Rustan’s stories & Christmas wish lists

MANILA, Philippines — Shopping at Rustan’s is not just about purchasing goods. It is about enjoying an experience where wonderful choices are laid out before you. It is about being given good service and respect as a customer. Learning more about other cultures, savoring something new and different, being transported to another time and clime. It is also about feeling good with nostalgic stories about this store that pioneered in luxury retail 65 years ago.

Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi: ‘It feels like family at Rustan’s.’

What are your nostalgic memories of Rustan’s? 

   I remember running through the racks of beautiful dresses as a child while shopping with my mother. Fast forward: I now bring my kids to Rustan’s and when Sebastian was very small, they once put him in one of those motorized toy cars and drove him around the store! He had so much fun. I think it’s wonderful how kid-friendly the store is, and the staff really go out of their way to entertain kids while you go about your business.

This Christmas, what’s on your list at Rustan’s?

I would definitely love this beautiful set of golden and coral flatware from Herdmar! I love anything for the table and really like having a variety of tableware. Or maybe a nice Ralph Lauren home silver-plated pitcher!  I don’t actually own a nice, fancy pitcher.

Which are your favorite sections at Rustan’s? 

  Without a doubt, the Home and Children’s departments. They have the best selections in town. It really makes buying gifts or even shopping for the mundane like socks and pajamas for my boys a fun and stress-free experience. Oh! I also love the beauty department!  Everything I need and regularly use is there. 

What aspect of Rustan’s do you like best? 

   I love how the staff has been there for ages! They know their product well and they know their regular clients well. It feels like family when you’re there.

Tim Yap: ‘I love the hip brand U because I helped start it.’

What’s your favorite Rustan’s story?

When I was a kid, my dad would take the entire family on special shopping trips. That time, there was a special pop-up for Dunhill, when pop-up wasn’t invented yet as a buzzword.

Another time, my childhood classmate and I would go to Rustan’s after class and try to pronounce all the French brand names to see if we were pronouncing them correctly.

What’s on your shopping list this Christmas?

I am eyeing some suits from Ricardo Preto, a Christmas tree from the Home section and the gifts that I have to buy for my family and all my 101 godchildren.

Which sections do you usually go to?

I love the hip brand U because I helped start it. Trivia: Did you know that I also founded the first Rustan’s Cosmetics and Fragrance Festival? I love the Home section for its well-curated finds. And of course, the Galerie, because most Rustan’s events are done there, where I serve as emcee/host. And of course, I like eating at East restaurant after shopping.

What makes Rustan’s the store you love?

I feel the special attention they give every customer. The curated way they do things, knowing that what you are purchasing has been carefully selected and is of the highest possible quality picked by top experts in style. God is in the details and Rustan’s has mastered the art of special while making you feel the warmth of family.

Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez: ‘I have a funny penchant for dinnerware, which I love to mix and match with my old sets.’

What makes Rustan’s special to you?

Rustan’s will always be special in my heart, as this is where my retail journey began. As a concessionaire for over a decade, I am very much aware of how much value they put into service. Sales associates are trained very well to be polite, quite helpful, well-groomed and most of all, well-informed — special little details that make a world of difference to any shopper.

What’s on your wish list this Christmas?

I haven’t started my wish list, but oftentimes I check out the store’s Home items. I have a funny penchant for dinnerware, which I love to mix and match with old sets I already have. Rustan’s always has beautiful collections in stock all year round. I also look forward to the store’s Christmas window displays that are always off the charts. Always the best one there is.

What’s your favorite section at Rustan’s?

I absolutely love the Home section of Rustan’s. They have such impeccable merchandise and taste in putting things together. I get incredible tablescape ideas for both casual and special gatherings. Rustan’s has brands such as Waterford crystal, Christofle and Wedgwood, which I don’t have but look at most lovingly. Rustan’s is my go-to place, too, for fragrances, which is an unforgiving personal weakness. My all-time favorite scent, Annick Goutal, is exclusively available here! 

What is it about Rustan’s that you love the most?

Rustan’s continues to innovate, seeks to continually understand the market deeply. This allows them to deliver their clients’ needs, fulfill wishes, and create a better shopping atmosphere and experience — the true mark of an enduring institution.

