Parkmall sparks Mandaue’s economic growth

MANILA, Philippines – Back in 2007, the Co family of Cebu gambled on an abandoned warehouse in Mandaue City’s reclamation area. A shopping destination called Parkmall was built whose very concept was to bring the atmosphere, vibe, and appeal of a park into an enclosed structure.   

The two-level mall became the centerpiece of a sprawling property that also comes with a beach volleyball sand court, a children’s playground, and a lush, landscaped park. The early years, however, were not very encouraging, with a dismal 3,000 foot traffic. “It was like a ghost town,” said Parkmall general manager Neal Co.

In a span of eight years, Parkmall sparked growth in what used to be a part of Cebu where public transportation and private motorists dared not ply. In the last few years, major developers closed in and more national brands started coming in to get in on the action. Parkmall now enjoys high traffic with very good purchase rate, at par and even surpassing the other malls in the city center.

Parkmall has managed to attract a lot of people by understanding the local buyer/diner culture and preferred mall activities as opposed to transplanting Manila norms. Across the mall and even along its facade, al fresco dining options can be found. By pioneering record-setting and unprecedented marketing strategies like the hugely popular and anticipated 36-Hour Non Stop Sale and championing local entrepreneurs as much as it welcomes national, big city brands, Parkmall has hit its goals and continues to innovate and thrive as a catalyst of growth and a favorite convergence zone for families, friends, foodies and shoppers.