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Lifestyle
#Throwback2014: The year handfuls of luxury brands came to the PHL
By CHINA JOCSON
2014 saw Philippine shores welcoming a bevy of global brands and international labels, many of which shook the local retail industry by settling in super stores impossible to miss. From clothing lines, to lifestyle, to home and furniture, skin care, sports and recreation, the Filipino consumer was anything but short of shopping options this year.
Lifestyle and clothing
Last March, Old Navy came to town with the grand opening of the first of three branches in Metro Manila. The three-level corner structure in Bonifacio High Street, with imposing store signage and glaring lighting, invited shoppers with irresistibly-priced apparel and easy, comfortable clothing that Old Navy is known for.
Lifestyle and clothing
Last March, Old Navy came to town with the grand opening of the first of three branches in Metro Manila. The three-level corner structure in Bonifacio High Street, with imposing store signage and glaring lighting, invited shoppers with irresistibly-priced apparel and easy, comfortable clothing that Old Navy is known for.

Photo courtesy of Zara
In October, European brands Pull & Bear and Joseph threw hip parties trumpeting their arrival on the local shopping scene. Young fashion brand Pull & Bear opened at SM Megamall's Fashion Hall, taking on the look and concept of a Palm Springs-inspired ambiance. The store also flaunts an industrial look, achieved through painted concrete and decorative lamps.
And on October 30, international DJ Solange Knowles was both guest of honor and party disc jockey at the launch of British luxury label, Joseph. The 150-square-meter store at SM Aura is reflective of the brand’s aesthetic and sensibility—minimalist, clean, and monochromatic.
In October, too, was the grand launch of Swedish multi-national retail house, Hennes and Mauritz or H&M, undoubtedly this year’s most anticipated fashion label. It was the only brand that was able to get consumers to camp out to score first dibs and furthermore, had people lining up to enter within its first two weeks. The H&M stores now open in SM Megamall, Robinson’s Magnolia, SM Makati, and North EDSA offer the same level of shopping experience as that of H&M stores worldwide.
And on October 30, international DJ Solange Knowles was both guest of honor and party disc jockey at the launch of British luxury label, Joseph. The 150-square-meter store at SM Aura is reflective of the brand’s aesthetic and sensibility—minimalist, clean, and monochromatic.
In October, too, was the grand launch of Swedish multi-national retail house, Hennes and Mauritz or H&M, undoubtedly this year’s most anticipated fashion label. It was the only brand that was able to get consumers to camp out to score first dibs and furthermore, had people lining up to enter within its first two weeks. The H&M stores now open in SM Megamall, Robinson’s Magnolia, SM Makati, and North EDSA offer the same level of shopping experience as that of H&M stores worldwide.

Photo courtesy of H&M
According to Danreb Mejia, H&M’s PR Responsible, “The best thing about having H&M in our own country is, it’s now more convenient to enjoy that level of shopping experience, with the same collection that you will see in other countries as well. Whether you shop in Manila, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, or New York, we endeavor to offer you our business concept of fashion, quality and sustainability at the best price.”
One will be pleasantly surprised to see foreign sales personnel and cashiers at these local H&M branches, whom Mejia says, “are supporters from other countries, working together as part of a global H&M team.”
Zara’s Powerplant Mall flagship store's brand makeover was also unveiled this year. Located at the R1 and R2 levels of the Powerplant Mall, Zara’s flagship takes up more than 2,411 square meters of retail space.
One will be pleasantly surprised to see foreign sales personnel and cashiers at these local H&M branches, whom Mejia says, “are supporters from other countries, working together as part of a global H&M team.”
Zara’s Powerplant Mall flagship store's brand makeover was also unveiled this year. Located at the R1 and R2 levels of the Powerplant Mall, Zara’s flagship takes up more than 2,411 square meters of retail space.

