Sony opens VAIO shop in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Sony Philippines wants to strengthen its hold on the notebook computer market in the Visayas by setting up a video-audio integrated operation (VAIO) shop in Cebu. Toshiya Kagita, Sony Philippines president and managing director, said the shop at the SM City Cebu will cater to the entire Visayas market and neighboring Mindanao provinces. It is the second VAIO shop opened by Sony in the country. The first was opened in late May at SM Megamall. Mr. Kagita said the VAIO shop at SM Megamall is doing well. He declined to give sales figures. "That’s why we decided to open another shop in the second largest market," Mr. Kagita said. VAIO shops carry notebooks and accessories. Mr. Kagita is optimistic that the shop would be make money despite the economic slowdown since Filipinos are technology savvy and the market for notebooks has continued to increase. Komei Nosaka, senior sales manager, said VAIO shops allow customers to experience and obtain answers about the products. — Marites S. Villamor, BusinessWorld