Here's how you can own a pair (or more) from Virtual Mae :D
All prices are slashed down, to as low as P500 a pair!
See you there this weekend ;)
Showing posts with label shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shoes. Show all posts
Friday, June 24, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
New Shoes and a New Friend :D
I am such a "color" person. You'll hardly see me wearing black unless required, or when I feel I need to hide some flabs ;) So, when I saw Virtual Mae's latest Color Splash shoe collection in facebook, I just had to have them!
An exchange of FB messages, SMS and e-mails followed; with me sending questions for a feature on her fabulous shoes in my Manila Bulletin column. Below is my article that came out last Saturday :)
The Smartest Steps
A winning online formula, plus fabulous shoes
MAE SERGIO, a DLSU graduate at the tender age of 18, inadvertently got into the shoe business. "Little did I know that my brief vacation abroad with my mom was going to be the start of a new-found career," she recounts. "I posted my new purchases to show off to friends. Then, they offered (or let me rephrase that, they begged) to buy them. Only those with the same shoe size as mine were lucky. Then, upon announcement of my next vacation, orders from friends started pouring in."
Such became the business model of sorts for VIRTUAL MAE, her online shoe store, which started out with a Multiply site in August 2009 and has become the shoe source for a good number of fashionistas quite taken by her fabulously appealing statement footwear. The site has become so popular and credible that it has garnered a "Trusted Business" status from the popular online commerce platform.
Her success is a combination of aesthetic acuity, resourcefulness and online business savvy. Through her many travels conducted as part of running a fashion boutique, she has accumulated a network of creative and dependable suppliers overseas, who collaborate with her in coming up with shoe designs. Images of prototypes are then posted on the Multiply website for one to two months for potential customers to place orders. Only when orders are placed, with a 50% downpayment, will the pair of shoes go into production. ( "A few extra pairs are manufactured for spot buyers," adds Sergio.)
VIRTUAL MAE has been in the shoe business for more than a year and a half and has proven its worth amidst so many competing online retail stores. Sergio credits her success to, among other things, "an unquenchable enthusiasm and industry in everything I endeavor." "In concrete terms, these include sheer business-sense, innovation, variety, high quality of products, fashion-forward designs, reasonable prices, an order-lite system, service plus: beyond customer expectations." "These make up for a proven formula," she adds.
The Multiply site has also been very supportive of Sergio's new-found venture. She adds, "Online shopping puts customers at a high risk of fraud, given the lack of ability to inspect the items before they can purchase it. A "Trusted Business" status on Multiply guarantees that, aside from having complete and legitimate documents, the company has a solid and verifiable track record as a leading seller. It is a 'quality seal' of sorts. It implies a stronger ground for buyer's assurance; connotes a merchant's confidence and trustful commitment to serve and deliver. It has actually encouraged my market to purchase freely without much wavering. I am extremely grateful to David Hersh, Multiply.com's vice president for business development, for this honor. I had the privilege of meeting him personally last year, as he discussed special features in the works to make the Multiply Marketplace a better platform for businesses like mine."
Says Jack Madrid, Multiply's Philippines country manager: "VIRTUAL MAE is one of the entrepreneurial success stories that define what Multiply's mission is in the Philippines, helping Filipinos build online businesses. Virtual Mae is a birlliant example of that."
Advertising in all forms helped create wonders for Sergio as well, with customers sharing their latest shoe purchases from VIRTUAL MAE by word-of-mouth or through cyberspace. Stylish personalities such as Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Rocio Olbes, Mai Kaufman, Ornusa Cadness and Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, and fashion bloggers such as Tin Iglesias are loyal customers of Virtual Mae.
My experience was really fun! One of my bestfriends MIKA LAGDAMEO knew I was looking for the perfect pair of black wedge boots for my fall trip to Italy. I was really specific with what I wanted. I searched everywhere and still couldn't find that "perfect pair." That was when Mika stepped in and insisted I go with her to Mae's house. And what do you know? I found exactly what I was looking for almost instantly.—Rocio Olbes
I absolutely love VIRTUAL MAE! The selection of shoes are so much more stylish and up to date as compared to others and customer assistance is outstanding! Website easy to navigate and the speedy deliveries are a pleasure! Shopping online has never been this easy. Thank you MAE SERGIO for your good taste and excellent service! =)—Mai Kaufman
And why wouldn't they be? Sergio's shoe collection is on-trend: "VIRTUAL MAE styles are "high fashion," of imported genuine materials and complex construction; with more colors and/or interesting details, in platforms, wedges, stilettos or architectural heels, (Inspiration: Nicholas Kirkwood), or pump stilettos or pin-ups that are suitable for work and evenings without the overt sexiness (Inspiration: Salvatore Ferragamo) or classy and evening-appropriate peep-toes with crystal-studded heels that remind me of styles from Stuart Weitzman. Constant research, fashion trade publications and travels abroad help keep me up to speed."
