Philippine FamilyMart adopts franchising as business strategy

To grow its business at a faster pace and give entrepreneurs the opportunity to set up their own business, the Philippine FamilyMart and SSI Group Inc. intends to start franchising the Japanese convenience store beginning this year

 

In an e-mailed statement, Philippine FamilyMart and SSI Group Inc. president Anton Huang said the business strategy will hasten its store roll-outs and open a channel of opportunity for those who have been looking for ways to go into business.

 

“We will provide all out support to ensure that their business is properly run," Huang said. "We want them to succeed because their success is ours as well.” 

 

The FamilyMart brand is owned and operated in the Philippines by SIAL CVS Retailers Inc., a joint venture between specialty store retailer SSI Group Inc. and Ayala Land Inc.

 

Established in Japan in the 1970s, FamilyMart is currently the world’s second largest convenience store chain with more than 22,000 branches worldwide.

 

This year, FamilyMart targets to end 2014 with 90 to 100 stores. 

 

Huang said SSI’s long experience in building brands in the Philippines is critical element for the FamilyMart brand to gain consumer acceptance and a distinct position in the market.

 

"From a virtually unknown brand, FamilyMart is now a recognizable brand that has ushered in a new convenience store lifestyle," he said.

 

Earlier this month, the SSI Group sought the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approval for an initial public offering (IPO) to finance the expansion of its luxury retail business.

 

Apart from FamilyMart, the SSI Group now includes Stores Specialists Inc., which is responsible for retailing 103 international brands in the Philippines.

 

It also operates Wellworth Department Store, a mid-market joint venture with Ayala Land. – Danessa O. Rivera/VS, GMA News