1 TABLE OF CONTENTS PHILIPPINE RETAILING
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Letter from the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The recent huge successful comeback of the National Retail Conference & Stores Asia Expo ( NRCE ) into the live format after three years showed that the retailers were excited to meet up again in person to share ideas and experiences .
Exhibitors were also happy that there is again a renewed interest from industry players to source for the latest technologies to jumpstart again the momentum for business . This was evidenced by the equally huge turnout of visitors including from major retail players .
We are honored to see retail icons such as SM ’ s Ms . Tessie Sy-Coson , Robinsons ’ Ms . Robina Gokongwei-Pe , and Wilcon ’ s William Belo at the conference and checking out the exhibits . Exciting times indeed .
If the NRCE ’ s success is any indication , then I can probably safely say that our retail industry is back on its feet and ready for the next challenge .
As we all continue to head towards the new chapter in retail , we in the PRA are happy to update our members that your association has been representing the local retail industry in various government affairs such as meeting with the new DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual and other e-commerce partners in the industry , representations in House and Senate hearings for the deliberation on the proposed bills on imposing VAT on Digital Transactions , and the proposed Internet Transactions Act . Furthermore , PRA showed support in Go Negosyo ’ s MSME Summit as the country pursues empowering local businesses for economic growth .
In this issue , we are delighted to share with you more stories from the PRA and the industry , and of course the feature of Central Marketing Group ’ s President Edwin Hawson and his story on Soaring Beyond Borders .
More on this issue are the updates and spread of the 28th NRCE , the latest news from our PRA members , and the recent developments in the local retail industry . Likewise , read the feature article about Rustan ’ s 70th anniversary , and many more !
We in the PRA are always optimistic about better and brighter days ahead . May we all continue to work together and turn challenges into opportunities . God bless us all !
Evelyn Balmeo-Salire
Editor-In-Chief
PHILIPPINE RETAILING EDITORIAL TEAM
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 communications @ philretailers . com
The views and opinions expressed in our published works are those of the author ( s ) and do not reflect the opinions of the PRA or its Editors .
Mayan Sangil Managing Editor
BM Miranda Circulation Manager
Evelyn Balmeo-Salire Editor-in-Chief
Paul Payongayong Graphic Designer
Contributors Gino Dizon | Derek Keswakaroon | Francine Gierak | Joey Bondoc | George Pepes Terence Ng
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