Daiso Japan founder reaffirms ties with Robinsons Retail Holdings

MANILA, Philippines - Daiso Industries Ltd. Japan founder and president Hirotake Yano was in the country recently as one of the speakers of the 17th Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition (APRCE) Manila 2015 held at the SMX Convention Center. Yano, along with other well-respected speakers from different countries, shared their insights on how to face the latest challenges and issues that the region’s retailers face and help them deliver greater value to consumers.

Yano also visited Daiso Japan stores in the Philippines and met with Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI) officials Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Wilfred Co and Katherine Michelle Yu. RRHI is the appointed franchisee in the Philippines of Daiso Industries, Inc. Yano reaffirmed the strong and exclusive partnership between the two companies. 

During the meeting, he expressed his satisfaction over the Supreme Court’s final ruling in June this year, preventing Japan Home Center (JHC) from using the trademark Daiso.  He reiterated that Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. is their only authorized and licensed partner in the Philippines. In 2009, Daiso Industries Co., Ltd filed a complaint with the Intellectual Property Office against JHC. Hence, Daiso Japan stores should not be confused with any other establishments bearing a similar concept.  

Yano said that he is very happy with the growth of Daiso Japan in the Philippines. “I first came here four years ago and observed that it was experiencing a very competitive growth, one that was comparable to Daiso in Japan.  I am actually quite proud of this development.” There are 44 Daiso Japan stores in the Philippines and over 2,400 stores in 30 countries around the world. 

Both Yano and Gokongwei-Pe reiterated the strength of their business collaboration, which was sealed in 2008. “I am very confident with the leadership of the Robinsons Group as our Daiso Industries’ exclusive retailer in the Philippines,” he said. “That is why I look forward to continued growth as customer demand increases.”

Gokongwei-Pe is likewise very optimistic about the expansion of the Daiso Japan brand. “We brought it here knowing that it is a big brand from Japan that offers good quality and affordable products. That, for me, is the best combination that is very much suited to the Philippine market. The items in our stores are the real Daiso merchandise from Japan.  There is a guarantee behind the name and the partnership that we have with Daiso Industries.”