Puregold Price Club chairman Lucio Co has been named top Philippine retailer for 2015.
He received the ‘Patron of Micro-retail Entrepreneurship’ award from the Philippine Retailers Association.
Co’s contribution to the growth of micro-retail entrepreneurs, particularly through Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring program, fulfilled the PRA’s criteria for the country’s model of a successful retailer in terms of growth and good ethical practices.
The recognition marks the PRA’s 19th ‘Outstanding Filipino Retailers & Shopping Centers of the Year’ awards.
PRA president and COO of Duty Free Philippines, Lorenzo C. Formoso, presented the trophy to Co, together with tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez, trade secretary Adrian Cristobal, and Blims Lifestyle Group chairman Samie Lim.
Formoso said during his opening speech that the association has awarded a couple of hundred retailers over the years, to encourage industry excellence that adopts world-class quality while maintaining local identity.
“We can expect a brighter future ahead,” said Formoso, adding that the Philippine retail sector has become dynamic since it opened to foreign investors in 2000, citing Philippine Statistics Authority data on the increase in retail trade as percentage of national output.
The PRA also recognised the most promising retailers, the best shopping centers and supermarkets, and the best retailers in specialty, home improvement, food and fashion categories. Ceremonies were held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.
Surplus and Bambu were named the best retailers under the fashion category (apparel and shoes & bags, respectively); Uniqlo Philippines, best foreign brand fashion retailer; Tropical Hut Hamburger best food; SM Hypermarket best hypermart, Robinsons Department Store best full-line department store, LCC Expressmart best regional retailer; and SM Megamall best large shopping center.
Other finalists and winners include Robinsons Place Malolos, SM Sta Rosa, Ace Hardware, Krispy Kreme Stores, Dairy Queen, Philippine Pizza, Pacific Mall Legaspi, Newport Manila, Eastwood Mall, Lucky Chinatown, Urban Athletics, Grassroots Philippines, Runnr, Pet Express, The Travel Club, National Book Store, Abenson, Our Home, Mothercare, Esprit, Birkenstock, Clarks, Fitflop, Lacoste footwear, Karimadon, Freeway, Onesimus and La-Z Boy Gallery.