Fit Mart Mall to open Dec 2002

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – As one of the come-ons for tourists, local and foreign, alike a multi-million, two-storey complete shopping and entertainment center, the Fit Mart, will be opened this coming December in Koronadal City, formerly Marbel.

Dindo P. Quevada, chief operating officer of Fit Mart Group of Companies said the center is ideally located in the heart of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani Province and General Santos City (SOCSKSARGEN) Region and will offer an exciting mix of shops and services for the whole family.

Quevada said the concept of the Fit Mart is to draw in the demand from other areas that are spending several hours going to Davao City, adding, "rather than going to Davao City, residents of GenSan City prefer a short drive to Koronadal if they find the completeness and variety of Fit Mart as compared to malls in Davao City."

The fully air-conditioned Mall is designed to attract Manila’s finest locators such as international fast food chains, fashion boutique, optical, bookstores, computer, appliance, toys and hardware stores.

The Mall is also designed to accommodate a supermarket, department store, amusement center, food court, bingo hall/trade hall, four modern cinemas and bowling center as major anchor tenants.

Conceived by top consultants in the retail and recreation industry, the Mall’s wide hallways and escalators are designed to provide easy access, comfort and convenience for shoppers.

Quevada said the Mall has ample and secure ground floor parking in addition to the attractive landscape.

"In case of power failure, the Mall is equipped with 100 percent back-up power for all common areas," Quevada said.

Safety features in the Mall include a centralized sprinkler system, smoke detector system and well planned fire exits. These features are backed up by an efficient building facilities management system and supported by 24-hour security services.

In 1980, Fit Mart, Marbel’s first department store was born, it’s name was inspired from the old shoe business. "Fit" was an early everyday lingo coined for every customer who deserved satisfaction.

The business started with all the members of the family of Ong Siong Chia from China and his wife, Ramona "Moning" Villaruel plus their children Danny, Domingo, Dina and Delfin sharing equal responsibilities.

Later, it expanded its operation by adding grocery section and Goldie Burger-the first Customer Service-Oriented burger house in Marbel.

From then on, Fit Mart became the yardsticks for sharp business management and customer servicing among other stores in Koronadal.