Rustan's to expand in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Identified as the biggest luxury shop destination in the country with numerous premier brands all in one place, Rustan’s aims to expand their services in Cebu after continually gathering a positive response from customers.

Joselito Macachor, store manager for Rustan’s Ayala, said in an interview with The Freeman that despite the global financial crisis, which has forced the public to hold back on their expenses, Rustan’s still enjoys the support of their customers.

Macachor said that this is because of the quality service and goods that they offer and in the midst of the crisis, “the people look for the best value for their money in terms of products and service.”

He said that since Rustan’s was first opened in Cebu in 1981 in Mango Square and later in Ayala in 1995, they have hit their target market, which is the Class A and B market.

Especially in the Ayala branch, which has also opened the Rustan’s Supermarket two years ago, Macachor said that they continue to gather customers all year round.

Macachor said that due to this, they will soon be expanding through another store in the exclusive wing of Ayala Center Cebu. He said that they could not expand their store in the present location since they have limited space.

He said that the company is also eyeing on other projects but they are presently focusing on the new store in Ayala to be started by 2010.

“Rustan’s believes so much in Cebu and this is our way of thanking our customers as well as reaching out to more,” added Macachor who said that these projects are in line with their vision in proving that Rustan’s is the premier luxury destination of tourists in Asia and this is just one of the many things that the public could expect from the store.

Macachor said that they have already noted the start of the shopper’s frequent visit in Rustan’s for the holiday season as early as July to August.

The shop offers the worlds most popular after brands from cosmetics and toiletries, to home and interior accessories, to a huge collection of fashion and jewelry pieces. Some of the widely known brands in the store for cosmetics and skin care alone are Bobbi Brown, Christian Dior, Clinique, Elizabeth Arden, and Lancome while for perfumes are Armani, Bvlgari, Burberry, Lacoste and Mont Blanc.

Macachor said that they also had a successful launch and feedback since August on their Rustan’s Citi card which entitles the customers as much as 4.5 percent rebate on purchases made at Rustan’s Department Stores and Rustan’s Supercenters.

He explained that through the card, customers not only enjoy rebates but discounts, priority services, and notices on events, promos and privileges.