[ Malaya.com.ph] May 23, 2011
The Villar Group’s Finds Convenience Stores Inc. (FCS) is planning to put up 150 more convenience store outlets under the brand C-Store in the next two years.
There are 25 C-Stores operating at present.
Wilfredo Camarillo, FCS chief operating officer, said the expansion will boost sales to the P1 billion mark by next year, when FCS will have 100 stores. This will lift FCS to the ranks of the top three chains.
FCS said the first 25 company-owned stores are located in the properties of Villar-led Vista Land and Lifescape Inc. and have an established critical mass base.
"These stores also show that Vista Land cares for the needs of its homeowners," said Camarillo.
"The next 50 stores will be opened to franchisees. In fact, the retail group is already inking partnership agreements," he said.
Camarillo said franchisees can choose from three store models: Community, Express and Express Jr. The Community store model has an area of 100 square meters; express store, 50 sq.m.; and the Express Jr., 35 sq. m.
"Finds Convenience store lets you choose your store location and allows the franchisee to decide on operating hours for as long as it meets its required minimum operating hours. This allows the franchisee to optimize operation during the peak hours and save on costs during slack hours," FCS said.
C-Store was initially conceptualized to complement the villages and subdivisions developed by Vista Land nationwide and to serve the daily needs of its residents, making products and value-added services more accessible to Filipino consumers through the stores that are conveniently located in every community.
The chain has adopted global standards with the use of a supply chain management system that allows it to restock rapidly to ensure that goods on its shelves are fresh and of the best quality.
FCS has also put up an al fresco dining concept in C-Store which offers all-day breakfast meals and ready-to-go meals any time of the day.
The first stores were opened in 2008 at Springville in Molino, Bacoor and at Starmall Las Piñas. Since stores have been put up in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; Starmall Alabang; Presidio at Lakefront in Sucat; Ponticelli in Daang Hari; Citta Italia, Tierra Nevada and Barcelona in Cavite; Maia Alta in Antipolo and Crosswinds in Tagaytay.
"Finds C-Store is set up as a community-based outlet, primarily servicing the needs of homeowners. More than anyone else, Finds is positioned to assist enterprising OFWs and their families set up a business they can fall back on. We want to help OFWs bring home the fruits of their hard labor overseas and utilize it for something tangible and productive for them. The affordable franchising fees, as well as store models prove its flexibility as we put to fore the possible needs of our future franchisees," said Camarillo.
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