Williams-Sonoma will soon be in the Philippines!
From Business World
Rustan subsidiary bringing in American home furnishing retailer
STORES Specialists, Inc. (SSI), a unit of the Tantoco-led Rustan Group of Companies, has signed an agreement with California-based Williams-Sonoma, Inc. to bring in the latter’s upscale home furnishings to the Philippines, the US firm said in a statement on its Web site yesterday.
The statement said: “the Philippines will be the next country in Williams-Sonoma’s strategic global expansion initiative.”
“We believe there is a significant opportunity to extend the reach of our brands globally,” Williams-Sonoma President and Chief Executive Officer Laura J. Alber was quoted in the statement as saying.
Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids will be the first brands to come in early next year in a store that will open at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.
Other Williams-Sonoma brands expected to follow are Williams-Sonoma, PBteen, and West Elm.
The statement said Williams-Sonoma had made several announcements last year on its plan to open more stores worldwide, particularly in Australia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom.
Ms. Alber said: “The Philippines is a natural market for us with a strong, steadily growing economy and consumer interest in high-quality, stylish home products.”
“We are pleased to partner with SSI, a company with demonstrated success developing well-known brands in the Philippines and a deep understanding of the local customer base,” Ms. Alber added.
“We are confident they are the right partner to introduce our brands to the Philippine market and deliver on our company promise to enhance customers’ lives at home.”
The same statement quoted Anthony T. Huang, Jr., SSI executive vice-president, as saying: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to introduce the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio of brands to the Philippines.”
“More than ever, our customers are looking for unique, high-quality home products, and Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s family of brands exemplifies the innovative style, quality, and service they expect.”
Williams-Sonoma is a US-based housing goods specialist. Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids specialize in furniture, while Williams-Sonoma offers cookware. PBteen offers beddings for girls and boys, while West Elm features modern furniture and room decor.
Its other brands are Williams-Sonoma Home (luxury furniture and decorative accessories), Rejuvenation (lighting and hardware), as well as Mark and Graham (personalized gifts and gifts for the home).
SSI, on the other hand, is a wholly Filipino-owned corporation formed in 1987 that has introduced major global brands to the country such as Gucci, Burberry, Marks & Spencer, Prada, and Zara. It has over 600 stores to date. -- D. E. D. Saclag
