Supermarket
ROBINSONS
SUPERMARKET
136
ROBINSONS
SELECTIONS
3
ROBINSONS
EASYMART
22
JAYNITH'S
SUPERMART
3
RUSTAN
SUPERCENTERS
INC.
88
STORE
COUNT
252
Robinsons Supermarket runs one of the largest supermarket chains in the country. Our thrust and differentiation has always been Health and Wellness and we are the only major mainstream supermarket chain that positions itself specifically in this niche. We are proud to know that we have influenced more people to adopt healthy lifestyles through our consistent and single-minded advocacy of promoting healthy and nutritious food. The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) is our partner for the I Love Wellness program, where our products have color-coded labels so it is easier for customers to make informed choices about what they buy, particularly those labeled with green tags as these passed the nutrition standards of FNRI.
We also owe our success to our capability to adapt to the dynamism of the retail business and how connected we are to people. It is challenging and exciting to find room for innovation with the evolving market. Technological disruptions such as e-commerce are necessary in the industry and we embrace what technology has to offer. The Filipino omnichannel shopper, for example, is emerging and we want to be ready to respond to their needs as consumers.
In 2018, we partnered with Metromart to expand our presence online, as well as invested in Growsari, a mobile online ordering and delivery platform that specifically services sarisari stores.
Moving forward, we believe that we contribute to the well-being of people through our Health and Wellness platform and to the industry as a whole because of our wide assortment, competitive prices, better shopping experience and customer engagement. We are positive that there is still a lot room to grow in the Philippines, and we are proud to be part of the expansion of modern retail in the provincial areas as this has provided better choices and convenience to people. We likewise take pride in being able to elevate the standard of supermarket shopping and experience wherever we are present.
Collectively, our vision is to be the supermarket of choice and the number one top of mind supermarket of Filipinos and we will continue to work hard to achieve this. To already hear some people say that our supermarkets are not far behind or even better than those abroad is a testament to our efforts and programs to be competitive against our peers, in Asia at least.
-Justiniano S. Gadia, Managing Director
Robinsons Supermarket has steadily been expanding since opening its first store in 1985. It has the following subformats: Robinsons Supermarket for mainstream mall-based supermarkets, Robinsons Easymart as neighborhood minimarts, Robinsons Selections as premium positioned, and three cash & carry outlets of Jaynith’s Supermart. On November 23, 2018, Robinsons Retail acquired Rustan Supercenters, Inc. and added its 88 stores under its network.
Department Store
STORE
COUNT
52
At Robinsons Department Store, we want to constantly be the avenue for exciting shopping experiences through product assortment, customer service, and store ambiance that will not only satisfy but delight. Being a legacy brand as it has spanned generations, we are proud of our identity as the first format of Robinsons Retail. Across all our stores, we bring in a wide selection of well-known international and local brands, from home, to apparel, cosmetics and fragrances, and Toys R Us Toy Box section. As they shop, we also offer customers convenience through the Robinsons Business Center, which serves as a hub for bill payments, ticketing, cash remittances, and other financial services with accredited partners.
But more than this, we look at each store and we get to know our customers through customer analytics. Loyalty and analytics will truly be a valuable tool in the future and in making sure that we are attuned to our customers’ needs and wants. We get to connect more with our customers and provide them with more value and it is easier to predict their behavior during interactions, as well as how and when to get in touch with them in order to create personalized responses.
Merchandising strategies are an inherent part of the success of our business. Over the last few years, we have been really focused on improving our selections to make the buying experience more attractive and fun for the consumer. We brought in industry experts like world-renowned furniture designer and visual storyteller Ito Kish and fashion designer Arturo Go.
Ito heads the team behind Curated Home, a brand he developed from concept to fruition, driven by the idea that we want to inspire customers and let them find everything they need to create beautiful homes. Arturo, on the other hand, lends his expertise to our fashion categories and has been instrumental in developing our inhouse brands such as Stella, Liberte and Bridget’s Closet.
The department store business is getting widely competitive as even more local and international formats come in and online stores gaining traction. Because of an even faster pace of their lifestyles, customers are in need for a new and meaningful shopping experiences. We are
undergoing a major disruption that is centered on our customers and with all of the changes, only one thing is for sure: our customers expect more from us, and we are determined to deliver.
-Celina N. Chua, Group General Manager
Robinsons Department Store is RRHI’s pioneer format. The first store opened in Robinsons Place Manila in 1980.
Do-It-Yourself
STORE
COUNT
165
Handyman goes by the mantra of “people you know, products you trust.” We are partnered with USA’s Do it Best Corporation and we strive to deliver the highest level of service with our helpful store personnel, as well as offer the best hardware and home improvement options at competitive prices.
