THE Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) is excited for the so-called “ber” months beginning next week which unofficially signals the start of the Christmas season in the country.
“Ber” refers to months from September to December. Retailers said this is the quarter when sales usually begin to rise. PRA chairwoman Rosemarie Ong said the holiday season is good for retailers.
She also expects inflation and interest rates to slide down in the coming months which can entice consumers to spend more.
“There’s a cut in the interest rate. I’m sure with the next cut, we’re expecting, we’re anticipating a next cut in the interest rate, everything is becoming stable already like inflation,” said Ong at the sideline of the 30th National Retail Conference and Expo in Pasay City.
The event’s overall chairman, Sam Gregory Lim, said Filipinos would still buy items like gifts this coming season. He added that retailers are always excited for this “ber” period, and are ready for promotions and events.
Everyone’s waiting for Jose Mari Chan to appear in someone’s ad. Of course, offering promos and new products and exciting events. Gift giving is always one of the key segments, so a lot of the retailers would find ways how to make their products a primary gift worth giving,” Lim said.
PRA president Roberto Claudio Sr. said retailers are also now trying to innovate and make their branches more experiential. He admitted that online shopping has affected physical branches.
“The challenges involve more is that our online retailing is shooting up fast… Kaya marami nang hindi na rin pumupunta sa stores,” Claudio said.
He asserted that stores are now renovating to make it more experiential for customers. Many are also moving to online. But Claudio hopes the government can level the playing field between online retailers and those in physical stores.
“Make sure that the playing field is leveled between online retailers and brick and mortar retailers, kasi the online retailers are still not subject to the value-added tax. Not only the taxation aspect but also the duties. ‘Di rin sila nagbabayad ng duties,” he said. (ABS-CBN News)
