Love selfie

A couple takes a selfie at the “Hugs from the Heart” art installation at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig on Wednesday, a day before Valentine’s Day.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Rustan's group brings Old Navy to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - After Gap and Banana Republic, it's now Old Navy's turn to open in the Philippines.

The Rustan's group's Stores Specialists Inc. said the first Old Navy store in the Philippines will open at Bonifacio High Street on March 22. SSI is Old Navy's first franchisee.

Another Old Navy store will open in Glorietta 3 on March 29.

Old Navy offers men’s, women’s, kid’s and baby apparel and accessories.

SSI is already the partner of Gap Inc. for its Gap and Banana Republic brands in the country.

Anthony Huang, executive vice president of SSI, said Old Navy promises to deliver a "fun" shopping experience for the family.

"We are proud to announce our partnership with Old Navy and very excited about the brand's arrival in the Philippines and look forward to having the opportunity for future expansion," he said.

"We are very pleased to have our first franchise stores open in Manila... Bringing our American fashion essentials that are accessible to every family is something we are proud to offer the people of the Philippines," said Robert Frank, executive vice president, Old Navy, International.

Old Navy had announced its expansion in the Philippines last September 2013.

The Tantoco-led SSI is a wholly Filipino-owned corporation that has brought some of the biggest global brands to the Philippines such as Gucci, Cartier, Lacoste, Burberry, Marks & Spencer, Prada, Zara, The Gap, Banana Republic and Marc Jacobs.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

US furniture chain Pottery Barn to open in PH

MANILA, Philippines - US home-furnishing retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc. is opening its popular Pottery Barn chain in Manila next year.

This as Williams-Sonoma signed a multi-year agreement with Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) to bring its brands to the Philippines.

In a statement, Williams-Sonoma said Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids are expected to open in Manila in early 2014 at Bonifacio High Street.

"We believe there is a significant opportunity to extend the reach of our brands globally," said Laura Alber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Alber noted that the Philippines is a "natural" market, with its strong economy and consumer demand for high-quality 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. We are confident they are the right partner to introduce our brands to the Philippines market and deliver on our company promise to enhance customers` lives at home," she said.

The deal with SSI includes development rights in the Philippines for all brands in the Williams-Sonoma portfolio, which also include Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen and West Elm.

"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," said SSI executive vice president Anthony Huang.

Williams-Sonoma is a specialty retailer of high-quality products for the home. Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids specialize in furniture, while Williams-Sonoma features cookware. PBteen offers beddings for girls and boys, while West Elm features modern furniture and room decor. Williams-Sonoma Home is a luxury furniture store.

In the past year, Williams-Sonoma has embarked on a global expansion. It opened its first Australia stores in Sydney last May. It expects to open additional West Elm stores in Melbourne and London this year.

The Tantoco-led SSI is a wholly Filipino-owned corporation that has brought some of the biggest global brands to the Philippines such as Gucci, Cartier, Lacoste, Burberry, Marks & Spencer, Prada, Zara, The Gap, Banana Republic and Marc Jacobs.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com