3 RETAIL NEWS CAPSULE
PHILIPPINE RETAILING
Watsons opens 1000th Philippine store – its largest yet
Health and beauty retail giant Watsons has opened its 1000th store in the Philippines – which is also its largest in the country yet .
Coinciding with the company ’ s 20th anniversary in the Philippines , the new store located in The Block , SM City North Edsa , spans nearly 1000sqm and displays a range of products the company says “ takes the shopping experience to the next level ”.
“ This new flagship store is important in the nationwide expansion in this beautiful country as it ’ s a clear demonstration of Watsons ’ determination to strengthen our connection with customers via seamless O + O ( online-to-offline ) platforms ,” said Dominic Lai , group MD of Watsons , who attended the opening event .
“ O + O platform strategy is at the core of our business to create an integrated experience , to better serve customers anytime , anywhere .”
The interactive O + O experience includes several tools online and on-site , including a Skinfie Lab , a skin analysis tool that creates personalised skincare recommendations from selfies ; a # ColourMe Virtual Makeup tool that lets customers try cosmetics digitally ; a virtual consultation and remote physical examination in partnership with The Medical City ; and a Supplement Finder .
Using its 1000-strong store network in the country , Watsons also offers customers an online express delivery service that can deliver their products within three hours or pickup orders in-store within 30 minutes via Click and Collect Express .
In addition , the company also aims to support customers ’ sustainable lifestyles by offering more than 1500 eco-friendly products under Clean Beauty , refill packs , better packaging , and better ingredients .
“ Looking ahead , we ’ re committed to continuing our expansion in the Philippines and the rest of the world ,” Lai concluded . “ Besides bringing pleasurable O + O shopping experience to our customers , we want to engage our customers to do good to the community and the planet through our sustainability programs .”
Inside Retail Asia , 02 / 06 / 2023
SM buys JCentre Mall
Retail giant SM is now the new owner and operator of JCentre Mall , a commercial development in Mandaue City .
This was confirmed by Justin Uy , president of EverJust Realty Development Corp ., the developer and owner of JCentre Mall , on Friday , Feb . 10 , 2023 .
the group ’ s expansion plans for its other businesses in tourism , real estate and food manufacturing .
The Uy family owns JPark Island Resort Waterpark Cebu in Mactan , J Tower Residences in Mandaue City and Profood International Corp ., the leading producer and exporter of various dried fruit , preserves , purees , concentrates and juices .
JCentre ’ s mall management issued a notice of pre-termination of lease contract to its tenants on Oct . 29 , 2022 .
Uy , in a phone interview , said SM will take over the mall which officially closed its doors on Jan . 31 after 11 years of operation . He , however , declined to disclose the sale agreement .
Uy said SM will renovate the entire mall and will reopen it in March 2024 .
“ SM plans to expand the mall ’ s footprint and will even open a department store ,” he said .
The mall sits on a 12-hectare property along A . S Fortuna St . in Mandaue City . About 3.1 hectares is occupied by the mall . It had over 200 tenants .
“ We regret to inform you that the mall will have its new ownership soon and major renovation will be done in the coming months . Hence , we are giving you 90 days to prepare and vacate the leased area . We allow a grace period for the total or complete egress until Jan . 31 , 2023 ,” the letter said .
Commercial leasing had a rough year since the pandemic began in 2020 due to the varying stages of lockdowns , paralyzing brick and mortar operations . While stores weren ’ t allowed to open during that time , consumers turned to online shopping .
Uy said the sale of JCentre Mall was part of the group ’ s strategy to remain relevant in today ’ s post pandemic era .
He said of the businesses owned by the group , the retail segment had the least return of investment , its poor performance further exacerbated by the pandemic .
Uy said proceeds of the sale will be used to pay off loans and fund
Sunstar Cebu , 02 / 12 / 2023