The government-initiated Go Lokal! Ayala Center Cebu branch generated high sales, a month after its formal opening.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 7 Director Asteria Caberte said the only Go Lokal! store in Cebu so far has booked P898,391 in sales, the highest monthly sale recorded among Go Lokal! stores nationwide.
Go Lokal! Ayala Center Cebu formally opened on Oct. 11.
Caberte attributed the high sales to Cebuanos’ strong preference for locally-made but export-quality products.
“The Cebu market is different, very sophisticated. When they like a product, they buy it regardless of the price tag,” said Caberte.
The fast sales takeup is also driven by high-end products, which means there is a ready market for premium and export quality products, she added.
According to Caberte, the strong sales performance of the outlet is “record-breaking,” that even other Go Lokal! outlets like the one at the Duty Free Philippines Manila was challenged to outperform Cebu.
Go Lokal! is a retail concept store showcasing quality and innovative Philippine products crafted, designed and produced by the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In earlier interviews, Caberte said mounting a store where MSMEs can sell their products is a step in the right direction, as it helps them tap new markets. It serves as a bridge to clients like tourists seeking premium and export products, and manufacturers wanting to sell their products to a wider market.
Caberte said the opening of a Go Lokal! Store is timely, as the appetite of local consumers on export quality products has regained momentum.
The store is also seen to perk up Cebu’s image as a creative and design hub, as the products featured in the store boast of Filipinos’ craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Go Lokal! carries everyday products made from indigenous materials that are modern in design, world-class in packaging, and are competitively priced: from processed food, home decor, arts and crafts, health and wellness products, fashion apparel, accessories and eco-friendly products. / KOC