We believe this is what differentiates us the most from our competitors — the level of attention we devote to our customers and knowing their needs.
Our stores allow the rising Filipino middle class, our target market, to make aspirational decisions when it comes to creating spaces for themselves and their families. They are becoming more comfortable in switching from traditional hardware stores to mall-based chains like Handyman, given the convenience and overall improved shopping experience. We continuously think of new and innovative programs to sell and promote our products given the growing and emergence of different types of demographic markets, from Gen X to Gen Z.
To further build relationships with our customers, we rely on engagement through various avenues. In our stores, we train our employees to be informative, to listen, and to make relevant
suggestions. We are active on all major social media platforms to not only inform the public about promotions and upcoming activities, but also to be able to easily address concerns and queries.
One of events we consistently run is Customer Appreciation Day, where we invite our patrons to play games, win prizes, and get good discounts on our products. Another is our Trade-In Promo, where we ask them to trade useful items, such as books or bottled water, for discounts at our stores. All of the traded items are donated to chosen beneficiaries such as Mano Amiga Pilipinas, Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, and Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc.
In 2018, we opened 20 stores across the Philippines, the highest number of openings we have done so far in a single year. Alongside our organic growth, we have also dived into e-commerce, housing over a thousand SKUs in the online platforms.
The construction boom and the rise of residential properties are positive indicators for further expansion. It is an exciting industry to be in. There is still a large number of underserved areas and we want to become the first choice in delivering value when it comes to home solutions.
-Stanley C. Co, Group General, Manager
First established in July 1994, Handyman opened its first store in Robinsons Galleria in partnership with Herco Trading Inc., introducing the convenience of hardware shopping in malls. In 2001, Handyman became a member of Do it Best Corporation, one of the largest hardware and home improvement cooperatives in the USA.
TRUE VALUE
25
TRUE HOME
BY TRUE VALUE
2
STORE
COUNT
27
True Value is not only a trusted and recognized brand worldwide, it has also become a name synonymous with great shopping experience, quality merchandise and excellent customer service.
We are driven by our key message “Behind Every Project is a True Value.” We encourage customers to take on do-it-yourself home improvement by providing them solutions we house in our stores. There is an inherent satisfaction in accomplishing a home project, and that feeling is what makes them come back to us for more discovery.
Talking further about discovery as a brand, we see e-commerce as an exciting arena. Filipinos spend around ten hours a day online so it is not surprising that ride-sharing, food delivery services and booking sites and apps have very high appeal to customers. They want service NOW – and they are willing to spend for convenience.
We acknowledge this growing shift to digital and online, which is why we forged e-commerce partnerships to provide our always-connected customers their home improvement needs. With the Philippines’ high usage and access to social media and video streaming services, it is now more than ever easier to gain access to DIY project inspirations and instructional videos.
Twelve years into the business, we are still excited about the growth potential of True Value in the Philippines. One of our highlights in 2018 was our expansion outside Luzon with the opening of our first store in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also expanded our selection on exclusive brands in our stores and we are looking at a huge potential for DIY.
We are proud of our products and our level of service. We don’t just sell products— we help people
complete homes, and we help make memories.
-Stanley C. Co, Group General Manager
True Value’s first store in the Philippines opened in 1995. In 2007, RRHI, through a subsidiary, entered into an agreement with Amon Trading Corporation for the acquisition of 66.7% interest of the company. It is a member of True Value Company, which is organized as a cooperative and is one of USA’s largest independent retailer owned hardware cooperatives.
ROBINSONS
BUILDERS
15
HOME PLUS
3
STORE
COUNT
18
Robinsons Builders envisions itself to be the preferred big-box building materials and hardware store for home builders and contractors in the Philippines.
We have been steadily strengthening the format since it became part of Robinsons Retail’s portfolio in 2014. Focused on our goal of providing value to our customers; from architects, interior designers, contractors, engineers, to home owners; we have grown a wide array of quality products from abroad. We partnered with Do it Best, one of largest hardware cooperatives in the USA, to further deliver on this mission. We look for new designs, the latest products and are incorporating more payment solutions to make it more convenient for customers.
Last November 2018, we launched the Design Center in our Marikina branch as part of our thrust to help each both trade professionals and non-professionals visualize 3D interior spaces with our products. We are also in the process of developing digital platforms that will extend our service online and this is what excites us the most for the coming year.
We look forward to partnerships with service providers for financial mobility that will enable customers to buy in credit without the need for credit cards. For delivery service options, we are partnering with digital booking platform Transportify to augment our efficient aftersales services to our most-valued customers.
