Mark Your Calendars

Kris Kringle just got even easier ;)

Happy Feet :D

Psst! Got this e-mail last night that Payless will be here SOON, wheeeeee :D

PAYLESS SHOESOURCE ANNOUNCES THE PHILIPPINES AS NEWEST INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR RETAIL CHAIN

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

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

Freebies from Sanrio

Dropped by the nearest Gift Gate and claimed my Sanrio goodie yesterday :D

Got this cute Hello Kitty 35th Anniversary plastic drawstring for free!

Too bad they didn't have the pouch, or I would have chosen that.

Want to know how you can get one of these, too?

Simply click on this link, and follow the instructions. All you have to do is fill out their survey, and you'll get a code after which you'll use (along with an ID and your username) to claim your Hello Kitty 35th anniversary item. Wheee! :D

Sneaks for My Feet

I have never been a fan of sneakers and rubber shoes, so I was really clueless about Superga until hubby and I dropped by its store in Greenbelt 5 last week. Hubby shared with me that Superga was quite the rage back in the '80s.

The first thing I looked for where father-and-son shoes. I want to dress my two boys in matching outfits :)

These Disney sneakers are so adorable! Only a few pairs/designs left.

These plaid ones are just too cute to just get one :D

But, alas, none of them fit baby J's feet—they're all for toddlers, so we just have to wait a little longer.

We ended up getting him this apple green pair for infants. Tadah, baby J's second appearance in my blog ;)

I looked around this cozy store, and found these pointy sneaks on sale.

They're about P800, from what I remember. Naaaahhhh-ice :D

These shimmer ones got my attention—great for those who love the blings!

Was contemplating on getting these colorful printed ones, too! So happy :D

And so, yes, I've succumbed and gave in. I asked for the saleslady to get me my size in the three styles below.

Ended up getting the one with gold sequins and silver piping design (center). It's a refreshing choice and option

to pair with skinnies and a tank top or a boyfriend blazer, dontcha think so? :)

Like any serious shopper, it took me a while to decide which of the ones above I was going to get. Unlike me though, hubby was so fast. How I wish I could be like him more when it comes to shopping. Men are so focused! haha... He got this grey canvas pair.

While waiting for the sales team to process our purchases, quite a number of people came in to the store to fit and buy. I was amazed with the number of walk-ins. Some even came to buy for their loved ones. Must be the reason why their stocks move so fast. Some are not available anymore, while others are the last pair left in the stock room.

If you're a sneaks fan, check out Superga at Rustan's Makati, Greenbelt 5 and Eastwood Mall. Good news to all HSBC card holders, you get 15% discount when you buy Superga shoes. Not bad! Shoe prices start from about P2,200 and up ;) Oh, and did I mention they're on sale, too? So, do check them out!