Ayala's Best Merchants 2008

The Ayala Malls recently honored its most outstanding retailers of the year at  the tenth  Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards night held at Greenbelt 5.

The annual  celebration recognizes individuals and establishments whose achievements in innovation, marketing and management have served as commendable models for other retailers to aspire for. 

As in the past, broadcast celebrity David Celdran ably hosted this year's event, assisted by Menchu Antigua, former Ms. Cebu.

The Visual Merchandising Excellence had as winners Bleach Catastrophe for local fashion, Celio for foreign fashion, VMV for specialty store and Rustan's for Department Store, Jr. Anchor. The establishments were represented by Ma. Medin Villamiel,  Bryan Lim, Juan Pablo de Bertoto and  Rico and Nena Tantoco.

Once again, Bleach Catastrophe represented by Ma. Medin Villamiel, was the recipient of the Overall Visual Merchandize Excellence Award. This special citation gives recognition to Ayala Malls merchants for their efforts and enthusiasm in effecting good visual merchandizing and display in their outlets the entire year.

The Best in Christmas Decoration Special Awards, given to establishments who have captured the holiday spirit through creative and engaging decorations, went to Levis for retail, Oh Georg for food, Face Shop for Specialty store, and Rustan's for department store, Jr. Anchor.

The Store Operations Excellence awards went to Marks and Spencer, Adidas, CMG, Artwork and Lacoste Footwear. They were represented by Anthony Huang, Haide Sun Yunan, Chan Kok Bin, Ma. Medin Villamiel and Frido Ong, respectively. The citation recognizes the efforts of establishments that strictly adhere to the operational and customer service standards.

The Seeds, owned and operated by John and Nadine Gonzales, was adjudged the Most Promising Retailer while consistent winner, Rustan's Cebu was elevated to the Visual Merchandizing Hall of Fame. Other winners include Florsheim for Marketing Excellence, Celine for Marketing Excellence Values, and Marketing Partners Bigby's, Mother's Fried Chicken and Oro China. Accepting the awards were Annabelle Chavez, Chan Kok Bin, Henrik Kelly Yu, Mary Lim and Harry John Viloria.

The much coveted Store of the Year award went to Lacoste Apparel who has shown its commitment to product innovations and has offered its loyalty and trust to the Ayala Malls by bringing its business to the different Ayala Centers in the country. Elizabeth Quiambao accepted the award.

Fernando Zobel de Ayala-Chairman of Ayala Land, Jim Ayala-President and CEO of Ayala Land Inc.,  Javi Hernandez-Senior Division Manager, Cathy Bengzon-Senior Division Manager, Marketing and Events Management,  Tess Palma-VP and Head of Development and Acquisition, Francis Monera-President of Cebu Holdings and Rowena Tomeldan-VP and Deputy Group Head of Ayala Malls and Myrna Fernandez-Assistant Vice President, Ayala Malls Group did the honors. 

The evening was capped by a mini concert by versatile singer Jed Madela and the popular Company Y singers.

There you are. One big celebration for all deserving winners.  We hope these recognitions will inspire others to go the extra mile to set the highest standards of marketing and management levels.