Being an agile brand will allow us to be resilient to what’s in-store for the coming years, especially given the country’s construction boom and the growing economic mobility of the middle class. In the coming years, we want to further our reach by opening new branches in Metro Manila and to further improve the store layout and merchandise displays of our present stores, enhancing overall customer experience.
As for what we look forward to in the horizon, we see a stronger and more competitive Robinsons Builders.
- Jose Paulo R. Lazaro, General Manager
Through a subsidiary, Robinsons Retail acquired majority interest in A.M. Builders’ Depot, a chain of fifteen big-box stores in Visayas, which then underwent rebranding and revamping to become Robinsons Builders. In August 2016, RRHI likewise acquired majority interest in De Oro Pacific Home Plus in Northern Mindanao and assumed operations of its three stores, and in March 2018, the format opened its first Metro Manila store in Marikina City.
Convenience Store
STORE
COUNT
499
Ministop is one of the largest convenience store chains in Japan and since the brand opened its first store in the Philippines in 2000, it has become one of the most well-loved names among the country’s CVS players.
Operating for almost two decades in the industry, we have made our way into the Philippine urban scene as a familiar and dependable 24/7 store. We are best known for our top-seller, Uncle John’s Fried Chicken, which is rated high by our customers for its big-sized portions, the delicious recipe, and its relative affordability compared to other fried chicken meals in the market.
Ministop Philippines’ other Ready-to-Eat meals are also immensely popular, such as Kariman, fried and steamed dumplings, and the Toppers rice meals which feature classic Filipino viands. These are served fresh and hot in our stores as each branch is equipped with an instore kitchen facility. We also have a selection of Chillz frozen slush and Ministop’s soft serve, which are delightful with the tropical weather of the Philippines.
Essentially, as a convenience store, we cater to a customer base with fast-paced lifestyles and a demographic that values accessibility and efficiency. Many are urban professionals, who are constantly on the go and who want service that is quick and merchandise selections that are consistent and reliable in terms of quality. We are located in busy business districts and urban residences, and with the increasing pace of development across economic hubs, we see that the CVS format still has great potential to further expand.
As a franchise business, Ministop has likewise provided viable opportunities for entrepreneurs, both for the experienced and the aspiring. Franchising with us allows them to manage their own store following proven and standardized processes that guide franchise holders of different levels of entrepreneurial experience. We support our franchisees the best way we can, from developing products and services that excite the market, to conducting activities that further enhance their knowledge in managing the business.
We hold the FranchiseED program, which is a series of talks on relevant topics covering financial management, operations, and customer service to
further empower our franchisees to perform even better and be able to operate multiple franchised stores. We also hold the Annual Franchise of the Year Awards (FOYA) to show recognition to outstanding franchisees and to show that Ministop values their success because it is our success as well.
Our FOYA 2018 winners Oscar and Owen Santos proudly shared how being a Ministop franchisee for over ten years makes them feel fortunate that Ministop as a partner franchisor has been very supportive by continuously developing new products and services to attract more customers. This further encourages us to continue working hard in making Ministop a desirable franchise partner and a place where customers can truly find convenience 24/7.
-Thelma Teresa Roxas-Jacob, General Manager
In 2000, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. partnered with Ministop Co. Ltd to establish Ministop in the Philippines. Ministop is a major convenience store chain in Japan.
Drugstore
STORE
COUNT
510
Southstar Drug is one of the leading drugstore chains in the Philippines. Our mission is to become the drugstore of choice in service, trust, accessibility and responsibility. This has been our motivation to provide the best care that our consumers need and we aim to provide accessibility to more underserved areas in secondand third-tier cities, as well as seeking opportunities in consolidating the fragmented drugstore industry.
In 2018, we launched our “We Care a Little More” campaign, which expresses our thrust on building relationships with the people. We understand that going to a drugstore is not always a pleasant experience, since it is often premised on sickness or poor health. This is why we endeavor to create avenues that humanize the interactions between our store personnel and our customers. We believe that this empathy and insight is valuable to show that we are their partners in healthcare.
We believe in a culture that values people. In 2017, we began a partnership with Unilab Foundation for Project Inclusion, an initiative that opened opportunities for differently-abled individuals to become part of our employee pool. There is empowerment to be found
in fair and inclusive spaces, and we celebrate being able to contribute to this movement for equality.
Moreover, we also understand the relevance of updating the competencies of our pharmacists, who are at the core of each of our stores. Annually, we conduct the Southstar Drug Pharmacist Summit, where through plenary talks and fora, we engage industry professionals to share emerging trends in the field.
