British clothing brand sees Phl as key market

CEBU, Philippines - Tesco’s clothing brand F&F considers the Philippines as one of its fastest growing markets in Asia.

F&F brand from Great Britain, which recently opened its latest shop in the Philippines at the Ayala Center Cebu’s new wing, partnered with Stores Specialists Inc., (SSI) in the Philippines, to strengthen its grip in the dynamic retail market and fashion-updated Filipinos.

F&F managing director Marcus Chipchase said that the Philippines has become its fastest growing market, thus the company plans to open at least 10 more stores across the country within this year.

The brand entered the Philippines only in January of this year, with the opening of its first outlet in General Santos City, and Cagayan de Oro prior to the opening of the Cebu store.

“We expect the Philippines to be strong because of its huge and trendy population, who wants affordable fashion from international brand,” said Chipchase.

In Asia, one of its fastest growing markets is Thailand, but it expects the Philippines to overtake in terms of retail performance in the next couple of years.

It has already made its presence in Malaysia, China, Korea, and Vietnam in the Asian region.

The brand’s entry to the Philippines this year expands its footprint to 20 countries across the world.

In terms of growth, Chipchase said the Philippines has offered good prospects, despite the entry of other international apparel brands in the market.

While it’s British-designed apparels are of quality and updated, prices are kept affordable to the sophisticated, hip and young market in the Philippines.  (FREEMAN)