Rustan’s is always top-of-mind when buying a gift for someone special — including myself, haha — as you are assured of quality items and service. Reliable in-store personal shoppers are always on hand to assist in making shopping decisions.  Should you err a bit in judgment, Rustan’s never makes a fuss over merchandise exchanges. Love this! 

Quite recently, they developed the Rustan’s app for your mobile device to ensure ease of shopping, including the crediting of points to your FSP (Frequent Shoppers Program) account. It is truly a heaven-sent option for people like me who are hopeless when it comes to bringing their FSP card.

Bettina Osmeña: ‘I go to Rustan’s to feel the Christmas spirit.’

What do you associate Rustan’s with?

I go to Rustan’s to feel the Christmas spirit. I love going there during the Christmas season. Their window displays are comparable to the best in New York and London stores.

What do you plan to buy this Christmas?

I am eyeing some room candles and picture frames to give away as presents this Christmas. Can’t go wrong with these items.

Which are your favorite items at Rustan’s?

For personal care, I like going to L’Occitane. Diptyque for candles. Chanel for my lipstick and nail polish.

I no longer buy clothes as I am recovering from my purge in 2016! I purge myself from things I do not need. Clothes, especially. I promised myself no more clothes shopping for now. I only buy necessities and gifts for others.

What is it about Rustan’s that you like?

Rustan’s is like home. Everybody in the store makes you feel comfortable. They do their best to please the customer.  Their staff is trained to remember customers’ names and shopping preferences.

AC Legarda: ‘I keep myself abreast of the latest in fashion at Rustan’s’

What’s your favorite shopping experience at Rustan’s?

Every time I shop, the sales associates are consistently helpful and very professional. They know their products well and they assist you (without making you feel annoyed) until you finish your purchase.

This Christmas, what are you eyeing at Rustan’s? 

I’ll be shopping for Christmas home decor. Rustan’s is known for its elegant Christmas styling, and their window display is something people look forward to every year.

What items do you normally look for at Rustan’s?

Rustan’s has great choices in skincare and makeup. I would go grab my essentials from Clarins; makeup from Chanel, Clinique, Nars and Laura Mercier; and perfume from Annick Goutal. And, of course, candles from Diptyque. To keep myself abreast of the latest in fashion, I check out Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, YSL, and Salvatore Ferragamo.

What makes you go back to Rustan’s? 

Rustan’s is the ultimate Christmas wonderland. Here, I can get the best gifts for myself, my family and my friends. Their gift registry just makes shopping for gifts so much faster and more convenient.

Tina Cuevas: ‘For caftans and lingerie, no one does it like Natori.’

What thoughts come to mind when you think Rustan’s?

Every visit of mine at Rustan’s has always been consistent — excellent personalized service. This doesn’t come by easily nowadays.

Have you made your Christmas shopping list ?

I get to tick off the majority of the names on my list from Rustan’s and also Adora. I always look for the unique and special items.

Which are your favorite brands?

For skin and body care, it would have to be La Mer and Clarins.  For makeup, I keep coming back to Rustan’s for Chanel, MAC, Happy Skin, Nars, Laura Mercier and Benefit.  For caftans and lingerie, in my opinion, no one does it like Natori.

What makes you go back to Rustan’s?

It would have to be their customer service. They not only go the extra mile in making their clients feel taken care of, their attention to the smallest details makes the difference, including personalized  text messages from their staff on my birthday and other celebrations throughout the year. They give a personal touch of sending well wishes and tokens.

Chari Bagatsing: ‘My favorite designer? Always Criselda Lontok.’

Every time I see you at Rustan’s, it’s always in the same area where you have a favorite chair.

Yes, I am always at Criselda’s boutique. My favorite designer is Criselda Lontok.

What’s on your shopping list this Christmas?

I am eyeing the shawls at Rustan’s for this cold season. I will be getting colognes and shirts for my husband Amado this Christmas. I usually get him Lacoste and Façonnable.

Why do you like going to Rustan’s?

Rustan’s puts me in a good mood when I enter the store. You know I am a stickler for cleanliness! I like going to Rustan’s because the store itself is very clean. The rest rooms are clean and well-maintained. The aircon and music are just right. The staff is all courteous and helpful and they give you fast service.