Moving forward, our goal is to continuously expand our store network and foster better experiences for our customers. At Southstar
Drug, being in the business for over 80 years, we take pride in being able to serve our fellow Filipinos. In our business, every customer counts, so we do indeed care a little more.
-Christine O. Tueres, General Manager
In 2012, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, acquired 90% of Southstar Drug, the oldest and third largest chain of drugstores in the Philippines. Founded in 1937 by the Dy family, who continue to manage the business, Southstar Drug started as a traditional pharmacy offering retail services for prescription and over-thecounter medicines.
STORE
COUNT
1,992
At the heart of The Generics Pharmacy (TGP) is our mission to be a reliable partner for every Filipino in achieving a healthy and productive life. We strive to achieve this by providing quality and affordable generic medicines made accessible by having the country’s widest network of community drugstores.
Since introducing the brand to the market in 2001 and opening our doors to franchising in 2007, TGP’s value proposition continues to resonate strongly with the market, both as a drugstore retail brand and as a franchise business. TGP is now a household name in delivering value healthcare through our broad portfolio of generic medicines and by operating in local communities.
An integrated approach to brand-building and a strong network of motivated franchisees combine to deliver the scale necessary to continue to strengthen TGP’s pipeline of quality, affordable house brands. It is this scale that enables us to establish long-term strategic supply partnerships with reputable global and local generic drug manufacturers.
In 2017, we wanted to refresh the market’s perception of the TGP brand. Our logo was the start, where we shifted from the traditional and wordy “The Generics Pharmacy” to the more simplified and recognizable version with just the acronym TGP.
We also launched a media campaign to promote TGP as the TGPagpagaling ng Pilipinas in 2018, a contraction of “tagapagpagaling ng Pilipinas” that translates to “healer of the Philippines” in Filipino; a succinct representation of our vision to provide healthcare accessibility to all.
Through strategic marketing initiatives and CSR projects, we solidified brand recall and expanded our appeal to a younger market of working Filipinos, who are becoming the primary decisionmakers in families when it comes to health. TGP is also a social enterprise in a lot of ways and is an attractive franchise to those who seek to combine their commercial endeavors with contributions to social progress. But profitability is fundamental to any business and TGP as a franchisor does its best to ensure our partners are set up to succeed and are consistently motivated to operate their stores well. From one-on-one business reviews to continuing franchisees education via our quarterly Kape at Kuwentuhan (Coffee and Storytelling) sessions with industry experts, and our annual business convention, TGP Franchisees Summit, we take time to engage our franchisees for feedback and growth.
At the end of the day, TGP recognizes our critical role as an exponent of inclusive growth. This fulfilling cycle –
of enriching the lives of low- to middle-income Filipino families through accessible healthcare, of empowering Filipino entrepreneurs to achieve their goals through a profitable and purposeful enterprise, of facilitating job creation through our supply partners and in local communities where we operate – bolsters the sustainability of TGP and validates the mission of the business. We are true to our name and our claim – TGP, TGPagpagaling ng Pilipinas.
-Agnes G. Rafiñan, General Manager
TGP traces its beginnings to 1949 with medicine wholesaler Pacific Pharmacy, which was bought in 1983 by TGP founder Ben Liuson, before venturing into retail in 2001 under the trade name DLI Pharmacy. In 2007, TGP adopted the trade name The Generics Pharmacy and commenced with the franchise business model. In 2016, RRHI acquired 51% stake of TGP, with the Liuson family retaining the balance.
ROBINSONS
APPLIANCES
94
SAVERS
APPLIANCES
38
STORE
COUNT
132
Robinsons Appliances and Savers Appliances are major players in the fast-growing electronics and appliances industry in the Philippines today. Each business unit captures a specific niche market either by its strength in visibility in key cities or by aggressive focus on corporate business and e-commerce.
As a group, we take pride in providing accessibility to innovation. Current stores of both business units are widely spread nationwide. Robinsons Appliances totals 94 stores, 63 in Luzon, 19 in Visayas and 12 in Mindanao – all strategically positioned to address appliance needs of progressing neighborhoods and communities. Savers, on the other hand, branded itself as a total business provider focused on building clientele in the corporate and B2B segments in Northern and Central Luzon, Metro Manila, South Luzon and Visayas regions with 38stores at end 2018.
We are determined to move ourselves further in our Digital Transformation. Consumer behavior in purchasing appliances is changing and e-commerce will expand as connectivity improves nationwide. Savers is one of the early adopters of the e-commerce business, and a pioneer in serving OFW customers online. Robinsons Appliances, while prominent in official online stores in Lazada and Shopee, is due to follow their steps, with a website revamp project set to launch soon.
