GROWTH in tourism allows the owner of a new shoe store to be optimistic about the Cebu market.
“This has good potential in the Cebu market because of the influx of tourists and the frequent (arrivals of people) from Manila,” said Susan Thai, general manager and owner of Res-Toe-Run.
Res-Toe-Run, located at Ayala Center Cebu, was launched Friday. The “food-and-foot-themed” shoe shop introduced to Cebu the various footwear brands it carries with a ceremonial salad toss and a shower of rose petals.
Despite rising food and fuel prices, Thai remains optimistic about the store.
“For Cebu, we are very optimistic. We plan on expanding here and (to other areas ) the Visayas and Mindanao,” Thai said.
Lacking competition
She said her optimism is bolstered by the lack of competition in Cebu.
“We have lesser competitors here in Cebu compared to Manila. And if they (the competitors) will come to Cebu, at least we were the first to establish this type of business,” she said.
Thai said she believes that the shoe brands at Res-Toe-Run will soon be the “in” thing.
“What we have here are new brands. In the future, this will be the in-thing,” she said.
While Res-Toe-Run carries international brand names, it does not only target the A, B and C markets.
Adventurous
“We are targeting those who are adventurous in their lifestyle,” Thai said. “Beyond the ABC market, what we like to call as the aspirational market will save for the shoes they like.”
She said shoes at Res-Toe-Run are not just about fashion.
“The creators have a story to tell,” she said, citing the Sanuk brand, which includes sidewalk surfer shoes created by a surfer.
“These shoes are for those who are experimental and adventurous,” she added.
One of the familiar brands available at Res-Toe-Run is Kickers. “Kickers is a basic brand —shoes that have been here for the longest time,” she said.
Res-Toe-Run replaced the Kickers outlet at Ayala Center.
“We changed the concept of the old Kickers store. Loyal customers of Kickers can still come here and buy their favorite shoes,” she said. (Karen Nacario and Rachel Chloe Palang, UP Mass Comm Interns)