For its latest collection, VIRTUAL MAE offers an explosion of bright-hued power soles Sergio dubbed as the COLOR SPLASH series. "This was actually inspired by the movie "Sin City, based on the Frank Miller graphic novel of the same title. Here, they used a technique similar to what they use in a software application called "Color Splash," converting photos to black and white while letting you leave behind colors in some detail, thus adding a dramatic pop to it--the same type of attention I want drawn into the shoe designs. They're whimsical, fanciful and unpredictable," explains Sergio.
When asked what she'd be if she were a shoe, her answer is as interesting as her shoe collection:
Visit virtualmae.multiply.com to checkout more styles. I suggest you stop thinking about what to order and just follow your heart. By the time I confirmed my orders, most of them have already been sold out :o Manufacturing and shipping will take about 6-8 weeks. I know, it's a bit long, but I'm sure I will be swept away when I see MY shoes by May ;)
Isn't this Versace-esque just futuristically sexy and fun?
An exchange of FB messages, SMS and e-mails followed; with me sending questions for a feature on her fabulous shoes in my Manila Bulletin column. Below is my article that came out last Saturday :)
The Smartest Steps
A winning online formula, plus fabulous shoes
MAE SERGIO, a DLSU graduate at the tender age of 18, inadvertently got into the shoe business. "Little did I know that my brief vacation abroad with my mom was going to be the start of a new-found career," she recounts. "I posted my new purchases to show off to friends. Then, they offered (or let me rephrase that, they begged) to buy them. Only those with the same shoe size as mine were lucky. Then, upon announcement of my next vacation, orders from friends started pouring in."
Such became the business model of sorts for VIRTUAL MAE, her online shoe store, which started out with a Multiply site in August 2009 and has become the shoe source for a good number of fashionistas quite taken by her fabulously appealing statement footwear. The site has become so popular and credible that it has garnered a "Trusted Business" status from the popular online commerce platform.
Her success is a combination of aesthetic acuity, resourcefulness and online business savvy. Through her many travels conducted as part of running a fashion boutique, she has accumulated a network of creative and dependable suppliers overseas, who collaborate with her in coming up with shoe designs. Images of prototypes are then posted on the Multiply website for one to two months for potential customers to place orders. Only when orders are placed, with a 50% downpayment, will the pair of shoes go into production. ( "A few extra pairs are manufactured for spot buyers," adds Sergio.)
VIRTUAL MAE has been in the shoe business for more than a year and a half and has proven its worth amidst so many competing online retail stores. Sergio credits her success to, among other things, "an unquenchable enthusiasm and industry in everything I endeavor." "In concrete terms, these include sheer business-sense, innovation, variety, high quality of products, fashion-forward designs, reasonable prices, an order-lite system, service plus: beyond customer expectations." "These make up for a proven formula," she adds.
The Multiply site has also been very supportive of Sergio's new-found venture. She adds, "Online shopping puts customers at a high risk of fraud, given the lack of ability to inspect the items before they can purchase it. A "Trusted Business" status on Multiply guarantees that, aside from having complete and legitimate documents, the company has a solid and verifiable track record as a leading seller. It is a 'quality seal' of sorts. It implies a stronger ground for buyer's assurance; connotes a merchant's confidence and trustful commitment to serve and deliver. It has actually encouraged my market to purchase freely without much wavering. I am extremely grateful to David Hersh, Multiply.com's vice president for business development, for this honor. I had the privilege of meeting him personally last year, as he discussed special features in the works to make the Multiply Marketplace a better platform for businesses like mine."