With all these advancements, we expect online business to grow further as we explore other online shopping platforms in the coming years. It is also our intension to maximize all these digital innovations more so to benefit customers. Internal processes and policies that connect to customer fulfillment are prioritized and have begun the ground work to improve operational efficiencies through digitization.
Our customers, while very dynamic and tech-savvy, remain traditional especially for purchases of significant value. The challenge is to provide activities and solutions for customers to feel engaged and understood. We now gear our focus in creating campaigns that increase engagement through digital channels and events. Robinsons Appliances’ Race to A Minute and Bag It or Drop It are successful interactive raffle campaigns with on-ground and online executions in 2018. Affordable payment solutions are also placed on high priority. Both Robinsons Appliances and Savers have established strong partnerships with financing entities to constantly create financing products that
further entice customers to purchase appliances without ready cash or credit cards.
As trusted retailers of global electronics and appliances brands, our commitment is to ensure that product variety in our stores are assuredly of high quality and upto- date with the latest, most costefficient technology. It is our pride to know that our products support the increasing need to simplify everyday life. We are excited to showcase these new products to the market through varied online and offline channels that will connect us to customers nationwide.
-Jovito U. Santos, Group General Manager
Robinsons Appliances is one of the fastest growing appliance retail stores in the country. It started back in 2000 when it opened its first store in Robinsons Place Cebu. RRHI through a subsidiary, acquired 90% interest in Savers Appliances in 2015. Savers Appliances is one of the leading names in the appliance trade within Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley.
TOYS R US
41
TOY BOX
50
STORE
COUNT
91
At Toys R Us, we are committed to provide the best range of toys and educational products for children that will inspire their imaginations and creativity. We put value to the holistic growth of every child in every household, encouraging them to be healthy and active and ready to embrace their future.
Our strong portfolio of brands which include a wide selection of private labels and exclusive products from key toy manufacturers are focused on fun not just for kids but for the entire family. We connect with our audience through user generated content such as unboxing, social media contests, gamification, and the like.
The year 2018 was the most challenging year for Toys R Us Philippines as it was hounded by recurring news about the iconic brand’s liquidation and, eventually, its closure in the US. However, it remained “business as usual” for the Philippine licensee and we will continue to expand our presence in the provincial areas to be accessible to Filipinos nationwide.
In the toys industry, we believe that e-commerce will continue to grow in the upcoming years. On April 13, 2018, we launched online because digital plays a big role in influencing consumers on which toys to buy and where to buy them.
Yet brick and mortar is still the key point of sale for toys because consumers value the experience. Therefore, omni-channel and experiential marketing strategy will become more important to attract consumer interests.
Our sustainability efforts are focused on improving the wellbeing of our core market — the children. We continue to support causes that help underprivileged children, participate in toy donation drives, and mount engaging activities for kids while sharing the value of learning through play.
Moving forward, we are privileged to work at Toys R Us. What can be more fun and rewarding than to see the pure pleasure kids get when they enter the store and receive the toy of their choice? We are happy
to put joy in kids’ hearts and a smile on parents’ faces.
- Celina N. Chua, Group General Manager
Toys R Us opened its first store in Robinsons Galleria in 2006 as a sub-licensee of Toys R Us Asia. It has standalone stores in various mall developments and manages the Toy Box section in Robinsons Department Store branches.
Specialty Fashion
STORE
COUNT
40
Robinsons Specialty Stores, Inc. aims to bring global fashion in the Philippines. Since we started in 2000, RSSI has grown its roster of international fashion brands under our portfolio. Today, we are the exclusive Philippine franchisee of UK fashion brands, namely: Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Burton Menswear London, and Warehouse. We ended 2018 with 40 stores across Metro Manila and Cebu.
Our fashion brands have always been known for its distinction as the premier UK High Street of choice. Topshop and Topman cater to the fashion-conscious market while Miss Selfridge shoppers are usually looking fun and feminine pieces. Dorothy Perkins and Burton Menswear customers are always looking for more classic pieces with a modern flare while Warehouse curates pieces for the urban woman.
To continually grow and keep up with the ever-changing retail landscape, we have partnered with the leading fashion e-commerce in the country, Zalora Philippines, to launch four brands (Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, and Burton Menswear London) on the popular shopping site in 2017. Warehouse followed shortly when it launched in Zalora in 2018. Innovating possibilities to reach our market, we have taken on
new platforms where we can sell our products - Stylist In Pocket, an online personal stylist website and through corporations looking for work wear attire.
As our brands cater mostly to women, we have seen the need to support breast care awareness. Since 2016, we have partnered with the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. to help and give back to the breast cancer patients in their onsite hospital at the East Avenue Medical Center.
