JAPANESE apparel retailer Uniqlo expects demand within the Philippine market to stay resilient despite pressure on household budgets, saying consumers proceed to prioritize functional on a regular basis clothing.
“Filipinos proceed to trust our brand. Being here for over 14 years, they know that our LifeWear clothing can profit them through our technology and [as well as its] functionality,” Uniqlo Philippines Chief Operating Officer Geraldine L. Sia told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippines-Japan Friendship 70th Anniversary celebration on Wednesday.
Ms. Sia said consumers proceed to hunt value from clothing that mixes functionality with on a regular basis wear despite higher spending on basic necessities.
“We proceed to imagine that Filipino customers come to our store because they need a piece of our LifeWear clothing,” she said, referring to the corporate’s design philosophy of offering functional on a regular basis apparel.
She added that demand has also been supported by Uniqlo’s ability to tailor products to local market needs.
For instance, the corporate’s AIRism, UV Protection, Miracle Air, and DRY-EX product lines are designed for tropical markets resembling the Philippines.
“Somewhat than designing for trends, we start by understanding how people live, and develop these innovations based on what they need,” Ms. Sia said.
Her comments got here as headline inflation eased to six.4% in June from 6.8% in May, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), amid slower increases in food and transport costs.
Nevertheless, core inflation, which excludes chosen food and energy items, accelerated to 4.4% in June from 4.2% in May, its highest level in 31 months.
Ms. Sia said Uniqlo continues to speculate in digital services and logistics capabilities to enhance the shopper experience within the Philippines.
Since entering the Philippine market in 2012, the retailer has expanded its network to 81 stores nationwide.
Despite its presence across the country, Ms. Sia said Uniqlo still sees room for expansion.
“For our 15th 12 months, and beyond, we proceed to have our long-term commitment to the Filipinos by expanding our stores across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” she said.
Ahead of its 15th anniversary in 2027, Ms. Sia said Uniqlo Philippines’ milestones include the launch of its global flagship store at Glorietta 5 in Makati City, the reopening of its first store at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, and continued support for local communities. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz