Keep Father’s Day treat within budget

CEBU, Philippines - Although it is a common belief that men don’t really appreciate gifts as much as women do, business establishments still consider Father’s Day as a season when wives and children take time out to give Daddy a treat.

Most often, retailers would encourage spending by giving out incentives and offer discounts on their products for men.

Apparel items such as pants, polo, shirts, among others are probably the most common presents people buy for dads.

While some shoppers would buy at their dad’s favorite department store or any retail shop, there are actually gift items that are designed mainly for those who are on a tight budget but want to give something to their loved ones.

Retailers have special products that are priced fairly enough for students or children can buy gifts for their dads.

Annalee Tuburan, 27-year-old sales in-charge of a local retail mall in Cebu, said they intentionally display a P200 worth of gift set which has a combination of belt, wallet and handkerchief.

“Gituyo gyod ni namo para sa mga anak kay afforbadle ra man,” Tuburan told The FREEMAN. “Kay kasagaran ana nila igo-igo ra ang budget. Anak ug mga inahan mao nay kasagaran namo customer karon.” (We usually offer products that are affordable because it’s usually the children who buy the presents for their dads and most of them only have enough to spare.)

She said that since their markdown offering for the season started early June, she has observed that the gift set is selling out good because of its affordability. She further added that they also offer complimentary gift-wrapping service for busy wives and children.

Mica Salomon, store supervisor of a Cebu retail shop, also said that aside from the trendy electronic products, the traditional personal care items, clothes, sporting goods and leisure items are still the top choices of customers.

Salomon claimed that the sales and demand for wares during Father’s Day have a significant difference compared to Mother’s Day and Christmas season as well.

“I think that’s expected already di lang sa among store but sa uban pud,” the supervisor said. “But we still make it to a point to have a special offer during the season because fathers are still special to us.”

Dad’s Day may not really mean boom business for cake shops although several orders and reservations have been coming in this week.

Marichelle Jugalbot, store in-charge of a local bakeshop in the city, noted they still prepare for customers who want to buy their Father’s Day cakes which normally cost from P400 and up.

To get people’s attention, they allow customers to personalize their cake and put a photograph on it to make it more special for the dads, she further said. Their photo cake costs P650 and Father’s Day cake sells at P450.

This season may pose a record low in terms of retail sales than what is expected in other celebrations, enterprises have to apply sales and marketing strategies to boost revenues.

Meanwhile, moms and children have essentially a lot of choices as to how they can make their dad feel special and loved. They can also treat him to a special outing, eating out or heading to a sporting event.

While others can only afford to greet their “man in life” on the special day this Sunday with the sentimental importance of the occasion kept at heart. — (FREEMAN)