It is an exciting and challenging time as we see technological innovations being integrated into the retail business. With a strong focus on social media and customer engagement, we always deliver a pleasant and convenient shopping experience that provides excellent product mix to our customers. We are now in the stage where we must connect online engagement and offline sales to achieve business objectives.
Despite stiff competition and market saturation in the fashion retail segment in the Philippines, our brands continue to be well-loved by loyal customers as they continue to evolve and remain top-of-mind. Throughout the years, we have earned our stripes when it comes to product excellence and customer service that ensures a positive brand shopping experience.
-Maria Carmina Pia G. Quizon, General Manager
Robinsons Specialty Stores, Inc. (RSSI) - Fashion Division is the fashion retail arm of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.,which was established in 2000. RSSI entered the e-commerce business through Zalora in 2017, providing a multichannel shopping experience to its Filipino market.
Beauty
STORE
COUNT
16
Robinsons Specialty Stores, Inc. ventured to an additional segment that brought about the birth of the Beauty Division in 2015. We entered the cosmetics business and have taken over the operations of Robinsons Department Store’s Beauty Section nationwide. This also brought us to be resellers of international beauty brands Shiseido, Benefit Cosmetics, Elizabeth Arden, and Club Clio.
We have been operating 53 doors for the Beauty Section of Robinsons Department Store and operate 16 boutique stores for the global brands to date.
Meanwhile, in the Beauty Division, Robinsons Department Store’s Beauty Section offers over 20,000 cosmetics, fragrances and personal care products across all price points to cater to different markets. In
2018, we started a major face-lift for our flagship store, Robinsons Place Manila. With the help of design industry leader, Maja Olivares- Co of SSO.a, we have envisioned a refreshing store concept to be rolled out this 2019.
Since we started in 2015, we ensure the diversity in our portfolio by acquiring global beauty brands from Benefit Cosmetics and Elizabeth Arden from San Francisco and New York respectively to Shiseido from Tokyo and Club Clio from South Korea to cater to the K-Beauty phenomenon.
As our customers are geared towards female, we have seen the need to support and create awareness on Breast Cancer early detection amongst our customers. Since 2016, we have been inviting our business partners for a joint effort to reach out to Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. to help and give back to the
breast cancer patients and survivors in their onsite hospital at the East Avenue Medical Center.
It is both exciting and challenging that we see technological advancements being integrated to the retail business. With a strong focus on social media and customer engagement, we continue to offer exclusive product lines, that are only available at Robinsons Department Store and on Philippines’ leading e-commerce platforms, Lazada and BeautyMNL to excite our faithful customers to keep on coming back to our stores.
-Maria Carmina Pia G. Quizon, General Manager
In December 2013, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. through a subsidiary, entered the cosmetics business through the acquisition of the net assets of Beauty Skinnovations Retail, Inc. This paved the way for the creation of RSSI – Beauty Division, the cosmetics and fragrances arm of the group.
STORE
COUNT
87
When the company was founded by Hirotake Yano in 1972, Daiso became one of the pioneers of the one-price concept store in Japan. The brand’s appeal has always been the affordability of its merchandise combined with the company’s three business pillars: variety, quality, and uniqueness. Now, the Daiso phenomenon has not only spread across Japan, it has also inspired other similar formats across the country and the world. The brand itself has become a global one, with almost 3,000 stores in 30 countries.
Robinsons Retail brought the banner to the Philippines in 2007 through a franchise license agreement with the Daiso Industries Co. Ltd., the official Japanese principal. In the last 11 years, it has become a favorite store for many Filipinos looking for options that do not cost much but are of the good quality Japanese products are known for.
In Daiso Philippines, we sell majority of our merchandise for Php88.00. We have a broad range of categories
which makes it easier for shoppers to get a lot of items they need for the home or for the office because almost everything is generally of the same price. There is also a sense of discovery because many of the products we house provide solutions that most people have not even thought about to make their lives easier.
In 2018, we launched a new logo and store design to further draw in customers. Inspired by Japanese minimalism and its classical nod to nature, we renovated our flagship branch in Robinsons Galleria and opened our Robinsons Place Tuguegarao store with sakurathemed interiors. Paying homage to Japan’s beloved flowering tree, we incorporated elements of pink, wood, and metal in clean and simple layout to better showcase our items. We also celebrated all things kawaii with the introduction of our line of Sanrio’s Hello Kitty products, one of Japan’s most iconic characters.
