MANILA, Philippines — Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko, which opened its third and biggest store in the country in Quezon City yesterday, is looking to expand beyond Ayala Malls next year.
Speaking at yesterday’s store opening, Mark Uy, head of corporate strategy and business development at Ayala Corp. said the new store is not just the biggest in the Philippines, but also outside of Oceania.
Located in Trinoma Mall, Anko’s new store covers 1,634 square meters, with 1,421 square meters of retail space.
Anko made its debut in the country in November last year, through a partnership with Ayala by opening its first store in Glorietta in Makati City.
In May this year, it opened its second branch in Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City.
“Next year, we’re open to go to non-Ayala Malls,” Uy said.
For this year, Anko expects to open two more stores, which will both be located in Metro Manila.
The STAR earlier reported that the Ayala Group plans to double Anko’s store count in the country to 10 up to 12 stores by next year.
Uy said Anko’s expansion is aimed at bringing the brand’s products closer to more Filipinos.
Apart from bringing its offerings closer to Filipino shoppers, Anko is also creating jobs through its expansion.
“We’ve scaled our operations to meet growing demand, but more importantly, to deepen our impact,” Anko country manager Rachel Turner said.
She said the new store represents growth.
“We’re creating jobs, inspiring homes and offering families a better way to shop for their everyday needs,” she said.
Anko was established in 2017 as part of the Kmart Group, which is under Wesfarmers Ltd., one of Australia’s leading companies.
It offers homewares, toys, beauty, as well as travel products at affordable prices.