Wednesday, June 25, 2008 7 Cebuanos get PRA citations
SEVEN homegrown Cebuano companies have been recognized as Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) for the Cebu search, ensuring their nominations to the national search this year.
The local search was the first launched by the Philippine Retailers’ Association–Cebu chapter.
Bo’s Coffee, one of the OFR awardees, started from a single kiosk in 1996. Today, Bo’s has a total of 33 outlets nationwide.
Bo’s Coffee, owned by Steve Benitez, also established Triangle Fort Distribution Inc., which is the logistics and delivery provider of all Bo’s Coffee outlets.
Another success story is that of Julie’s Bakeshop, which was established in 1981. At present, the bakeshop—named after Julie Gandionco—is already considered as the largest bakery chain in the country. With more than 500 branches and outlets—99 percent of which are franchised—Julie’s was also recognized for its corporate social responsibility programs.
Specialty retailer awardee, Premium Concepts, on the other hand, started out as a hobby of owner Melanie Ng. In 1995, Ng opened her first kiosk at the Ayala Center Cebu. Now, the company has six branches in Cebu and one in Davao.
Premium Concepts also operate “do-it-yourself” kiosks that allow customers to choose from thousands of semi-precious stones and come up with one’s own jewelry design.
The other PRA awardees are Junrex, M. Lhuiller Jeweller, Rose Pharmacy and Thinking Tools Inc.
All awardees were evaluated based on their products, operations, sales and marketing, social consciousness or environment advocacy and good reputation.
The awarding was held last Saturday during the second regional retailers’ conference at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel. (DME)
