Just like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Metro Gaisano in Ayala Center Cebu reopened its doors last January 29 to offer an even better brand of service to Cebuano shoppers .
Manuel Alberto, president and chief operating officer of the Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI), shared his optimism and confidence on the reopening of their flagship store in Cebu that was hit by a fire in 2018.
The reopening of the seven-story department store and supermarket that is located at the Cebu Business Park in Cebu City signals the firm’s belief that the “brick-and-mortar retailing format” remains an essential aspect in the Cebuanos way of shopping.
Manuel Alberto (center) the President and CEO of Metro Group Inc., shares his insights and plans for 2021 as the group re-opened its flagship store last January 29, 2021.
In a press conference last January 29, Alberto also shared their plan to implement various expansion activities for their physical stores and their online channels.
According to Alberto, the brick-and-mortar form of retailing was among those greatly affected by the lockdown that was implemented here and other parts of the country.
The need to boost their physical retail is part of the group’s post-pandemic strategy.
EXPANSION
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the Cebu-grown retail giant, has announced its plan to reopen more stores this year especially in areas with underserved provincial markets. They also plan to improve the existing format of their countryside stores and offer their department stores as a venue for a cleaner and safer shopping experience.
They will also continue to vamp their online presence, Alberto said.
With this, the group will now be implementing an omni-channel strategy which is a combination of their online and offline stores.
“With the lockdown last April, we have started our mobile commerce business, our call, and text Viber and have launched our online channel last July. We are seeing opportunities and new demands from our customers and will further develop these channels,” Alberto said.
Their online channels feature a full-range of supermarket offerings with digital payments and various delivery options.
MRSGI is also coming up with a Lazada Mall using the Lazada app, one of the largest e-commerce company in South East Asia while they also develop online partnerships with other brands.
The new Metro Ayala opened its doors last January 29, 2021.
PREMIUM MERCHANDISE
Metro Ayala offers a wide array of local and imported products coming from other Asian countries, Europe, and America.
Beautifully crafted furniture from Sauder Woodworking Co., North America’s leading producer of ready-to-assemble furniture, is also available at Metro Ayala.
It boasts an eco-friendly design that sports a clean and modern esthetic. The expansive use of glass brings more natural light and provides a view of the cityscape that surrounds the mall.
Metro Ayala’s food court features a different mix of cuisines and specialties topped with an elegantly curated interior to a more elevated dining experience.
With the re-opening of their flagship store, MRSGI remains inspired that for 2021 as they welcome shoppers back.
“We are a Cebuano company and our Metro flagship store is the bloodline to all our other stores. We were definitely affected during the closure, but we remain inspired with its opening,” said Alberto.