Says Jack Madrid, Multiply's Philippines country manager: "VIRTUAL MAE is one of the entrepreneurial success stories that define what Multiply's mission is in the Philippines, helping Filipinos build online businesses. Virtual Mae is a birlliant example of that."
Advertising in all forms helped create wonders for Sergio as well, with customers sharing their latest shoe purchases from VIRTUAL MAE by word-of-mouth or through cyberspace. Stylish personalities such as Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Rocio Olbes, Mai Kaufman, Ornusa Cadness and Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, and fashion bloggers such as Tin Iglesias are loyal customers of Virtual Mae.
My experience was really fun! One of my bestfriends MIKA LAGDAMEO knew I was looking for the perfect pair of black wedge boots for my fall trip to Italy. I was really specific with what I wanted. I searched everywhere and still couldn't find that "perfect pair." That was when Mika stepped in and insisted I go with her to Mae's house. And what do you know? I found exactly what I was looking for almost instantly.—Rocio Olbes
I absolutely love VIRTUAL MAE! The selection of shoes are so much more stylish and up to date as compared to others and customer assistance is outstanding! Website easy to navigate and the speedy deliveries are a pleasure! Shopping online has never been this easy. Thank you MAE SERGIO for your good taste and excellent service! =)—Mai Kaufman
And why wouldn't they be? Sergio's shoe collection is on-trend: "VIRTUAL MAE styles are "high fashion," of imported genuine materials and complex construction; with more colors and/or interesting details, in platforms, wedges, stilettos or architectural heels, (Inspiration: Nicholas Kirkwood), or pump stilettos or pin-ups that are suitable for work and evenings without the overt sexiness (Inspiration: Salvatore Ferragamo) or classy and evening-appropriate peep-toes with crystal-studded heels that remind me of styles from Stuart Weitzman. Constant research, fashion trade publications and travels abroad help keep me up to speed."
For its latest collection, VIRTUAL MAE offers an explosion of bright-hued power soles Sergio dubbed as the COLOR SPLASH series. "This was actually inspired by the movie "Sin City, based on the Frank Miller graphic novel of the same title. Here, they used a technique similar to what they use in a software application called "Color Splash," converting photos to black and white while letting you leave behind colors in some detail, thus adding a dramatic pop to it--the same type of attention I want drawn into the shoe designs. They're whimsical, fanciful and unpredictable," explains Sergio.
When asked what she'd be if she were a shoe, her answer is as interesting as her shoe collection:
Hmmm... Let me rephrase that. If I were a type of footwear, I'd be BOOTS! High-heeled ones! Why? Because they're HOT! Hahaha..
Seriously though, boots, particularly those worn as protective footwear by workers (work boots) have a reputation for being as hard-wearing as their owners, hence the commonly used simile "tough as old boots."
To "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" means to sustain oneself without external help. I dip my hands into the dirty work, and by myself as much as possible.
Wearing "seven-league boots" references a classic children's fairy tale and indicates that a person or company can cover great distances, figuratively or literally, in a single stride...which is exactly my approach. Furthermore, I am a risk-taker. My actions are guided not so much by reason but by intuition.
Boots have become my "proper shoes." I don't follow norms, and I could wear heeled boots even during the summer season (Talk about HOT, literally!) So I guess in this respect you can call me deviant, haha! Designer Henry Lawson leaped to fame after being spotted in a newspaper wearing boots. Referring to them as 'Proper Shoes', this led to him being 'booted out' of the cool footwear elite of the late nought-ies.
Why high heels in particular? ...because I "walk tall, aim high"...wink, wink!
Being in heeled boots is a total, wholesome experience! It "soars" spirits to "greater heights!" Who knows what the future holds, but equipped with stylish heeled boots, I am confident I can cope with anything.
"Elevate"...rule the world!
Visit virtualmae.multiply.com to checkout more styles. I suggest you stop thinking about what to order and just follow your heart. By the time I confirmed my orders, most of them have already been sold out :o Manufacturing and shipping will take about 6-8 weeks. I know, it's a bit long, but I'm sure I will be swept away when I see MY shoes by May ;)
Good luck and happy shopping :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Right Stride at Stride Rite
My parents told me that I had difficulty walking when I as in my toddler years. They even had corrective shoes made for me. I sure hope our little one doesn't go through the same problem as I did.
