Cebu consumers mixed on entry of more brands

The entry of more commercial brands from Manila and outside the country would offer more choices for Metro Cebu consumers, some professionals and students interviewed by Cebu Daily News said.

“We need more businesses and stores in Cebu, because we need more choices. It would promote consumerism but it also encourages people to work harder (to buy the things they want),” freelance speaker and professor Ulysses Sison said.

The 31-year-old Sison said 20 percent of his salary goes to extras like dining-out and clothing.
UP-Cebu professor Jason Nieva said while more businesses translates to a stronger local economy, he’s worried about how they would compete with each other.

“I believe we should always be open to that; new brands, especially international ones, are likely to challenge the local market, hopefully leading to innovation,” said the 35-year-old Nieva, who spends nearly half of his salary on extras after bills.

Management student Michelle Erika Ruaya said the presence of more commercial brands is expected due to the imminent integration of the Philippine economy with the rest of Southeast Asia.

“With the growing population and probably an improvement on the living standards of the working class and other classes [because of future high-paying jobs that will be offered during the integration], it is a great market to address,” the 20-year-old Ruaya said.

Ruaya spends half of her allowance on dining and other gimmicks after covering her food and transportation expenses.

Marketing specialist Sean Salvador said the growth of shops in Cebu will be fueled by more businesses opening here.

But 51-year-old accountant Judy Sayson, who spends 10 percent of her salary on dining and wellness treatments, shares Nieva’s assessment.

“Instead of businesses thriving, competition might be too stiff and it might affect the welfare of the business causing them to close or to not survive,” she said. /  UP Intern Niña Bianca Sayson