Cebu in search of ‘outstanding’ local retailers

CEBU CITY, Philippines - The Cebu chapter of Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) on Tuesday launched a search for homegrown retailers who could be nominated to the national search for the 2008 Outstanding Filipino Retailer. Jay P. Aldeguer, president of PRA Cebu and Islands Souvenirs, Inc., said they would choose 10 nominees who will automatically become finalists in the national search. Although some previous winners were from Cebu, this will be the first time that small homegrown retailers in Cebu will get the chance to participate in the search, which has been conducted by the PRA since 1997. Mr. Aldeguer said the launch of the search here is in recognition of Cebu as a breeding ground for entrepreneurs. Among the Cebuano brands that have succeeded in penetrating both the national scene and overseas markets are Penshoppe by Golden ABC, Inc. and Islands Souvenirs. Both Golden ABC and Islands Souvenirs have won the Outstanding Filipino Retailer awards thrice and have been elevated to the Hall of Fame. Asteria C. Caberte, regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), said the search would raise the bar for local retailers. "This is a very good move because competitions like this will elevate the level of competitiveness among our retailers," she said. Other previous winners from Cebu were the Metro Ayala, a full-line department store run by the Gaisano-owned Vicsal Development Corp., and Cebu Belmont, Inc., a hardware retailer. The search will be open to both homegrown and national retailers who have been in operation for at least five years. But Mr. Aldeguer said the Cebu search committee headed by Golden ABC President Bernie Liu had decided to focus on homegrown retailers. - Marites S. Villamor, Businessworld