Primer Group to open more shops in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Primer Group of Companies recently announced to open at least 15 shops in Cebu by 2015.

“Cebu’s retail industry has been growing by leaps and bounds and we want to be part of that. We think that the Cebuanos’ openness to new brands will further cement our footing in the retail industry here,” said Primer Group assistant vice president Johanns Tan.

Primer Group is engaged in the retail and distribution of premium consumer brands in outdoor, footwear, fashion, wellness and urban lifestyle.

According to Tan, the company's retail segment alone has grown to over 130 premium brands with over 300 stores in eight Asian countries.

Its stores include Bratpack, Ladybag, Res Toe Run, R.O.X., The Travel Club, Grind, General, Flight001and Sneekpeek that carries premium brands like DC, Roxy, Kickers, Sanuk, Sledgers, Native, Boxfresh, FitFlop, JanSport. The North Face, among others.

In Cebu, the company has about 30 stores carrying 100 premium brands.

Last week, the company added another high-end store at the new wing of Ayala Center Cebu, called General, which carries the G-Star Raw brand, an Amsterdam-based denim label.

According to Tan at least 15 stores will be opened in Cebu once the SM Seaside City Cebu at the South Road Properties will open next year.

Likewise, before the end of this year, the Group will also open three more stores in SM City Cebu and four more in 2015.

Tan revealed that the company is currently negotiating for more international brands to enter the Philippine market.

The improving purchasing power of Filipinos and its sophistication fuels the growth of the country’s retail industry.

“Filipino consumers have become more sophisticated now," he said adding that the consumers' willingness to embrace new brands allow retail stores to flourish here.

Significantly, the popularity of social media, also pushes strong consumer spending.

The company's business manager for Visayas and Mindanao, Juvvy de Leon, said that premium brands are doing well in terms of sales in Cebu, because Cebuano consumers are after products that offer value for money. — (FREEMAN)