Tindahang Pinoy preps up for online trading venture

CEBU, Philippines - After the successful operations of Tindahang Pinoy in Cebu for three months, the Department of Trade and Industry proposed to the outlet’s facilitators to venture out on online shopping for Tindahang Pinoy customers.

DTI Central Visayas Regional Director Asteria Caberte said that Cebu products shall be available online to provide more convenience for shoppers who are patronizing locally-produced goods.

“Soon, they can order online or call from any Tindahang Pinoy. We will partner with a logistics provider and we are eyeing FedEx for deliveries outside the country,” Caberte said.

Cebu GTH President Ramir Bonghanoy added that although it may take time and money for such plan, their organization is starting out the preparations and looking forward to its online operation by the year ends.

In cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry, Cebu Gifts, Toys and Housewares, Foundation Inc. (Cebu GTH) manages the facility accommodated by exporters from Cebu and other provinces in the region.

Around 70% of products in the Tindahang Pinoy Cebu outlet will be sourced from Central Visayas and 30% from other regions in the Philippines. Products under the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program of the DTI will also be displayed.

 Products include dried mangoes, mango wine, guitars of Lapu-Lapu, peanut kisses of Bohol, stonecraft of Negros Oriental, rosquillos of Liloan, chicharon of Carcar, wall decors, house and body accessories and others.

With the positive response on Tindahang Pinoy, Bonghanoy expressed its gratitude to DTI for helping them with the facility.

“Indeed, this has been a long-time dream of all exporters and now, with the efforts and help of DTI, we have finally come up with this store,” he said.

Cebu GTH Vice-President for External Pedro Sepulveda Jr. said that the sales of the showroom are continually increasing every month since they are being aggressive in their marketing strategies.

“Initially, we only had P120,000 and last month, we generated sales to P200, 000 and probably this month, we are targeting P300, 000 in our sales. So, it’s more than double, almost triple,” Sepulveda said.

Sepulveda added that they received invitations from the Chinese delegation to join its showroom in China and support from Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes.

From 25 original contractors, Tindahang Pinoy already had 42 contractors since December 5, 2011 until now.

“In a short time, we will let the world know. We have to refine what we are doing here. We see lots of positive development. We are reaping what we sow, although there are challenges. But we do not stop there,” Bonghanoy stated.

Among three Tindahang Pinoy outlets in the country, Cebu houses the largest facility compared to Clark and Davao.

There will be a national launching of the three outlets of Tindahang Pinoy which will be held in Cebu on April 19 with DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo.

Located in a 500-square-meter space in Bridges Town Square along Plaridel Street in Mandaue City, Tindahang Pinoy showcases and sells world-class products catering the high-quality tastes of local and foreign tourists. (FREEMAN)