MANILA - The retailer behind the Indonesian foray of Penshoppe is also eyeing to franchise Filipino clothing brands Bayo, Bench, and Plains and Prints, the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc (PhilExport) said in a statement over the weekend.
PhilExport quoted Alma F. Argayoso, commercial attaché at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Jakarta, as saying that Indonesia’s leading lifestyle retail group PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP) has expressed interest to introduce more Filipino brands after launching Penshoppe last year. MAP operates almost 1,400 stores, mostly upscale American and European concepts, across the Indonesian archipelago.
Penshoppe is being managed in Indonesia by PT Prima Mode Indonesia, a subsidiary of MAP. Two Penshoppe stores were opened in Indonesia last year, with 10 more slated for opening this year, according to Indonesian media reports.
“PT Prima Mode Indonesia president and director Agus Gozali plans to open at least 150 Penshoppe stores all over Indonesia within the next 10 years,” Argayoso said.
Penshoppe is geared towards Indonesia’s young, middle-class market, which may also be served by fashion-wear brands such as Bayo, Bench, and Plains and Prints.
“We are arranging a meeting between Bench and Mr. Gozali sometime in March or April 2013,” Argayoso said.
Gozali was also interested in other Filipino lifestyle concepts such as fashion designer Rajo Laurel’s kiddie couture line Rajito, Carolina’s Lace Shoppe bridal accessories, and Regalong Pambahay home handicrafts, Argayoso said.
Since MAP is also engaged in the food and beverage business—it operates Burger King, Domino’s Pizza and Starbucks in Indonesia—Filipino food exporters may soon also tap the huge Indonesian population.
“Gozali promised to link Philippine exporters and franchisors to the manager of The FoodHall, one of Indonesia’s leading gourmet supermarkets,” Argayoso said. The FoodHall is MAP’s supermarket arm.
“Interested retailers, franchisors and exporters in the Philippines are advised to coordinate with us to propose/offer business opportunities to the MAP group,” she said.
Penshoppe was MAP's first Asian fashion-wear brand. MAP holds licenses to about 115 fashion and food and beverage brands, according to reports.
source: interaksyon.com
