SINCE 1988, Ayala Malls has become one of the largest premier shopping retailers in the country, thus, an indelible influence in redefining the retail landscape. But this is not simply a feat achieved overnight by a singular force; it is a grand and synergistic effort, driven by healthy competition and dedication to retail excellence.
To honor its loyal partners and retailers, Ayala Malls celebrated its 17th annual Merchant Rewards forum held at the Fairmont Hotel, Makati, followed by the Awards Night at the same venue.
Led by host David Celdran, the 11th Merchant Forum, which centered on the theme “Building Consumer Connections.” This year’s Forum speakers included Lou Ann Navalta, the Executive Director of Integration and Business Development from Nielsen Philippines; Glenn Estrella, the Vice President of Digital Media of Globe Telecom and one of the Board of Directors of Yondu; and Chiqui Escareal-Go, President and CEO of Mansmith and Fielders, Inc.
Taking from her decades of experience, Navalta expounded on the importance ofknowing more about the new wave of Filipino shoppers, and shared indicators on the changes in the Filipino consumer’s psyche and shopping habits. As an authority in digital media, Estrella shed light on how vital it is for retailers to reach consumers through mobile and digital platforms. Lastly, Escareal-Go drew attention to the roles service promise and innovative storytelling play in providing consistent customer service across all channels.
This was followed by a moderated panel discussion comprised of experienced retailers and creative experts. Anne Gonzalez, President of Terry S.A. and owner of All Flip-Flops and Common Thread; Miguel Ramos, former Marketing Director of National Bookstore; Pen Roque, Corporate Marketing Director of Peerless Group of Companies;and Micky Domingo, the President, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Blue Bottle Inc. shared their insights and knowledge on how to build stronger, well-rooted brands that can survive today’s highly competitive industry.
Befitting the grand occasion, the ballroom of Fairmont Hotel was transformed with the help of award-winning designer and artist Leeroy New. His art-meets-technology concept embraced the spirit of innovation.
Paolo Valenciano directed the program, and multi-award winning performer Sarah Geronimo, Darren Espanto and Jason Dy entertained guests throughout the evening with their powerful voices.
With trophies designed by Ayala Corp. Chairman Emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala Sr., Ayala Malls bestowed special distinctions to merchants who best exemplified the rewarding and revolutionizing experience in their stores.
The Overall Visual Merchandising Excellence awards went to Make Room and More (Centrio Mall), Arq Living (Harbor Point Mall), T’Nalak (Abreeza Mall), The Rail (MarQuee Mall), Benefit (TriNoma), General (Bonifacio High Street), Team Manila (Market! Market!), Nike (Ayala Center Cebu), Merger (Alabang Town Center), Joanna Preysler (Greenbelt) and Titan (Glorietta).
Garnering the Visual Merchandising Excellence Hall of Fame Award for winning three years in a row were R.O.X. for Ayala Center Cebu and T’Nalak for Abreeza Mall.
All Flip-Flops accepted the Overall Marketing Excellence Award for its creative strategies to drive sales and awareness for the brand.
Ayala Malls also acknowledged the exemplary performance of top retailers in Ayala Malls across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
As a merchant that strongly reinforced Filipino values and promoted awareness for Philippine ingenuity, Freeway was honored with the Special Award for Promoting Philippine Arts and Culture.
The prestigious Store of the Year awards were given to merchants that produced outstanding work and upheld the highest standards of business management and operations. This year’s awardees were Giordano (Centrio Mall), Healthy Options (Abreeza Mall), Starbucks (Ayala Center Cebu), Lacoste (Harbor Point), New Balance (MarQuee Mall), Mamou (Serendra), Eyestyles (Market! Market!), Fully Booked (Alabang Town Center), Nike Park (TriNoma), People’s Palace (Greenbelt) and Tim Ho Wan (Glorietta).
Lastly, Starbucks took home the Grand Store of the Year award for consistently being a cut above the rest, and for showing commitment to product innovation and loyalty.
Ayala Malls salutes all winners and looks forward to the continued support of its merchant partners in raising new levels of retail excellence in the coming years.
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