Wilcon Builders’ sets sights on 4 outlets in Luzon this year

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS and hardware retailer Wilcon Builders’ Supply is set to open four more outlets this year as part of its efforts to boost its network of branches in Metro Manila, and the rest of Luzon. Wilcon Builders’ Supply Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Rosemarie Bosch Ong told BusinessWorld in an interview on Friday that the company intends to inaugurate two new Wilcon Builders’ Depots in Metro Manila, and two more in Luzon. "The first of these new branches will open in Fairview, Quezon City. We expect it to open within the second quarter of this year," Ms. Ong said. She however declined to divulge the locations of three other stores that are expected to be launched within 2008. She also declined to say how much is the company allotting for the construction of the new outlets. Wilcon Builder’s was founded in 1977 in Quezon City and has since then expanded to several retail outlets within strategic locations in Metro Manila and in the provinces. Wilcon Builder’s is acknowledged as the company that has revolutionized the construction industry by creating convenience shopping for its customers through its air-conditioned shops, delivery service, and commitment to excellent service. In 2003, a sister company, Wilcon Builders’ Depot, was launched with its first outlet in Las Piñas. Ms. Ong said Wilcon Builders’ Depots have a bigger selling area, with more product lines to offer the customers. She said there are currently seven Wilcon Builders’ Supply outlets, and eight Wilcon Builders’ Depots in the country. The seven Wilcon Builders’ Supply outlets are located in Balintawak, Malibay, Mindanao Ave., Las Piñas, Quezon Ave., Ortigas, and Bagumbayan, Quezon City. Meanwhile, the Wilcon Builders’ Depots are located in Las Piñas, Libis, Balintawak, Pasong Tamo, Mindanao Ave., Filinvest, Alabang, San Fernando, Pampanga, and San Rafael, Tarlac. Aside from hardware and construction materials, Wilcon outlets sell appliances, automotive accessories, doors and mouldings, electrical supplies, furniture, houseware, outdoor accessories, paints and sundries, plumbing supplies, sanitary wares, tiles, and other tools. Ms. Ong expressed confidence that Wilcon would continue to be the leader in stand-alone construction supply and hardware retailing amid the competition from mall-based hardware outlets. "Those outlets you see inside the malls can only provide about the things you need to repair or fix something. But if you need supplies for your construction needs, it is only Wilcon that carries a complete line of materials that you will need," she said. — Jeffrey O. Valisno, BusinessWorld