"Metro Market" spells jobs, income for Naga

CEBU, Philippines - Vicsal Development Corporation (VICSAL) finally opened yesterday its first ever stand-alone supermarket in the City of Naga, Cebu dubbed as the “Metro Market.”

Located on a 2,500 square meter property, which used to be the city’s old gymnasium, this recent development in Naga does not only promises additional income for the city’s coffers but also means employment for the residents of Naga.

Metro Gaisano vice president for marketing Ruby Rodriguez said Metro Market employs around 150 who are all locals of Naga stressing that one of the company’s main thrusts is to generate employment for the locality where they are operating.          

“We want to bring Metro Gaisano closer to the Nagahanons and promote progress outside the major cities,” Rodriguez said.

Vicsal initially offered to lease the property for 25 years citing good relations between the local government officials and the Metro Gaisano group.

Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong said in earlier reports that this venture is very beneficial for the city as it is expected to rake in P5 million in additional income for the city once the Metro Market starts operating.

Rodriguez said they are very bullish about their operations in Naga most especially that the goal of the local government is also aligned with the aim of the company and that is to “promote progress.”

Asked if Vicsal has plans of investing on a full mall operation in Naga, Rodriguez said there are no firm plans yet but the company is always open to possibilities of further business development.

Moreover, with the overwhelming response of the buying public in Naga since the store’s soft launch last September 8, Rodriguez said they maintain a very positive outlook for Naga’s Metro Market.

On the other hand, although Metro Gaisano is a name that has become synonymous with shopping in the Visayas, this is the first time that the company has conceptualized a stand-alone supermarket unlike the usual Department Store-Supermarket combination it has in all of its other stores across the country.

Metro Gaisano vice president Luz Bitang said a “Metro Market” is generally composed of foodstuff, 90 percent groceries and 10 percent of general merchandise.

Another retailing concept recently launched by the company is the “Metro Hi-per” market, which they first opened in Maasin. The Gaisano Metro Hi-per Maasin had its soft-opening last October 8.  

Two more Metro Hi-per markets will soon open in Alabang and Binondo by first half of next year, and as for the “Metro Market” concept, Rodriguez said definitely there will be more of this type coming.

Meanwhile, Bitang said the opening of the Mtero Market in Naga also brings the company’s perks closer to the Nagahanons as yesterday also marked the opening of its discounts promo wherein shoppers can enjoy as much as 50 percent discounts. Other promotion blitz mentioned include the Pabuena Mano raffle promo, and Cars & Cash promo, among others.  (FREEMAN)