MANILA, March 26 (PNA) — Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI), the country’s second largest multi-format retailer, expects same-store sales growth this year at 2.0 to 3.0 percent — similar to the growth target in 2014.
This is despite RRHI was able to surpass the 2.0 to 3.0 percent same-store sales growth target last year which expanded by 3.6 percent.
RRHI president and COO Robina Gokonwei-Pe told reporters Thursday that the company has set the same-store sales growth target at the same level last year with increasing competition particularly in Metro Manila.
Gokongwei-Pe said the company will open 270 to 300 new stores within the year with majority of the stores outside the National Capital Region.
“There’s growing competition in Metro Manila but outside [Metro Manila], there are big prospects,” she said.
At end-2014, RRHI operates 1,327 stores, increasing from 1,064 stores at end-2013.
The RRHI official mentioned that this year’s growth will be driven by its smaller formats such as Ministop and South Star Drug.
Moreover, Robinsons will also open more community supermarkets under Robinsons Townsville.
Gokongwei-Pe added that the company now has nine Robinsons Townsville with recent launching in Imus, Cavite. It will soon open another store in Fairview, Quezon City.
The Group will also bring UK-based Costa Coffee here and will start operation by third quarter this year after identifying the three pioneer locations for Costa Coffee. (PNA)