THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it launched a so-called “inline store” on Monday for its Go Lokal! program at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.
“Our intention is really to make products of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) present in the mainstream market, like malls. We want to thank Ayala Malls for offering their support and rent-free space for these pop-up stores,” DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said during the launch.
An inline store offers shelf space for various suppliers that normally would not have access to mainstream store exposure — in this case Philippine small businesses. The DTI’s partner in this venture is Common Room Philippines, an arts and crafts organization that aggregates the output of 200 crafters and brands.
“Nurturing our country’s social enterprises is an initiative Ayala Malls has always (championed),” Ayala Malls President Christopher B. Maglanoc said.
“We likewise provide promising local entrepreneurs critical market access and support. We can look forward to opening three more outlets,” he added.
The inline store format allows products curated by Common Room to be on display every day in high foot-traffic areas, Mr. Lopez said.
Go Lokal! is a market access platform for MSMEs in collaboration with selected retail partners.
The program’s primary goal is to help MSMEs enter the mainstream market via free services such as merchandise development assistance in producing commercially viable products and access to retailers.
Since its launch in 2016, the Go Lokal! program, has generated sales of P466 million.
The program’s partners include 24 retailers, who make the beneficiaries’ goods available in 156 stores. It has assisted 863 MSMEs.
Go Lokal! suppliers include Alano Lees Food Manufacturing, B&C Healthy Snacks, BalaiKamay Enterprise, Innovative Packaging, Malagos Agriventures, Mama Cili Enterprises, MS3 Agri-Ventures, Nipa Brew, Project Beans, Star Kaffea, Bambuhay Social Enterprise, Happy Island Candle, Marinduque Land Corp., Red Slab Pottery, The BeEmpire, Inc., The Soap Farm, Wodd PH, and Woven Handicrafts. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
