Bench, Mint, Res Toe Run at PFA

MANILA, Philippines - The time is ripe for Bench, Mint, and Res Toe Run to try and conquer the international fashion scene. Their success in the competitive local market proves they have what it takes to make it big.

A Moving Bench

One of the most prominent lifestyle and clothing brands in the country, Bench made its way to the hearts and closets of millions of Filipinos by utilizing the star power of local celebrities. What started out as a small clothing shop at a prominent shopping mall in Manila in 1987, this homegrown brand, through the years, has evolved into a name that defines not just a lifestyle but a generation as well.

In 2009, Bench was awarded as the Global Filipino Franchise Concept of the Year (Retail Category) by the PFA. Before that, it earned the Global Filipino Franchise Award also from the PFA in 2008. Today, Bench has expanded its market by opening fashion and apparel shops outside of the Philippines. It now has branches at Al-Khobar in Saudi Arabia, Shanghai, China, Kuwait, Los Angeles and Dubai.

But this company just won’t let itself be tied down locally. Today, Bench is preparing to strengthen its presence in the international scene. By opening its doors to franchisees here and other countries, the company hopes to conquer the global scene and establish itself as the ultimate Filipino brand that everyone can be proud of.

A Long-Lasting Mint

A young and hip clothing brand that spells freshness, Mint has proved that you don’t need flashy endorsements to succeed. Although this clothing brand has remained relatively quiet in terms of their marketing efforts, it has established itself as one of the top local clothing brands.

Mint owes its success mostly to its fresh and young designs that mainly target the teen and early 20s market. Providing consistency all throughout these years, the company has successfully positioned its brand and has made its own mark in the local fashion scene.

Now, the brand and the company prepare themselves to expand further as they open their doors to franchisees. The company brings its young and hip designs to more people and makes its presence strong in the market.

Innovating Res Toe Run

A relatively new but successful name, Res Toe Run did what most people thought would never work — combining food and footwear.

With the hope of “serving” their customers the latest styles of shoe collections from all over the world, the company behind this now familiar store chain made sure they stand out from other shoe stores by providing shoe-aholics the calm and familiar feel of a restaurant in its stores.

 The store showcases more than 15 foot apparel brands that they’ve cleverly divided into three categories: casual footwear, sandals and flip-flops, and athletic-inspired shoes. And with popular and well-loved brands like Kickers, DC, Tretorn, Ellesse, Sledgers, Kruzin, Columbia, The North Face, and Salomon, it’s easy to see why shoe lovers are always running to Res Toe Run for their fill of foot comforts.

Res Toe Run currently has 15 branches nationwide and they are looking to expand more. Awarded Most Promising Retailer of the Year Award 2010 by the Philippine Retailers Association, I think it’s safe to say that everyone can expect a lot more good things for this one of a kind shoe hub.

Franchise Asia 2011

The clothing and fashion scene is one of the biggest in the world. With revenues amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars every year, competition in this industry is fierce and entry can be a real gamble. However, one can increase the probability of his success by aligning themselves to popular names that have already gained the trust of millions.

Know more about the ins and outs of franchising by going to Franchise Asia 2011, the biggest franchise exhibit in history. This three-day event will showcase more than 500 stalls and 1000 local and foreign franchise concepts and brands. From Sept. 19 to 25 the Philippines will become the setting for this historic event that will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.

Learn from heads of national franchise associations worldwide as they discuss everything about latest trends and developments in franchising to help franchisors and franchisees stay ahead in today’s demanding and ever-changing market.