Anyways, I recently received data from Stride Rite Children's Group (SRCG) regarding "The Effect on Shoe Design on Children Learning to Walk." Results of this in-depth unprecedented study offers insight into how shoe design can affect gait, stability and plantar loading throughout different stages of learning to walk.
Important details of the study include:
•At birth, a baby’s foot is soft and comprised of cartilage. As they grow, the bones begin to ossify.
•In the first 2 years of development, barefoot is best but foot coverings are needed to keep tiny toes safe, dry and warm.
•Not until age 5, do critical bones completely form, leaving open the possibility of malformation if proper footwear is not worn.
•From ages 2-7, children need increased heel and mid-foot stability while maintaining flexibility and foot conformance in the forefoot
•A child’s foot is not fully formed until age 18, but the most critical development occurs in the first seven years.
“The striking results of this study shed light on the very important, but under-researched topic of child foot development,” said study researcher Dr. Paul R. Scherer. “When we approached the research, the only available information on child foot development was based on opinions nearly 50-years-old.”
Top-Line Findings:
•The least number of stumbles and falls occurred when the children were barefoot or wearing the shoe with the highest flexibility. Peak plantar pressures were often highest in the most flexible shoe in comparison to barefoot.
•For children in the early stages of walking, the goal is to maximize plantar loading to provide the clearest proprioceptive feedback so that the child learning to walk may build a successful motor program.
•A shoe must fit, shape, mold and flex to -- and with -- the foot to achieve Match Foot Movement (meaning that shoes support and follow the natural movement of the foot).
•Mature walkers had significantly higher plantar pressures for the majority of the foot when compared to early walkers. As a child develops and increases activities and movement ability, shoes need more structure, protection and durability.
With all these information, you can trust Stride Rite in carrying only the best shoes for your little ones. Here are some of the brands that this store carries:
Anyways, I recently received data from Stride Rite Children's Group (SRCG) regarding "The Effect on Shoe Design on Children Learning to Walk." Results of this in-depth unprecedented study offers insight into how shoe design can affect gait, stability and plantar loading throughout different stages of learning to walk.
•At birth, a baby’s foot is soft and comprised of cartilage. As they grow, the bones begin to ossify.
•In the first 2 years of development, barefoot is best but foot coverings are needed to keep tiny toes safe, dry and warm.
•Not until age 5, do critical bones completely form, leaving open the possibility of malformation if proper footwear is not worn.
•From ages 2-7, children need increased heel and mid-foot stability while maintaining flexibility and foot conformance in the forefoot
•A child’s foot is not fully formed until age 18, but the most critical development occurs in the first seven years.
“The striking results of this study shed light on the very important, but under-researched topic of child foot development,” said study researcher Dr. Paul R. Scherer. “When we approached the research, the only available information on child foot development was based on opinions nearly 50-years-old.”
Top-Line Findings:
•The least number of stumbles and falls occurred when the children were barefoot or wearing the shoe with the highest flexibility. Peak plantar pressures were often highest in the most flexible shoe in comparison to barefoot.
•For children in the early stages of walking, the goal is to maximize plantar loading to provide the clearest proprioceptive feedback so that the child learning to walk may build a successful motor program.
•A shoe must fit, shape, mold and flex to -- and with -- the foot to achieve Match Foot Movement (meaning that shoes support and follow the natural movement of the foot).
•Mature walkers had significantly higher plantar pressures for the majority of the foot when compared to early walkers. As a child develops and increases activities and movement ability, shoes need more structure, protection and durability.
With all these information, you can trust Stride Rite in carrying only the best shoes for your little ones. Here are some of the brands that this store carries:
What I love most of all are their shoe cleaners and accessories
*Stride Rite is located at the 5th floor of SM Megamall, Atrium
Monday, August 23, 2010
More Shoes!!!
Went around SM Megamall, and found these by accident. Can you guess what store this is? :)
I surrendered, and got myself these slouchy leather boots for only P2,500—at 50% off!
Aren't they a steal?
I like the "corset" back detail, sexy 5-inch heels, and the fact that they're platforms! And they are super comfy, too! Visit Aldo shops, and you might just find more good buys like mine. Don't forget to share them with me when you can :) Good luck!
