It was a celebration of style, music and the art of Christmas as iconic British retailer Marks and Spencer (M&S) unveiled its more expansive store in the city, last December 3. Now with 800 square meters of store space, the new M&S store located at Level 1 of Paseo de Ciudad in Ayala Center Cebu carries a fresh boutique concept.
Marks and Spencer is one of the most prominent British retailer which spread through Europe and then made its way to Asia. The brand is best known for its quality clothes, beauty products, award-winning food and wine and gifts selections.
"The Cebu market understands the importance of investing in quality clothing," said Mr. Anton Huang, President of the SSI Group, Inc., who was in attendance at the M&S store opening. "Being one of the first brands we brought in and one of the first global retailers to establish its presence in Cebu, this new store gives us the opportunity to make the full collection of Marks and Spencer available to the local market, something that has been long awaited."
A fashion show featuring M&S 2015 Autumn-Winter Collection was staged at the opening, accompanied by live Christmas carols modernized by the internationally acclaimed University of the Visayas Chorale. The ribbon cutting ceremony was led by SSI Group President Anton Huang, EVP and General Manager of Rustan Marketing Specialists, Inc. Steven Sarmenta, UK Honorary Consul in Cebu Tamsin Booth, Cebu Holdings Inc. President Aniceto "Jun" Bisnar, Teresin Mendezona, Carla Yeung-McKowen and Joanna Maitland-Smith Lhuillier.
Exceptional quality and confident style are at the heart of Marks and Spencer. Customers are able to shop the latest M&S collections which take inspiration from the key worldwide runway trends, interpreting them into chic, wearable and high quality wardrobe staples. The Womenswear collection is characterized by a depth of texture; contrasting layers of sultry textures and styles to create a tactile and refined range which is rich in embellishment and vivid print. The Menswear collection is based on classic, masculine elegance with a focus on fine fabrics, contrasting touches and iconic pieces.
In the Philippines, Marks and Spencer currently has 23 stores and is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Specialists, Inc. under the SSI Group, Inc.