Living it up in the Citi
Rustan’s lifestyle consultant Cheryl Tantengco takes one look at me and surmises, “You’re laid-back, like loose and casual clothing,” She should have added pathologically obsessed with shirts, watches and anything embossed with God’s own artwork — the skull.
Cheryl is giving me a tour of Rustan’s Department Store in Glorietta, showing me the clothes and collectibles I might be interested in, as well as pointing out items that customers could purchase with their Citi Rustan’s Visa credit card, what is touted as the “country’s first and only luxury card.” Having a lifestyle consultant with impeccable taste advise you on what shirts or jeans would look good on you (or warning you about outfits that might make you look like a straggler from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome) is one of the perks of being a Citi Rustan’s Visa cardholder. With Cheryl’s help, I was able to pick out items such as (for future purchases, mind you, and if I subsist on Lucky Me for a year) a Don “Ed” Hardy watch, U shirts with neon skulls or David Hasselhoff slogans, Le Tigre jackets, Marilyn Monroe movie posters, the works.
Citibank cards business director Bea Tan says, “We’ve been getting a lot of good feedback with the card, especially since Rustan’s has always been the leader in the retail industry.”
The Citi Rustan’s Visa, which comes in Gold and Platinum variants, gives as much as a three-percent rebate on all purchases made at Rustan’s Department Stores, Rustan’s Supercenters (which covers the Supermarket, Fresh and Expresslanes), and Stores Specialists Inc. (which has over 60 brands). The card not only offers cardholders generous rebates for their purchases, it also lets them experience “unmatched pampering through preferential discounts, priority services, exclusive offers, and special benefits.”
There are also 15 percent (for Gold cardholders) and 20 percent (for Platinum cardholders) anniversary and birthday discounts on regular and consigned items. Cardholders get a special gift token for accumulated purchases such as a limited-edition Tiffany crystal.
“It gives you a lot of incentives to use the card. We also have VIP sale where cardholders get first dibs at men’s and women’s clothing, perfumes, items for kids, household items, etc. — with additional discounts,” adds Citibank vice president for public relations Aneth Lim.
Citi Rustan’s Visa cardholders get complimentary service from Clarins Institut, Essenses Aesthetics or Murad Spa. Platinum cardholders get to enjoy Light-from-Maori treatment from Clarins Institut, hot-stone body massage from Essenses Aesthetics, or vitamin C infusion facial from Murad Spa. Gold cardholders get to enjoy Clarins back relief, Dermalogica Discovery facial or Murad classical facial.
Dig these perks: free delivery of items to the customer’s location in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu; assistance with all of Rustan’s Gift Registries (bridal, baby, etc.); invitations to shopping parties and store events; assistance with wardrobe alteration, embroidery and engraving; and makeover sessions as requested.
Platinum cardholders are entitled to free valet parking, complimentary engraving, alteration, embroidery and delivery services. “These are things you had to pay for in the past,” Tan says. They can even chill out at the Platinum Lounge (like manna from heaven for a weary and wobbled-out holiday shopper) — watch TV or DVDs, read the latest magazines, have donuts and coffee.
According to Citibank country business manager Mark Jones, “We are very proud to have the country’s foremost luxury retailer as our partner in our latest product. For more than 50 years, Rustan’s has been bringing the world’s most premier and sought-after brands to the Filipino shopper, even as they help launch the careers of many local designers. They are the natural partner for Citi as we launch a credit card for the luxury shopper.”
Rustan Commercial Corp. president Zenaida Tantoco explains, “Rustan’s continues a long and proud tradition of putting our customers first, and constantly finding new ways to delight them. The Citi Rustan’s card will certainly complete their shopping experience, and it gives us the opportunity to further cement our relationship with our loyal and valued shoppers.”
Stores Specialists Inc. executive vice president Anton Huang relates that the Citi Rustan’s cardholder will enjoy exclusive access to the many promotions that they line up all-year-round. “We currently have over 60 international brands under our wing, and that number will continue to grow. Each of these brands has something unique to offer to the Filipino shopper, and we are happy to be able to introduce each one of them to the Citi Rustan’s cardholder, through private sales, exclusive promotions and special occasion discounts.”
Rustan’s Supermarkets president Bienvenido Tantoco III is confident that the new credit card will receive a warm welcome from Rustan’s devoted shoppers. “Once a shopper has experienced Rustan’s, they usually come back for more, whether they first tried the department store or the specialty boutiques or the supermarket. And we are happy to say that these become long-term relationships that we nurture with good products and excellent service. A Citi-Rustan’s cardholder can expect no less.”
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Citi Rustan’s Card is just one of the many exciting new products Citi has lined up for 2008. Recently, it launched Citi PremierMiles, its newest travel card offering the best deals for frequent travelers, and Shell Citi Visa, the credit card giving motorists the best in market rebate on Shell fuel purchases. For information, call 423-3000.