I like the "corset" back detail, sexy 5-inch heels, and the fact that they're platforms! And they are super comfy, too! Visit Aldo shops, and you might just find more good buys like mine. Don't forget to share them with me when you can :) Good luck!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Booty Wedges
Were you able to drop by the bazaar at Rockwell tent over the weekend? :)
I did! And among the many fresh designer entrepreneurs I met at the bazaar, Nicole Puentevella of Soule Phenomenon stood out the most.
Love her hair and edgy style. Seems she's not afraid to stand out, a girl after my own heart ;) Here's a close-up shot of her shoes—platform wedges!
Jeffrey Campbell shoes are the source of Nicole's inspiration, producing these lovely platform wedges that every Pinay (more so the petite ones) dreams of. She makes only a limited number of pairs per style, and they're quite affordable with prices that start from P3,500. To find out what I bought from her lot, click on this link.
*You can get in touch with Nicole via her multiply site and her mobile number: 0922-8547210.
I did! And among the many fresh designer entrepreneurs I met at the bazaar, Nicole Puentevella of Soule Phenomenon stood out the most.
Love her hair and edgy style. Seems she's not afraid to stand out, a girl after my own heart ;) Here's a close-up shot of her shoes—platform wedges!
Jeffrey Campbell shoes are the source of Nicole's inspiration, producing these lovely platform wedges that every Pinay (more so the petite ones) dreams of. She makes only a limited number of pairs per style, and they're quite affordable with prices that start from P3,500. To find out what I bought from her lot, click on this link.
*You can get in touch with Nicole via her multiply site and her mobile number: 0922-8547210.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Flat Line
High heels will always be close to my heart, but we need to give our legs and feet a rest. When I know I’ll be running around the whole day, I take into consideration some stylish flats to keep me on the go. Here are what’s on my list:
Lacoste stays true to its classic cuts with its latest offerings from the Sola collection. A textured combination of leather and suede, with earth-toned hues, is on-trend for the cool season ahead. Take your pick from the round-toe loafers (Silesia) and sleek rubber shoe style (Orsola).
For those who wish to take a step further in saving our planet, try Simple Shoes’ Bio D-Kay rubber sneaks for casual weekends. Featuring eco-certified leather uppers and certified organic cotton laces, this pair even has a bio-degradeable midsole and outsole, with recycled and natural rubber, too! What more can you ask for? Its comfy sole is great accompaniment when you’re up for some brisk walking around the village.
And, for the men in your life, I found this retro pair that they will surely love. Sebago reintroduces its Trend Docksides that come in three- and four-color combinations. Two of which have an extra dose of black patent leather combo that gives a modern twist to this classic style. Additional good news: only 24 pairs are available across these three styles. How’s that for being limited?
Lastly, take care of your feet by wearing flip-flops when you can. I change from high heels to these flip-flops when I drive to give my feet some rest, and to avoid getting dirt and scuffs on my pretty heels. I’ve found an affordable pair of them that’s made from Brazil called Ginga. Changing to these soft flats is always a welcome treat for a hard day’s walk.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Shoe Lift
The recently concluded Philippine Fashion Week was more than just about clothes, with Rusty Lopez providing the shoes for 22 designers this season. Enrico Carado, Happy Andrada, Jaki Penalosa, Kenneth Chua, Noel Crisostomo, M Barreto, and Joel Escober were just some of the participants given shoes to complete their collection exhibit.
Lito Lopez, president, of Rusty Lopez, shares: “We understand how difficult it is to make a name in the fashion industry, having undergone the same process which started some 33 years ago. Rusty Lopez, and Centropelle for that matter, went through the same birthing pains that our young designers are now experiencing. Hopefully, with support from established brands like ours, we can help this talented and creative group of people and together, bring attention to the local fashion industry.”
It’s great to know that we have local brands helping local designers. For the show, most of them used platform skyscrapers, but they do have equally show-stopping flats as well. Here are my top picks:
Studded black
Glittery strappies
Glad to know that our local retail are supporting our own designers.
We can't wait for Rusty Lopez' next set of shoes for the holidays ;)
Studded black
Pop pink sandals
Electric blue mary janes
Glittery strappies
Glad to know that our local retail are supporting our own designers.
We can't wait for Rusty Lopez' next set of shoes for the holidays ;)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Cool Shoes
Look what we have here :D
Thank goodness hubby got a pair of these upcycled Terra Plana sneakers from barefoot store in SM Mall of Asia! Because of this pair, we remembered that our little one had something similar as well. Little J's is Tip Toey Joey's...
