CEBU, Philippines - Why do people spend time in following their favorite K-pop group, celebrities, athletes, and even anime characters?
Other people say it's a waste of time, energy and money.
But not for Mr. Teddy Sy, who owns a company that caters to the fanatic needs of an anime fan – Comic Alley.
At the age of 21, he was challenged by his parents on whether his love for comics, magic cards and toys would end up just like that. His parents would say that his hobby would not be enough to support a family.
To prove them wrong, he followed his business instincts and started Comic Alley in Virra Mall in 1994.
The Owner
Sy, now 40 years old, is a 1993 graduate of a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, major in Business Administration from the University of Sto. Tomas (UST). Last 2012, he finished his MBA in the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. With his managing skills and leadership that were already manifested even when he was still a student, and entrepreneurial achievements in 2006, he was one of the 10 Most Outstanding Entrepreneurs awarded by Entrepreneur Magazine. Sy was also the UST Outstanding Alumnus in the field of Entrepreneurship last October 2008.
According to Rendrick Retes, Cebu Area Supervisor of Comic Alley, Sy is a magic card player and a former collector. This is why even before he graduated in from college, he partnered with a relative in a store specializing in comics and collectible items, such as trading cards.
The Products
Anime collectibles such as Pokémon, Naruto figures, posters, Domo bags and some other accessories can be found in Comic Alley. Famous Japanese character figures are usually the main product that they sell and they can make reservations on some limited edition items. Clothes for anime cosplay are also available in Comic Alley.
Customers usually leave the store with their bestselling products, such as necklaces and keychains. Domo bag is also a favorite item at Comic Alley.
Customers are young and old, local to foreign. Fans are not limited only to teenagers, though they are the main market of the business. However, some adults also collect anime stuff.
The Branches
From that one kiosk, the Comic Alley has now grown into 22 branches nationwide and still growing.
"In the previous years of Comic Alley, we expanded in Metro Manila but this year, we are targeting Visayas and Mindanao," says Retes.
Comic Alley in Ayala Center Cebu is the first branch in the Visayas, opened last September 2011. It was followed by the opening of the other outlet in J Center Mall in December 2011. Retes mentioned that they are already planning yet another one in SM City. There are also two branches in Davao. Cagayan de Oro is their next target city in the Vis-Min region. In the near future, they are planning to make Comic Alley a place for anime fans outside the country.
With these in the minds of the people behind the business, it shows how it grew from a simple hobby to a small business and now, a name to reckon with.
The business started as a one-man show with Sy doing all the business from the start.
Presently, they already have over 100 employees with at least three employees in every small stall and five in bigger ones.
Employees in Comic Alley are not just mere employees that wait and assist customers. Sy believes that a good Comic Alley employee is someone who knows the history of each anime in their product lines. He believes that a major factor in making a good sale is familiarity with it each item. Hence, employees regularly attend coaching and training seminars about anime.
Aside from that being familiar with anime, the staff also create a warm atmosphere for their customers, nurturing loyal buyers. They treat the customers as friends. Customer service is their main marketing strategy, according to Retes of Comic Alley Cebu.
"Masaya ako tuwing nakikita silang masaya tuwing pumapasok dito sa tindahan namin, gumagaan yung loob ko," Retes said when he was asked what does he feel about anime though he's not an avid fan of it.
"Yun yung isang dahilan kaya nagtagal ako sa Comic Alley," he added.
The Vision
"Our vision is to become the ultimate source of everything Anime in the Philippines," according to their company profile.
When people want to acquire anime collectibles, Comic Alley aims to be the first choice. They want to share their passion in anime and becoming the store that serves best the needs of an anime fan.
Comic Alley believes that Anime is part of life as because as long as there are people who continue to make new characters and stories, anime will continue to flourish.
As long as there are children who make Anime a part of their childhood, Anime will continue to make many people happy.
As long as there are adults who reminisce their childhood with Anime items, Anime will continue to bring back good memories.
And as long as there is someone like Teddy Sy who puts his interest in Anime into the next level, Anime is here to stay. (FREEMAN)