The personal shoppers do their best to give you good service and they’re very knowledgeable about items in the store. When I enter, I get a cheerful welcome. The staff is well-groomed and friendly, from the security guards to waiters to salespeople to gift wrappers to managers.

Joanne Preysler-Francisco: ‘I remember I bought my first Fiorucci jeans at Rustan’s — the first of many luxury finds that Rustan’s introduced us all to.’

What is your favorite childhood memory at Rustan’s?

As a child, my mom would take me shopping at Rustan’s and I felt so special. It was always such a great experience. I remember I bought my first Fiorucci jeans at Rustan’s — the first of many luxury finds that Rustan’s  introduced us all to. Rustan’s pioneered the introduction of luxury goods in the Philippines.

Anything special on your list this Christmas?

There are many things I love at Rustan’s. But this Christmas, I am eyeing a “T” Tiffany yellow bangle for myself.

Which store sections do you frequent?

I love the skincare section, especially La Mer.  I enjoy the swimwear and resort clothing department, as well as the extensive shoe section. No one can beat their lingerie department, too. Rustan’s is so complete; it’s a one-stop shop.

Why do you keep coming back to Rustan’s?

Their customer service is amazing! They value customer satisfaction. Rustan’s is the high watermark for all retailers, big or small, when it comes to being at the forefront of service, quality goods, and experience.

Irene Martel-Francisco: ‘Would you believe, the sales staff helped me select gifts for 50 persons in an hour!’

Have you had any unique experience shopping at Rustan’s?

One Christmas, I was frantically looking for Christmas gifts. Would you believe, their very competent sales staff helped me select gifts for 50 persons in less than an hour!

Are you buying any special gifts at Rustan’s this Christmas?

I will be looking for something for my husband Randy. Perhaps cufflinks and a blazer from Ermenegildo Zegna. And a special pen from Montblanc.

What draws you to Rustan’s?

With Rustan’s, I know I am in good hands. Their items are well-chosen and the staff always anticipates my needs.

What are your favorites at Rustan’s?

I love the Home section of Rustan’s. Christofle is my favorite brand. I also love Tiffany. Their beauty section is my go-to place for my cosmetic and toiletry needs. My faves are Sisley and Chanel.

Marivic Rufino: ‘The personalized service at Rustan’s is the best in the world.’

What memories come to mind when you think of Rustan’s?

I grew up going to Rustan’s with my mom Julie. She was the real shopper. I modeled for Rustan’s Young VIP for Women’s magazine during my high school vacation. I still have the magazine.

I also can’t forget I joined a national cooking competition held at Rustan’s by Sylvia Reynoso-Gala. I won! My prize was a heavy, cast-iron French casserole, Le Creuset, and a gift certificate.

Rustan’s used to have an art gallery called Galerie Bleue where I took Chinese painting lessons every Sunday with professor Hau Chiok in 1975. We held a group exhibit and I was so thrilled because Nena Tantoco bought my painting!

What are you eyeing to buy for this Christmas?

Rustan’s Christmas decor is so pretty. I’ll get ornaments for my tree at their Christmas shop.

What makes you keep coming back to Rustan’s? 

Rustan’s is a beautiful, elegant, luxurious store. It always offers top quality, well-chosen items, especially clothes, shoes, jewelry, dinnerware, and cutlery. Their personalized service is the best in the world. The gift-wrapping is always classy.

What are your favorites at Rustan’s?

I go to Market Place and the deli; and the Silver Vault, the perfume and makeup section.

I love eating at East restaurant. My fave brands are Tadashi, Tiffany and Montblanc.

Bobby Cuenca: ‘I love the barong tagalog at Rustan’s.’

What’s your most memorable experience at Rustan’s?

When I bought my first item of jewelry at Rustan’s for my then-girlfriend and now wife (Chingbee Kalaw), I couldn’t afford the entire amount and asked if I could pay for it on installment terms. So Mrs. Glecy Tantoco kindly accommodated me. 

What will it be this Christmas?

I am looking at the Sheridan bed linens and Ferragamo shoes.

What are your favorites at Rustan’s?

I love their barong tagalog and household items. I am eyeing Cartier and Tiffany.

What makes you go to Rustan’s?

The excellent and personalized service, of course!