We're loving the packaging of both shoes. Hubby's box has a cool green printed inner that's made of recycled materials (we're assuming).
...while Tip Toe Joey box provides you with a measuring grid so you'll know which shoe size to get.
Here are the two pairs, side by side. We just found it too cute that they're almost exactly alike in style.
What we like about Terra Plana:
Terra Plana utilizes eco-conscious and innovative materials from the sole to the trim of your shoes. Terra Plana shoes are composed of chrome-free and vegetable tanned leathers, biodegradeable soiling, recyycled seatbelts and jeans, reclaimed rubber, e-leather, and uses a new technique that recycles leather by re-weaving leather scraps and fibers. And to top it all off, the heels come with a memory foam foot bed for added comfort.
What we love about Tip Toey Joey:
Tip Toey Joey is soft and nonrestrictive. Made from 100% soft genuine leather, leather lined with a padded leather insole allows baby's feet to flex naturally. With nothing to tie up or come undone... makes them easy to put on, but hard for babies to pull them off. They have a thin and flexible non-slip rubber sole to give grip and protection.
We've road tested these babies, click to view the photos of our stylish dad and son tandem here.
* For more information on Tip Toey Joey, you can click here.
* barefoot store is located at the 2nd Level South Entertainment Mall at the SM Mall of Asia.
Friday, May 14, 2010
High-Heel Sale
Twenty-one-year-old student Rachelle Lim has a different love affair with heels: “I really love heels but I don’t usually wear them. I’m always on flats, though I have a huge collection of high heels just for display. I just love staring at them.”
In photo: designer Reian Mata with Rachelle Lim
This obsession for heels led her to ship in these pretty shoes from Los Angeles. With only one size per pair, it makes it even more enticing to have one (or even two or more!) reserved under your name. Nothing less than four inches, her heels have caught the eye of designers Reian Mata, Chris Diaz, and Joel Escober. They’ve used her shoes in their collections for Philippine Fashion Week, and got great reviews, too!
We can't wait for the next batch of her goodies at the next Philippine Fashion Week ;) In the meantime, check out the albums in her facebook page. Click on this link. Two albums full of pretty shoes are on sale! They're actually opening a store, so it's kinda a moving out sale from their little nook at the Archaeology Wing, Power Plant Mall. Congrats, Rachelle! We can't wait for your new store to open.
Check out our shortlist of HOHH shoes. Got to trim it down, and stay on a budget.
In photo: designer Reian Mata with Rachelle Lim
This obsession for heels led her to ship in these pretty shoes from Los Angeles. With only one size per pair, it makes it even more enticing to have one (or even two or more!) reserved under your name. Nothing less than four inches, her heels have caught the eye of designers Reian Mata, Chris Diaz, and Joel Escober. They’ve used her shoes in their collections for Philippine Fashion Week, and got great reviews, too!
We can't wait for the next batch of her goodies at the next Philippine Fashion Week ;) In the meantime, check out the albums in her facebook page. Click on this link. Two albums full of pretty shoes are on sale! They're actually opening a store, so it's kinda a moving out sale from their little nook at the Archaeology Wing, Power Plant Mall. Congrats, Rachelle! We can't wait for your new store to open.
Check out our shortlist of HOHH shoes. Got to trim it down, and stay on a budget.
Sigh! What to pick? :o
There are more in their facebook page, so click on this link. Happy shopping! :D
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Happy Feet :D
Psst! Got this e-mail last night that Payless will be here SOON, wheeeeee :D
Payless and Stores Specialists, Inc. to Bring Payless Brand Promise of Affordable Fashion, Brands and Quality to Millions of New Customers in the Philippines
MANILA and TOPEKA, Kan., Dec. 1, 2009 -- Payless ShoeSource announced plans today for the continued international expansion of the Payless retail chain. Through an agreement with franchise partner Stores Specialists, Inc., (SSI), the Philippines will be the next country in Payless' strategic global expansion initiative, with the first stores planned to open by mid-2010.
Stores Specialists, Inc., has a strong background in developing well-known international brands in the Philippines, and is the leading fashion specialty retailer in the country, managing 72 well-known brands and 340 retail stores.
