First ‘Go Local’ store to open before Christmas

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will open at least one ‘Go Local’ store before Christmas to kick off its nationwide rollout in the next few months.

Trade secretary Ramon Lopez recently announced that at least six shopping malls and department store operators in the country have committed to allocate a portion of their respective stores for modern, fashionable but locally made products.

"This is not just another souvenir-type kind of displays," said Lopez explaining further that DTI's ‘Go Local’ initiative is intended to introduce world-class, high-end products made by Pinoys to the mainstream consumer base.

 Initially, DTI have secured commitments from Robinsons, SM, Ayala, Starmall, Citimalls and Rustan’s, to open up their own ‘Go Local’ corners.

 In Cebu for instance, Cebuano-made products that already made waves in the international market, Anthill for instance, will be among the products that will be made available in ‘Go Local’ stores.

 DTI will serve as matchmaker between the mall or department store operators to get the right concessions for ‘Go Local.’

A 70 square-meter space within the mall or department store is an ideal size

for a typical ‘Go Local’ store, Lopez said in an interview.

 In the fist quarter next year, the first ‘Go Local’ Cebu will be opened.

 Homegrown tenants recommended by DTI can display their products on the store free-of-charge.

 According to Lopez, aside from making thislargely a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, operators can also earn and generate profit from this concept.

 Based on DTI's concept, the ‘Go Local’ stores will not sell the usual home souvenir products one can find anywhere.

 DTI has a list of 900 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) manufacturers out of close to 20,000 total MSMEs which can serve as possible suppliers of these products. (FREEMAN)