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Letter from the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PHILIPPINE RETAILING
This year 2022 , the retail sector aims for a steady recovery and rebound despite starting the new year on a rough patch with another surge of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines . The spread of the Omicron variant over the holidays has yet again slowed down economic activities in the country . Nonetheless , we Filipinos were able to quickly manage to get back on track again as the pandemic situation improves in the country – with the majority of the population getting inoculated and protected , and the public has continued to exercise safe and cautious practices by following the healthy and safety protocols in the public and commercial establishments .
As we kick off the first quarter of 2022 , we see the reopening of businesses and industries in the country that poses a promising opportunity for all . We in the PRA hope that these favorable circumstances continue for the rest of the year ahead .
In this issue , we are delighted to share with you the story of Primer Group of Companies ’ President & CEO Jimmy Thai and his story of finding opportunities in every crisis and how they were able to tap on the growth of outdoor and sustainable lifestyle brands amidst the pandemic .
More in this issue are the outlook messages from Philippine Retail Leaders , the latest news stories from our PRA members and the recent developments in the local retail industry . Likewise , read on the feature article by our PRA President Rosemarie B . Ong as she shares the insights from the National Retail Federation ’ s ( NRF ) The Big Show , which she personally attended last January in New York City .
We are also happy to share with you the news on PRA ’ s award-winning Let ’ s Talk Retail podcast as we take it to the next level this year , and the story of one of our PRA Members whose urban farming pandemic activity turned into an award-winning sustainability initiative that has been recognized internationally .
We in the PRA are looking forward to a better and brighter new year ahead . May we all continue to work together and turn challenges into opportunities .
Evelyn Balmeo-Salire Editor-in-Chief
PHILIPPINE RETAILING EDITORIAL TEAM
Mayan Sangil Managing Editor
BM Miranda Circulation Manager
The Philippine Retailing is the official quarterly publication of the Philippine Retailers Association with office at 2607 / 2610
Jollibee Plaza F . Ortigas Jr . Road ( formerly Emerald Ave .) Ortigas Center , Pasig City , Philippines
Telephone Nos .: ( 632 ) 8687-4985 , 8687-4180 , 8687-4181 Fax No .: ( 632 ) 8636-0825 . For questions , comments , suggestions , contributions or ad placements email us at : ebbs @ philretailers . com or adcomm @ philretailers . com
Evelyn Balmeo-Salire Editor-in-Chief
Paul Payongayong Graphic Designer
Contributors Rosemarie B . Ong | Terence Ng | George Pepes Aaron Cheris | Derek Keswakaroon Kanaiya Parekh | Gino Dizon | PLDT Enterprise
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