Cebu-owned apparel brand brings manufacturing home

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano-own apparel brand Loalde has transferred bulk of its manufacturing operations in Cebu, giving up large of its outsourced works in Hong Kong and China.

Loalde Group president Chris P. Aldeguer announced that due to high speed transition of fashion trends and tougher competition with the entry of  established international apparel brands, the company decided to put together its operations in Cebu to attain high efficiency and frequency of introducing new designs in its 14 outlets nationwide.

"For over 10 years we maintained 70 percent of our manufacturing requirement abroad in Hong Kong and China. Now, in order to emphasize our 'exclusivity' we have to transfer majority of our operations here," said Aledguer in an interview.

Loalde is one of the very few homegrown Filipino apparel brands in the sophisticated-chic category that have been able to successfully compete with global names, suchs ZARA, Forever 21, and H&M, among others.

Although the apparel consumer market has also expanded and grown tremendously, both in volume and fashion awareness, Aldeguer said local brands have already felt the pinch of the foreign brands’ growing presence in the Philippines.

With this move, Aldeguer said Loalde will be able to introduce at least 1,500 styles a year in 150,000 pieces.

"Fashion now is very dynamic and fast changing. the awareness of the market is on its peak now because of internet and the presence of global brands," he emphasized.

The stylish and trendier styles will be made in Cebu, while 30 percent of the brands requirement, which are mostly classic in design will be manufactured in Hong Kong and China.

The 37-year old Cebuano apparel brand founded by Lou Aldeguer, registered 10 percent to 18 percent growth in the last three years.

According to Aldeguer Loalde has to sustain its name in providing exclusive apparel designs that would settle in between being fashionable and wearable. Over the years, Loalde has been known for its exclusive designs, setting apart from the usual mass production styles available in big global brand chains.

At present, Loalde maintains 50 to 60 people to man its manufacturing plant located in Cabangcalan, Mandaue city. It plans to add about 20 percent more in the next few months.

"Unlike other fashion apparel retail company, we started as manufacturing firm, so its easy to make this big transition of operational dynamics," Aldeguer explained.

Three years ago, Loalde now headed by Aldeguer, together with wife Nia Durano-Aldeguer introduced its hip and lifestyle brand Fish 18 to expand its customer-base coverage including the young and stylish generation.

Soon, Aldeguer added that Loalde is considering to open up its Loalde Kids selection. (FREEMAN)