Photo courtesy of NBA
Through its clean-cut and functional surroundings, the brand aims to inspire a dialogue between product and shoppers. Merchandise is organized into cubes that allow dressing rooms, becoming intimate areas where shoppers can create their own personal looks. Going through the retail space is an intuitive experience, where proper product zoning display plays a big role, and the store is perceived as a single, coherent, flowing space—a catwalk for anyone’s personal tastes.
Meanwhile, NBA aficionados scored a three-pointer at the opening of the NBA Store in Manila. Managed by International Athletic Trading Company, Inc., the NBA Store, which dribbled its way to Glorietta 3, Ayala Center in Makati last December 6, is the largest store outside the United States. It offers basketball aficionados authentic NBA merchandise and memorabilia, boasting more than 1,000 square meters over two floors. The NBA Store carries merchandise from all 30 teams and offer personalized jersey services.
The store features a comprehensive assortment of NBA products, including the latest apparel and footwear by Adidas, the official NBA outfitter. Fans can also find autographed memorabilia for sale, as well as NBA lifestyle and off court apparel and accessories available only in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, NBA aficionados scored a three-pointer at the opening of the NBA Store in Manila. Managed by International Athletic Trading Company, Inc., the NBA Store, which dribbled its way to Glorietta 3, Ayala Center in Makati last December 6, is the largest store outside the United States. It offers basketball aficionados authentic NBA merchandise and memorabilia, boasting more than 1,000 square meters over two floors. The NBA Store carries merchandise from all 30 teams and offer personalized jersey services.
The store features a comprehensive assortment of NBA products, including the latest apparel and footwear by Adidas, the official NBA outfitter. Fans can also find autographed memorabilia for sale, as well as NBA lifestyle and off court apparel and accessories available only in the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of Hamley's
Other unique features include an interactive zone where fans can hone their NBA 2K skills and measure their hands, feet, and height against their favorite players, all while soaking up an authentic NBA shopping experience.
Home and furniture
Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel, two of the most recognized home and furniture brands, arrived in Manila this year as well.
In July, the all-American lifestyle store Pottery Barn opened a bi-level concept store at the Central Square Mall in Bonifacio High Street. It is the first franchise in Southeast Asia and it offers products that are true to the aesthetic and quality of the brand.
Crate and Barrel, a home and furnishing retailer, opened a 2,000 square feet space in SM Megamall last November. It surprised shoppers with items priced at the P100-mark, which are great bargains considering they carry the Crate and Barrel stamp.
Skincare, shoes, and more
Bioderma, a French skincare brand brought to the country extensive products that not only correct skin disorders, but also act on the skin’s natural biological processes for self-restoration. The Bioderma line is now available at select dermatological clinics and Watsons stores in Metro Manila.
PIXY, a popular Japanese make-up brand known for its wide availability and low cost can now be enjoyed by Filipinas. This year, this specially formulated for Asian skin cosmetic line, has made its powder, foundation, lipstick and other products available at Watsons for Pinoy-friendly prices.
Soludos Espadrilles, tropical flats born in New York, made their way to Manila on December 15. These summer staples, often worn by Hollywood celebrities, are now stocked at select Shoe Salon boutiques, Rustan’s Department Stores, and soon at Ayala Center Cebu. Known for their comfort and being summer weather-friendly, Soludos Espadrilles are guaranteed fit for the archipelago.
To end this yearender with a bang, Hamley’s, the iconic toy brand with over 250 years of experience in the toy industry, opens in Manila on December 20 at the Central Square in Bonifacio High Street. In time for the holidays, expect the store to be overloaded with children and adults alike. Especially if those adults grew up owning a Hamley’s toy. — VC, GMA News
Home and furniture
Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel, two of the most recognized home and furniture brands, arrived in Manila this year as well.
In July, the all-American lifestyle store Pottery Barn opened a bi-level concept store at the Central Square Mall in Bonifacio High Street. It is the first franchise in Southeast Asia and it offers products that are true to the aesthetic and quality of the brand.
Crate and Barrel, a home and furnishing retailer, opened a 2,000 square feet space in SM Megamall last November. It surprised shoppers with items priced at the P100-mark, which are great bargains considering they carry the Crate and Barrel stamp.
Skincare, shoes, and more
Bioderma, a French skincare brand brought to the country extensive products that not only correct skin disorders, but also act on the skin’s natural biological processes for self-restoration. The Bioderma line is now available at select dermatological clinics and Watsons stores in Metro Manila.
PIXY, a popular Japanese make-up brand known for its wide availability and low cost can now be enjoyed by Filipinas. This year, this specially formulated for Asian skin cosmetic line, has made its powder, foundation, lipstick and other products available at Watsons for Pinoy-friendly prices.
Soludos Espadrilles, tropical flats born in New York, made their way to Manila on December 15. These summer staples, often worn by Hollywood celebrities, are now stocked at select Shoe Salon boutiques, Rustan’s Department Stores, and soon at Ayala Center Cebu. Known for their comfort and being summer weather-friendly, Soludos Espadrilles are guaranteed fit for the archipelago.
To end this yearender with a bang, Hamley’s, the iconic toy brand with over 250 years of experience in the toy industry, opens in Manila on December 20 at the Central Square in Bonifacio High Street. In time for the holidays, expect the store to be overloaded with children and adults alike. Especially if those adults grew up owning a Hamley’s toy. — VC, GMA News
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