Global headset maker eyes expansion in Visayas, Mindanao

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Monday, February 20, 2012

FILIPINOS' inherent love for music has pushed Skullcandy, one of the world's leading audio brands, to expand its reach to the provinces.

An official of Skullcandy's local distributor Rains International Corp. said in an interview Saturday evening that the company is looking forward to add 50 stores in Visayas and Mindanao this year.

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"We did some partnerships with malls such as the Gaisano (Grand) Group," said Ron Basilio, marketing manager of Rains, referring to the chain of malls thriving in the cities of Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. "We're expanding faster than ever in the Vis-Min area."

Increasing Skullcandy's brand presence has been the company's plan since it came to the Philippines in 2006. At present, Basilio told Sun.Star that the company has 70 stores nationwide, mostly located in Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Calamba (Laguna), Pampanga, and Bulacan.

MANILA. Leading audio brand Skullcandy is set to add 50 stores in Visayas and Mindanao this year. (Virgil Lopez)

"We are in touch with many retail outlets, malls, and specialty shops to make Skullcandy accessible for more Filipinos to enjoy. We live and breathe music, so there’s always a need for quality audio products, and that's what we have for them," he said, adding they will have their hands full this summer to promote the product through event sponsorships.

With a diversified market such as students, sports enthusiasts, and young professionals, prices of Skullcandy products begin at P995 for earphones and headsets.

"Essentially, our market is really in the AB segment," Basilio said, with sales peaking in December, largely driven by holiday spending.

Skullcandy's line of products involves earphones and earbuds, on-ear headphones, and over-ear headphones. Famed for its colorful designs, the Utah-based company said the functionalities of these headphones are serious too.

Some headphones come with built-in microphones that can be used with multimedia phones, or even MP3 players. Similar to the headphones, earphones can be customized for that perfect fit, as some have interchangeable earbuds.

These products, which carry the distinctive logo of a human skull, also offer optimum sound, from controllable subwoofers (loudspeakers), to noise-reduction headphones, to iPod controls. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)