Author Topic: Famous Philippine Business Firms  (Read 1907 times)

pioneer

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Famous Philippine Business Firms
« on: October 17, 2008, 10:36:00 AM »
Published by the Philippine Star

SM City North-Edsa was the mall that started it all and changed Filipino lifestyles forever. For many of us to whom malling has become a way of life, it’s hard to imagine the circumstances how SM founder and chairman Henry Sy Sr.’s decision to open the mall was a big risk during that time.

In 1985, the country was in the midst of a major political and economic crisis brought about by the assassination of Senator Ninoy Aquino. Inflation was soaring at double-digit level, a huge capital flight and a lot of uncertainty. The fact that the mall seemed to be in the middle of nowhere fueled doomsday predictions.

But Sy saw it differently. Instead of a road to nowhere, he saw a crossroads linking the metro and provincial areas. Instead of a crisis, he saw an opportunity to serve more customers. During his buying trips to the US during the 1950s and 60s, Sy had seen how the suburbs had grown from the East to West coast, each with a shopping mall as its center, and from that time knew that this would be possible in the Philippines. The rest, as they say, is history.

As SM City North-Edsa today prepares for yet another transformation beginning with the opening of the new Annex later this year, some of the mall’s pioneer tenants share with us the reasons why they took the risk that time with Sy. They also share with us how they have grown with SM, and why they will continue to be part of the mall as it renovates.

MANELS
Opened November 12, 1985


Why they chose to open at North-EDSA: “Tessie Sy-Coson invited me and some other colleagues in the retail industry to have a tour of the mall as it was being built and gave me prime space,” recalls Manels chairman Manuel Siggaoat. “While I was apprehensive because of the crisis during that time, this was overcome by my experience working with SM — its track record in Makati, and the all out support of the mall’s management.”

How they have grown with SM? “Sales were good from the time we opened, and I remember that the mall even had to extend its closing hours to 9:00 and 10:00 PM to accommodate the many customers. We now have 42 stores all over the Philippines, 18 of which are at SM.”

Why they will continue to be part of the North-EDSA transformation: “We have a dynamic relationship, and I want to be part of the new mall, just as I was part of North-EDSA the first time it opened.

JOLLIBEE
Opened 1986


Why they chose to open at North-EDSA: We’ve had a long, solid relationship with SM for so many years,” says Jollibee president William Tan. “I remember the time I was scheduled to meet Henry Sy Sr. about opening a branch at SM City North-EDSA. I was surprised that they had scheduled the meeting at SM Echague at 12 midnight. We went as were asked to and were shocked to see Sy still in the office with his staff at that time.

I was also impressed and touched when Tessie-Sy Coson who was heavy with her first child at the time took time to tour me around the construction site and show me the space SM was providing. We were amazed at the SM management’s dedication to work and thought that despite the odds, the mall would be a success.”

How they have grown with SM: “We have more than 30 Jollibee outlets in its malls and supercenters. We have a mutually beneficial relationship with SM.”

Why they will continue to be part of the SM City North-EDSA transformation: “We will always remain committed to support SM in its malls in the Philippines and overseas.”

RICKY REYES
Opened November 12, 1985


Why he chose to open at North-EDSA: “I’m a very adventurous businessman,” says Ricky Reyes, who founded his popular chain of hair and beauty salons. “Besides, I could see the trend leading to shopping malls.”

How he has grown with SM: “I was a pioneer tenant at SM City North-EDSA opening the same time as the Department Store and Supermarket, and have grown as SM has grown. Today, I have salons in almost SM Malls — except those in Sucat, Batangas, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.”

Why he will continue to be part of the SM City North-EDSA transformation: “It’s because of my loyalty to Henry Sy Sr. whom I fondly call Tatang. I remember when SM City North-EDSA first opened, he would be in the mall every other day. He would often visit my salon and our interactions became learning sessions for me. For me, Mr. Sy is not only a business icon, but someone who has become very much like a father to me.”

NATIONAL BOOKSTORE
Opened April 11, 1986


Why they chose to open at North-EDSA: “My mother in law, National Bookstore founder Socorro Ramos and Mr. Henry Sy, Sr. had known each other for sometime as they both had stores downtown,” says National Bookstore president Precy Ramos. “He invited us to be part of the mall, and we agreed.”

How they have grown with SM: “ We have been able to grow together and today 30 of our 100 branches are at SM.”

Why they will continue to be part of the SM City North-EDSA transformation: “We are happy to be part of the new SM City North-EDSA the way we were the first time it opened.”

FRENCH BAKER
Opened September 1989


Why they chose to open at North-EDSA: “Before I thought of investing in French Baker, our family was already supplying bread to the SM Supermarket,” says French Baker president Johnlu Koa. “Deciding to join SM was not difficult as I’ve known the Sy brothers, especially Herbert, very well. I knew it would work because I’ve done my homework and studied market opportunities.”

How they grew with SM: “I was one of the first tenants at the old SM City Annex. During that time, the crises were different - brownouts and coup attempts, but I was given much support and encouragement by the SM management. I hope that I will have 40 stores by the end of the year, and am happy that 90 percent of these are at SM.”

Why they will continue to be part of SM City North-EDSA’s transformation: “Putting up a store at SM makes it very accessible and convenient for customers. Having worked with SM for 20 years has made us aware of the vision of SM Founder Henry Sy, Sr. to always be innovative and up to date. We are happy to be part and share this vision.”

SPORTSHOUSE
Opened December 1985


Why they chose to open at North-EDSA: “We believed in the mall concept,” says Sportshouse president Mars Chua. “ I vividly remember our opening day at SM City North-Edsa, which was graced by celebrities, PBA players, sporstscasters and sports enthusiasts. We dressed our mannequins in sports attire and were surprised that shoppers were having their picture taken with those mannequins.”

How they grew with SM: “We have around 32 stores nationwide, 22 of which are at SM.”

Why they will continue to be part of SM City North-EDSA’s transformation: : I am very grateful to SM especially to Mr. Sy for all the support and encouragement through the years. Wherever SM goes, we are looking forward to be part of the group.”

Some of SM City North-EDSA’s other pioneer tenants include McDonald’s, Max’s, Goldilocks, Dimensione, Magic, Ideal Vision, Fabric Warehouse, and Multi Time, each one with their own SM story, each looking forward to open new stores as SM City North-EDSA undergoes its transformation.

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kiamoy

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Re: Famous Philippine Business Firms
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2008, 10:05:36 PM »
Ingon pa ni mochajava. if ma lowbatt ako cellphone whole day igu ra ko naka text nga padung ko mall. she'll know where to find me..

National Bookstore jud. =) =) =)

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