Monday, June 04, 2007 Brand explosion at Ayala Cebu’s expansion building
THERE’S going to be a dazzling array of exciting shops at Ayala Center Cebu’s expansion building.
The best global brands have been brought in to answer the growing demand of the increasingly sophisticated Cebuano consumer. These are the easily recognizable names such as Chocolate, Nike Women, Espada, Schu, The Face Shop, Regatta, Space, Alberto, Bleach Catastrophe, Milk, VMV Hypoallergenics, Bench / HerBench, Kashieca, SunCellular, Datablitz, Electroworld, Thinking Tools, NGenius, Sony Ericsson, Sisley, Benetton, Mango, and Topman / TopShop.
The 2,000 square meter Rustan’s Supermarket anchors the expansion building. Rustan’s Fresh supermarkets are characterized by wide aisles and an amazing variety of grocery items that are as fresh as they can be without compromising international food standards. One will also see hard-to-find imported items such as spices, some premium meats, sauces and other grocery essentials. With the expanded options, regional (Asian) and global brands will soon be a staple in Cebuano shelves. Still, it is the “Fresh!” concept that is the operations key in the new supermarket.
The first level of the expansion building will feature high-end global brands that have become bywords and buzzwords in the fashion industry. Benetton / Sisley will have bigger space to showcase the latest in this Italian fashion group’s collection. Benetton has become part of the Cebuano lifestyle and its expanded offerings will be a boon. There will also now be space for the fashionable female sports buff at Nike Women.
Imagine a store filled with the broadest assortment of Nike Women products. Espada will also come in and is poised to become the new place to go for corporate women who are looking for business-like yet flirty pieces that are becoming and serious. Schu, a global brand with design centers in Paris and Milan is also set to introduce elegant yet affordable alternatives for women who love to express themselves in footwear. Another addition is The Face Shop, a South Korean retailer of body, bath, skin care and make-up products for men and women. It was founded in 1962 as a wholesale manufacturer of cosmetics and later became known worldwide for its natural products. Trendy
It’s all about trendy national and international brands in the second level of the expansion building. Regatta, the great outdoors clothing brand has stuff for the whole family, using technical performance fabrics and features to offer all weather protection. Alberto will also continue to offer shoppers the best quality shoes but now in a highly visible and larger area.
Bleach Catastrophe from the popular Artwork group gives a new slant to shirts and casual clothing that is set to change the mindset of Ayala Center Cebu shoppers. VMV, the cosmetics brand that is wildly popular for its scientifically designed hypoallergenic lines will also have a special shop that will change the retail experience of consumers.
Techie hub
On the third level, there is a slew of brand name outlets to satisfy every techie’s heart. SunCellular and Sony Ericsson will move from their current location to join other digital retailers such as Datablitz, Electroworld, Thinking Tools, NGenius, Avant, Sony Square, Apple. Samsung, Nokia, HP Solutions Center, etc. This level is expected to consolidate all reputable digital products retailer in the entire city under one roof making for an easier and safer shopping experience.