A key factor in the growth for our industry is the growing youth segment and changing consumer trends. We see that a lot of young people like functionality and clever designs, and thematic lifestyle stores. Convenience is also prioritized, so e-commerce as a new opportunity to strengthen our brand. We pride ourselves for being a reputable Japanese brand in the Philippines. We value the creativity that comes into the selection of the products in our stores, and we look forward to opening more stores in the future.
-Katherine Michelle Q. Yu, General Manager
In 2007, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., through a subsidiary, was appointed the franchise holder of Daiso Industries Co. Ltd. of Japan to sell authentic and original Daiso Japan products, as well as the right to use the Daiso Japan name in the Philippines. Daiso Japan opened its first store on April 29, 2009 at Robinsons Galleria.
Arcova
STORE
COUNT
2
Korean lifestyle store Arcova becomes the latest addition to Robinsons Retail’s portfolio with the opening of its first two branches on December 7, 2018 at Robinsons Forum and Robinsons Place Antipolo.
Brought to the Philippines by Robinsons Retail through a franchise license agreement with Arcova International Co., Ltd., Arcova’s design teams are based in South Korea. It also currently has an international network of over a hundred across Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, and Australia.
Arcova Philippines primarily sells cosmetics and personal care items, as well as a variety of electronic and fashion accessories. Conceptualized with three main core values, namely quality, fashion, and affordable price, the brand is customer-centered and is set to be a go-to place for shoppers looking for authentic Koreandesigned lifestyle products.
STORE
COUNT
18
Our focus has always been coffee superiority. The most consumed beverage in the world, coffee is at the heart of a thriving industry thatallows a lot of room for creativity and passion. In Costa, we see coffee as an art. Handcrafted, there is always a personal element with every cup of coffee we serve, and we are proud to bring the brand closer to the Filipino market. We see young people looking for new experiences and would go to coffee shops expecting innovation and excitement, this they can find in Costa.
The caffeine-based drinks we serve, notably our best-selling Flat White, use a unique and original blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from sustainable farms across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Called Mocha Italia -- paying homage to European tradition and sophistication -- the blend serves as the sensory foundation that separates the caliber of our coffee. It took over forty years to perfect in the brand’s roastery in London, ushering Costa’s legacy of being one of the best cafés in many parts of the world.
The original Mocha Italia blend and is placed in the careful hands of our highly-skilled baristas who undergo extensive technical training to. At end of their immersion, they learn how
to make exceptional coffee, where each cup begins with the delicate and precise extraction of the rich espresso from the beans. Combined with premium milk that the baristas steam, froth, or texture, and along with other ingredients, the mix is crafted into over a dozen beverages from the classics like Americano, Mocha, and Machiatto, to the more decadent Salted Caramel Cappuccino, all of which can be customized according to the costumer’s preferences.
Consistent with the Filipino market’s fondness for sweets and snacks paired with their brew, we have seen patronage for our selection of cakes as well, such as our Original London Cheesecake, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Classic Red Velvet Cake as our bestsellers, alongside our pastries, and gourmet sandwiches and pasta dishes.
We believe that coffee is an experience. Our stores echo the heritage and culture, with the design aesthetics influenced by London’s iconic visuals. A customer once remarked that it carried “the air of casual irony and coziness of London City and its coffee shops, posh but not too posh, outwardly aloof but secretly thoughtful and comforting.” We are happy that we are able to provide these kinds of experiences to our customers.
-Faith Y. Gokongwei-Lim, Group General Manager
In 2014, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. entered into an agreement with Costa Coffee UK to become the master franchisor of the brand in the Philippines. Costa Coffee has over 3,300 stores in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, India, China and Southeast Asia.
Chic Centre Corporation is currently the leading local distributor of nail care products, with over 75% market share at present and over 2,000 distribution sites nationwide. With Bobbie and Chic as our flagship brands, we appeal to a wide array of customers, such as school girls, nail artists, and working women from various professions.
Bobbie Nails is positioned as the Total Nail Care Solution provider with innovative product offerings, from limited edition nail polish colors and polish remover, to beauty tools and nail treatments. Chic Nail Color, on the other hand, focuses more on young fashionistas who enjoy a wide selection of popular and interesting colors to choose from.
What makes me most proud of in my business unit is the flexibility of my team. In our fast-paced and everevolving industry, being able to easily adapt to changes is a key factor in the success of our brands. The outlook for cosmetics is generally positive in the sense that it has very much embraced digital avenues so brands can have direct relationships with customers.
At Chic Centre we want to be able to keep up with new trends and its constant reimagination. At present, one of the opportunities we want to capitalize on is our presence on social
media so we remain creative and responsive to the market preferences. We enjoy high engagement ratings on this platform, with an industry record of over 500,000 fans on our Facebook page to-date.
