Marks & Spencer (M&S), one of the United Kingdom’s leading retailers of clothing, beauty products, stylish homeware, award-winning food, wine and gift selections, recently opened in Cebu.
Its popularity is growing fast in the Philippines, having 23 stores that are exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Specialists under the SSI Group.
The iconic British retailer unveiled its more extensive and bigger store in Cebu with a celebration of style, music and art. Now with 800-sq. meters of space, the new M&S store is located at the first level, Paseo de Ciudad, Ayala Center Cebu and carries with it a fresh boutique concept.
“The Cebu market understands the importance of investing in quality clothing. Being one of the first brands we brought in and one of the first global retailers to establish its presence in Cebu, this new store gives us the opportunity to make the full collection of Marks & Spencer available to the local market, something that has been long awaited,” says Anton T. Huang, president of the SSI Group Inc. at the opening.
While guests enjoyed champagne and spirits, a large screen showcased M&S’s winter collections.
Former Miss Earth and the evening’s host Karla Henry welcomed guests and immediately after, models emerged clad in statement pieces with timeless elegance. The fast-paced show was accompanied by a choir and a beatboxer.
To officially launch the store, a ribbon cutting ceremony was led by SSI Group president Anton Tantoco Huang, EVP and general manager of Rustan Marketing Specialists Inc., with Steven Sarmenta, UK Honorary Consul in Cebu Tamsin Booth, Cebu Holdings Inc. president Aniceto “Jun” Bisnar, Teresin Mendezona, Carla Yeung-McKowen, and Joanna Maitland-Smith Lhuillier.
Exceptional quality and confident style are at the heart of M&S. The latest collections take inspiration from the key worldwide runway trends.
The womenswear collection is characterized by a depth of texture; contrasting layers of sultry textures and styles to create a tactile and refined range, which is rich in embellishment and vivid prints. The menswear collection boasts classic, masculine elegance with focus on fine fabrics, contrasting touches and iconic pieces.
Founded in 1884, M&S has grown from a single market stall to an international, multi-channel retailer selling high-quality and great-value products to millions of customers worldwide.