In the Philippines this year: Anta sportswear brand to open 30 more stores

CEBU, Philippines —  Global sportswear brand Anta is cashing in on the growing fitness market, and wellness fashion post-pandemic as it announced to open at least 30 more stores in the Philippines before the end of 2023, amid the popularity of online shopping, and the threat of rising inflation.

Anta, the third largest sportswear group in the world made its entry to the Southern Philippine market with the opening of its biggest boutique store in the Philippines, at the Ayala Center Cebu.

In an interview with Anta PH marketing manager Mikko Abello, he expressed confidence in the branded sportswear market with the planned 30 new stores this year on top of the existing 20 stores in the country today.

The growing interest in fitness, wellness, and sports after the pandemic boosted the company’s plan to invest in physical stores, as the overall retail performance of the business has been encouraging amid jitters of inflation, and even the consumers’ growing adaption to eCommerce.

According to Abello, the brand’s entry in Cebu commenced its aggressive expansion plans in the Southern Philippine market, saying the company is drawing plans to establish brick-and-mortar stores in major cities in Visayas and Mindanao. Although, it also continues to grow its presence in the wide Luzon market.

With brands under the conglomerate such as Salomon, Arc’teryx, Wilson, and Peak Performance among others, Anta continues to make its mark on athletes around the globe.

International ambassadors of the brand include NBA Players Klay Thompson and Gordon Hayward and Olympic Skier Eileen Gu.

In Cebu, the brand inked a sponsorship deal with Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu’s basketball team.

Meanwhile, Kantar Philippines, the world’s leading data, insights, and consulting company predicted that despite eCommerce’s popularity especially during the COVID-19 season, consumers are now returning to the “old normal” activities, and brick-and-mortar shopping platform is seen to make its rebound.

Kantar believes that the re-opening of the economy and increased mobility posed challenges to the eCommerce retail platform, Coronel said thus, there is a need for online retailers to shape up, and find their niche in the market.

Likewise, Colliers Philippines forecast revealed that retailers will expect to

post profits after a two-year business slowdown, driven by “revenge spending” a phenomenon that already started.