Another low-hanging fruit is e-commerce. It is one of the opportunities that we must tap in the coming years to further strengthen our foothold in the market. Given the popularity and increased access to online shopping, and the logistical advantage of cosmetics being easy to transport, Chic Centre would benefit from this type of distribution as well.
What excites us also is the strong growth projected from the launch of new and innovative product categories that are cross-functional with cosmetics, combined with technology-driven innovations to reach more customers. The challenge always is to ensure that we delight our customers, and we are excited to deliver value with the most convenient ways possible.
Our expertise is nail care and we are pleased to have become a reliable distributor in this space. And although a lot of us may not think too much about our nails, in today’s world where almost everything is accessible at your fingertips, it just makes perfect sense to take care of them.
-Faith Y. Gokongwei-Lim, Group General Manager
In October 2016, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., through a subsidiary, acquired 100% interest in Chic Centre Corporation. In addition to its beauty line, it established a Food Services Division in 2015 and currently supplies fresh slush and juice mixes to convenience stores, gas station stores, supermarkets, and BPO centers, totaling a thousand outlets.
Pet Lovers Centre
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Singapore-based Pet Lovers Centre (PLC) made its debut in the Philippines through a franchise license agreement with Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. The first store is located in Robinsons Galleria and opened on October 19, 2018.
The pet retail and service chain was founded by David and Robert Ng in 1973 and is the biggest of its kind in Singapore. At present, it has a network of over a hundred stores spread across Southeast Asia.
The Manila store features exclusive labels such as Burp and Trustie, along with selections from local and international brands. The wide assortment of food and accessories caters to a variety of pets, with each item specifically manufactured to suit their needs.
With the tagline “All Pets, All Passion,” PLC also advocates for responsible pet ownership and greater awareness in pet care. It is part of the World Pet Association which is the oldest, non-profit trade organization in the pet industry.
“The Philippines is a pet-loving country. We are proud to carry the banner of Pet Lovers Center here because it has an exceptional track record in Singapore and other Asian countries. We want to bring in the same level of quality and product diversity into the local pet care industry,” said Stanley C. Co, General Manager of Pet Lovers Centre Philippines.
“Before, a lot of pet owners used to only feed leftovers to dogs
and cats. Now, more and more owners are learning that this may not have the right kind of nutrition for their furry friends to be healthy. Therefore, they are making better choices for their pets. This growing mindfulness about animal welfare and quality of life is where we see PLC addressing a specific market need in the Philippines,” he said.
Launched in 2015, Robinsons Townville is the chain of community malls of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. Situated near schools and residential areas, Robinsons Townville offers convenient shopping opportunities in the neighborhood with the presence of its anchor stores. These include Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, Robinsons Appliances, Handyman, Daiso Japan and Southstar Drug.
To complement its offerings, Robinsons Townville also houses quick service restaurants, food kiosks, boutiques, an amusement center for kids, and other establishments and services. It offers convenience and accessibility, a place where customers could find everything they need with just a few steps away from their home.
Currently, there are 10 Robinsons Townville malls operating in the country starting with the first branch in Pulilan, Bulacan; Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; BF Parañaque; Abreeza Davao; Meycauayan, Bulacan; Buhay Na Tubig, Cavite; Regalado, Fairview, Quezon City; Perdices, Dumaguete; Dasmariñas, Cavite; and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Realizing the important role that it plays in the community, Robinsons Townville launched its corporate social responsibility program called Robinsons ACTS (Act, Care, Teach & Serve) in 2016 which focuses on the individual’s self-development and community involvement through the spirit of volunteerism. Each Robinsons Townville mall adopted a beneficiary from the community and conducts quarterly activities that promote values formation.
OUR INVESTMENTS
Robinsons Bank, the financial services arm of the JG Summit Group of companies, is one of the fastest growing commercial banks in the Philippines in terms of capitalization and asset size. The bank is 60.0% owned by JG Summit Capital Services Corp. and 40.0% owned by Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. Robinsons Bank ended 2018 with 146 branches and deployed 291 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) nationwide.
In December 2017, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. invested in 20% of Taste Central Curators, Inc., a company founded by Victor “Jay” Liwanag, Jr. which operates e-commerce site BeautyMNL. The site houses a multitude of products under the following categories: cosmetics, personal care products, and fashion.
Aside from being a leading Philippine-based online retailing site, BeautyMNL is anchored as an empowering platform for Filipino women and celebrating the diversity of Filipina beauty. The site also serves as an inspirational information platform through the Bloom e-magazine, which features product reviews and insightful articles that fit the lifestyles of its clientele.
