CEBU, Philippines - The Wine Shop, one of Cebu’s famous wine havens, recently bared its expansion plans through offering franchise package.
In an interview with Joylyn D. Gustilo, the shop’s proprietress, she said that because of the good turnout of the wine business, both in retail and wholesale markets largely composed of restaurants, resorts, and hotels, the Wine Shop decided to expand its network through franchising.
The Shop is not only gaining popularity among the local market, but also with the growing number of tourists visiting Cebu.
“We are frequently visited by foreign tourists, almost every night. Most of them are Koreans, Japanese, Europeans, and also Americans. Cebu’s robust tourism sector has benefited this kind of business also,” Gustilo said.
The Wine Shop, which was established some five years ago by a Spanish tourist-turned-capitalist, has gained a strong foothold as one of the top choices of resto bars in Cebu.
“We can’t already afford to manage another outlet, because we are serving our customers hands on. The option to expand because of brisk business is only to open for franchise,” Gustilo said.
According to Gustilo the need for tourists to dine and wine in a place where there is a wide option of wine products is what makes their business thriving.
“Tourists want to have good time especially during night. The reason why we also have live band entertainment to provide much more conducive ambiance for customers,” Gustilo said.
Gustilo, together with her Spanish husband is also operating a company that imports wine from Spain, called “Donaviña Wine Imports”. Because of this direct importation business, The Wine Shop can offer much more competitive prices for its wine product choices, she said.
The wine importing company is now supplying wines for institutional clients, such as resorts, hotels, and restaurants, Gustilo said.
In the past, wines were only appreciated by the high-end market segment, now market has grown, and the middle-end market has now started to appreciate the good dining and wining experience.
Like the Coffee Club craze, observers said that Cebu is expected to be flooded with wide choices of shops offering good wines, and fine dining facilities.
With the vibrant tourism economy in Cebu coupled with strong consumer spending, services and retailer sectors, which include the Food and Beverage industries is seen to perform well.