Wilcon Depot opens 2nd outlet in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Wilcon Depot opened its 30th store in the Philippines and its second outlet in Cebu yesterday, just when the construction sector is experiencing vigorous expansion.

The newly-opened construction solutions store sits on a 9,000-square meter property along U.N. Avenue in Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City before reaching the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. It is one of Wilcon Depot’s 10 identified areas for expansion within the year.

Last year, the first Wilcon store in Cebu was opened at Lot 2359 in Barangay Lawaan II, Talisay City.

Senior executive vice president and chief operating officer Rosemarie Ong said they now exist for about 36 years in the industry. What keeps their patrons loyal to them, she said, is “everytime they go to Wilcon, there will always be new products.”

“We have allowed for easy shopping and choosing of products as bar-coded merchandise are displayed in an organized manner,” Ong said. “Also, with the computer aided software of the design hub and with the help of our sales personnel, customers can easily transform their ideas to reality.”

In a message, acting Governor Agnes Magpale thanked Wilcon for expanding to Cebu, adding that this development reaffirms Cebu as an area “bursting within the seams with business and economic activities”, particularly in the construction sector.

The timely expansion is said to be a testament of the construction industry’s continued growth and will further establish the readiness of the province to host large economic forums such as Cebu’s bid to host the heads of state convention during the APEC meetings in 2015.

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes said Wilcon made the right move in choosing his city as the location of Wilcon’s second outlet because “Mandaue City is the heart of Metro Cebu”. He described Wilcon’s location as strategic, saying “one does not simply come to Cebu City or Lapu-Lapu City without passing Mandaue.”

Wilcon’s line of products includes appliances, automotive, building materials, doors and moldings, electrical, furniture, hardware, house ware, outdoor living, paints and sundries, plumbing, sanitary wares, tiles and tools.

In a statement to the press, Wilcon said they have remained faithful to their tagline “Building Big Ideas” by continuously providing the widest selection of construction and home improvement products.

They also claim to have revolutionized shopping experience through the introduction of air-conditioned shops, reliable delivery service, expert sales people, ample parking space, installation service and interior design consultation.

With the heart

Company officials, however, said that Wilcon, more than just a depot, believes in “building with the heart”.

Wilcon has put up the WTB Scholarship Foundation to provide college education for the children of its loyal employees. It has also been actively supporting a number of noteworthy causes such as Habitat for Humanity Philippines where it supplied all water closets in all its projects for 2012.

The company also donated to the Philippine National Red Cross the amount of P1 million for Typhoon Sendong victims, as well as P8.6 million to the Center for Community Transformation, a Christian advocacy organization that provides assistance to urban and rural poor communities. (FREEMAN)