines is a music country. The entry of iPod here has strengthened our brand to the mainstream market," Chua said.

For his part, Yap said since the company's introduction of the Apple brand to the Cebuano market some three years ago with the opening of first iStore in Cebu, at Banilad Town Center (BTC), the market is embracing the Apple products, regardless of its cost, over other brands. – Ehda M. Dagooc