It’s a swipe at bazaars with HSBC

Red takes on new meaning this holiday season with HSBC’s "Red is in Season" promo. This shopper-friendly campaign gives buyers the chance to swipe their HSBC plastic at certain bazaars rather than bring along a conspicuous wad of cash. Aside from offering stress-free bazaar shopping, these credit cards also act as your free pass into bazaars, including the Karl Edward International bazaar, a name that has long been synonymous with bazaar shopping on the local scene.

The Karl Edward International (KEI) bazaar started 10 years ago, put up by Florian Enriquez, herself a dedicated shopper who recognized that consumers will venture outside of the mall to sniff out more novel buys at negotiable prices. (The name combines the first names of her two sons, Karl and Edward.) KEI first held its bazaar at various venues such as Makati Sports Club, Dusit and the Intercon before finally settling down at its recognized address inside the NBC Tent.

KEI’s growth has been so satisfactory that, a few years ago, they made bazaar-shopping a year-round endeavor. The KEI bazaar is set up once a month from January to September, twice a month during October and November, and weekly in December. The response has been so positive that they have taken to opening daily in the week leading up to Christmas, welcoming last-minute shoppers who don’t want to join the fray in the malls, but who still enjoy the paying privileges boutiques offer.

The success of KEI has also been shared by their concessionaires. Previous KEI mainstays include Folded & Hung, Play & Display, Mary Grace, Hizon’s and Connie’s Kitchen, all of which now have a tangible presence in the malls. Some of these sellers, such as Mary Grace, Bravo and Play & Display still maintain a booth in KEI.

"I believe the key to our success is our emphasis on service to both our consumers and merchants. They are our top priority. We are constantly challenging ourselves to make our buyers’ shopping experience as pleasant and hassle-free as possible," shares Florian. Tying up with HSBC is one of the moves geared towards this goal. The free entrance given to HSBC cardholders has increased walk-in traffic and interest in the bazaar.

The Karl Edward International bazaar offers an extensive collection of merchandise that includes fashionable clothing, accessories, home décor and delectable goodies. All these great buys are available at affordable, negotiable prices. KEI will be open every day from Dec. 15 to 23 at the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City. HSBC credit cards will be accepted. The entrance fee is waived for all HSBC credit card holders and freebies up for grabs include a free copy of Marie Claire magazine or an HSBC tote bag for a minimum single-purchase of P500.

HSBC credit cards will also be accepted at the Christmas Gifts Expo at the Mega Trade Hall SM Megamall from Dec. 20-24.

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