Big Apple seeks to sustain rapid growth via franchising

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-owned wellness brand Big Apple Express Spa is gearing up for more expansion this year through franchising following a successful launch in 2005.

Now on its 10th year, the company aims to continue registering a growth rate of 500 percent ever year as it targets to open 10 new branches this year, Roselin Pagunsan, one of the company’s owners, said in an interview.

She said the company has presence in growing business hubs such as Forbes Town Center, Bonifacio Global City and Eastwood City, among others.

It has launched a wide array of new services catering mostly to businessmen and entrepreneurs, Pagunsan said.

She said Big Apple has introduced its Balinese massage service, targeting mostly businessmen who may be stressed out from running their respective companies.

“Big Apple’s Balinese massage is one of the best-selling service especially among yuppies who have a fast paced and hectic work life. The service concentrates on one’s back and adds to the relaxation of the senses and soothes tired muscles. A one-hour service would rejuvenate the busy businessman and will let them get back to work in no time,” Pagunsan said.

The service is part of the company’s corporate social responsibilty program. As a CSR project which started in 2009, the company provides skills training to potential therapists.

“We started with the training in 2009. We have a head trainor who does the skills training. A trainee has to undergo two parts of the training, a classroom lecture to teach the basics in the company’s mission-vision and policies and some basic anatomy. A test is given after then the trainees who pass will continue their actual massage training. The massage training lasts for 30 days to be able to make sure that the trainee is well trained and knowledgeable on Big Apple’s process,” she said.

The move to introduce new products and services is part of the company’s efforts to further grow the business and consolidate the sporadic spa industry in the country.

In June, the company opened its 20th branch at Ayala’s Ayala Fairview Terraces in Quezon City, which has been catering to nearby residents around the mall and the working class in the area.

The brand is a business concept that utilizes modern business systems and service strategie.