i2i New York’s unique selling points are its ubiquitous kiosks in the middle of busy malls, and the fashionable and very affordable eyewear that lends itself to impulse-buying. i2i’s market cuts across a wide spectrum of demographics: males and females, from 13 years and older, from all social classes. The diverse ranges of styles make it easy for anyone to find a suitable i2i pair.
Beyond the saleable product line itself, i2i New York gives franchisees full marketing and business strategy support. Aside from the right to use the brand name, trademark and business system, franchisees will be provided with transportable and easily assembled kiosk and merchandising fixtures, packaging supplies and standard point-of-purchase materials like light boxes and mirrors. i2i will also provide a franchise operations manual, initial training and uniforms for the sales personnel, and assistance with the opening. Continuous supply of a wide range of sunglasses, other eyewear and fashion accessories guarantee repeat customers. Finally, i2i gives advertising and promotional support through its nationwide campaigns.
Five key points make i2i an ideal investment for franchisees. First, its diverse product range caters to a wide customer base. Second, with prices ranging from P119 to P 289, customers get value for money, and this encourages repeat buys. Third, i2i’s stylish packaging – a versatile and durable twist-lock plastic canister – is also unique, and a collectible item in itself. Fourth, i2i products are positioned to move. It has built a name that equates with stylish yet affordable quality eyewear and it targets the right market in strategic locations.
Lastly, with the recent endorsement agreement with popular MTV Asia VJ Donita Rose and matinee idol Jericho Rosales, promotion of the brand will be infinitely easier. Marketing campaigns featuring these two hot celebrities – billboards, print ads, postcards and other collateral’s – will definitely reach the fashion conscious youth market.
i2i New York also makes life easier for its franchisee, particularly those in the provinces. A web-based catalogue and order system will enable franchisees to restock without even having to come to the head office. Their orders will be delivered straight to their doorstep, cutting down on travel time and expenses.
It was Ricco Ocampo, the maverick of fashion retailing, founder and president of i2i, Inc. who introduced i2i New York into the country in the summer of 1997 with a whole new fashion sense that many Filipinos have willingly embraced.
When Ricco first laid eyes on i2i sunglasses in New York, he knew that it would be a hit among Filipinos. He and his wife, former fashion model and now style icon, Tina Maristela Ocampo, had a vision to bring to the Filipino market high quality but affordable fashion accessories. They persevered and successfully opened chains of kiosk selling inexpensive, fashionable and high quality sunglasses. Now, i2i New York sunglasses have become a major fashion accessory and are available in 70 locations all over Metro Manila and in certain key provinces in the Philippines. i2i is still open for franchising in other key cities and provinces, such as, in Bataan, Baguio, Ilocos Region, Laguna, Tagaytay, Boracay, Palawan, Bicol Region and Davao.
Reasonable investment: The franchise fee for an i2i New York kiosk is P150,000 for a three-year period. Total capital investment ranges from P 580,000 to P800,000 depending on the size of the area and location of the kiosk. The basic franchise package includes: right to use of brand name, trademark and business system, kiosk fixtures, point of purchase materials, packaging supplies, initial training, uniforms, operations manual, opening assistance and advertising and promotional support. There are no no royalty fees.
Interested applicant can avail themselves of loan assistance via a special arrangement with Citibank.
Franchise office: Interested parties may contact and look for the Franchise operations manager, Dave Panganiban or any franchise representative to discuss franchising arrangements and other details at #8 Mercury Ave. Bagumbayan, Libis, Q.C. 912-1145/telefax no. 913-0423/ trunkline 913-8839 local 16/e-mail address is rmo@info.com.ph.