The two companies said they expect to start opening new Payless stores in 2010 and that the Philippines -- the 12th largest country by population with more than 97 million people, and a family-oriented culture that is attracted to affordable fashion -- appears to be a strong fit for the Payless offering and brand promise. Approximately five stores will open in the Philippines beginning mid next year, and more stores are scheduled to open in the coming years to ensure that the market is fully served. This is a multi-year transaction; additional terms were not disclosed.
In the past year, Payless has announced franchise arrangements for the company’s global expansion initiative, with six new stores now in the Middle East and stores planned for Russia next year with M.H. Alshaya Company.
"The franchise model is proving to be the most efficient way to reach more international markets with the Payless brand and all it has to offer -- great fashion, well-recognized brands and quality all at a great price," said LuAnn Via, chief executive officer and president of Payless ShoeSource. "Payless brings the know how in footwear specialty retailing, and our franchise partners like SSI bring its strong infrastructure and experience in the local region. Filipino people love to shop and have a strong appetite for American brands, fashion and footwear and accessories. Together with SSI we are truly excited to bring the Payless brand to the Philippines and to affordably serve the footwear and accessory needs of families in the country."
Through the franchise arrangement, Payless provides SSI with seasonal product assortments, as well as expertise in retail operations, merchandising, marketing and brand strategy. SSI provides retail location strategy, construction, logistics, and store training and staffing. SSI will utilize Payless' newest store format, the "Hot Zone" layout, and will purchase Payless product directly from Payless' seasonal assortment.
Like the Payless stores in the U.S., the stores in the Philippines will feature a wide assortment of shoes and accessories for the family including branded products for women, men and children covering a range of wearing occasions.
“We are thrilled to bring Payless and all it represents to the Philippine market,” said Anthony Huang, executive vice president of SSI. “As a retailer and fashion brand, Payless is doing tremendous things for people across the globe with its mission to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories for all to enjoy. We believe this brand promise will do well here, as it has in the U.S. and other areas of the world."
Payless and its more than 4,500-store chain has an expanding global presence today in countries and territories including the United States, Canada and in Central America, the Caribbean, South America and the Middle East.
The international franchise strategy is a significant move in expanding Payless' diversified real estate strategy that includes a well-balanced mix of mall-based stores with free standing stores and those located in lifestyle and local shopping centers.
Sale ;)
Was at Greenbelt 5 recently.
Went up to the third floor to check out some furniture and found these at Dexterton :D
Aren't they just soooo adorable? Good news is, they're now on being sold for 15% off.
I'd love to have these Barbie chairs for me and our future daughter ;)
All three stores are on sale this month, and up to 40% off on selected items.1. Dexterton Kartell and Artemide Showroom
2. Dexterton Lifestyle Store - Furniture and Lights
3. Dexterton Home Boutique - Bathroom Fixtures
2. Dexterton Lifestyle Store - Furniture and Lights
3. Dexterton Home Boutique - Bathroom Fixtures
Their main showroom in Quezon City also goes on sale:
157 Sgt. E. Rivera St., Quezon City. Phone No.: 362-1111. our email is: info@dexterton.com
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
MJ's Secret to Moonwalking
Who would have thought that Michael Jackson was also an inventor? Apparently, he has a US-patented pair of shoes to "defy" gravity—just for his famous moonwalk dance. So, that's the secret! And to think we've all been trying to copy this trademark dance move back in the early '90s!
Here's what I got online:
| A system for allowing a shoe wearer to lean forwardly beyond his center of gravity by virtue of wearing a specially designed pair of shoes which will engage with a hitch member movably projectable through a stage surface. The shoes have a specially designed heel slot which can be detachably... Inventors: Michael J. Jackson, Michael L. Bush, Dennis Tompkins Assignees: Triumph International, Inc. Primary Examiner: M. Denise Patterson Plus, the documents:    |
J. Maskrey's trademark Swarovski studs are worthy of the King of Pop's brilliant dance moves.
For those who are sick of black, grey would be a great alternative. These also look good with fold-up trousers or jeans. Very in-trend!
* I still can't believe the King of Pop is gone :( I know it's been said sooo many times, but his music, his dance moves, his style and his legacy will live on and transcend time. Truly, MJ, you're finally in the happiest place that you've been dreaming of.
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