CEBU, Philippines – Spanish bathroom solutions Roca, has expanded its presence in the Philippines, making Cebu as its market gateway to capitalize on the booming property sector.
Roca, a world leader in the bathroom industry, is active in over 135 markets, including the Philippines, where it signed an exclusive distributorship deal with Cebuano home fixtures and building materials retailer – Cebu Home and Builders Center (CHBC).
CHBC opened the first and largest Roca brand showroom in Cebu in its retail outlet in A.S. Fortuna, Mandaue City. A first in the Philippines, the 200 square meters Roca Gallery Showroom aligns Cebu with other key markets in the world to have this kind of retail facility.
Although the brand has been in the Philippine market for 10 years now, Roca regional sales manager Leo Tseung said that today is the right time to bring the brand closer to the market.
Roca is present in 17 countries in Asia. Philippines, is one of the emerging markets considered by the company, Tseung added.
Michael Co, CHBC chief executive officer (CEO) said that the sophisticated taste of Cebuanos and its leadership in the high-end furniture making are just few of the factors that make luxury home features, like bathroom solutions to thrive here.
"In the last six years the market has changed and it sustained its vibrancy," said Co adding that the existence of new condominiums, high-end and luxury housing projects have strengthen the profitability of lifestyle or luxury brands specially in the residential or tourism related properties.
Co said his company is looking at opening another Roca showroom in Manila in the next few months.
For almost 14 years, CHBC has provided its varying list of clientele –from interior designers, to architects, to DIY enthusiasts.
CHBC, a subsidiary of Cebu Oversea Hardware, also includes three specialize divisions that cater to specific industry needs–Expo for Lifestyle Toilet and Bath Solutions; Light System for specific lighting solutions and Living 'n Style for furniture needs. — Ehda M. Dagooc (FREEMAN)