Zara launches online store

APPAREL retailer Zara launched an online store in the country on Wednesday as its listed affiliate SSI Group Inc. strengthens its foothold in e-commerce.

In a disclosure, SSI said that customers can now shop online, through www. zara. com/ ph, Zara’s clothing line, which includes collections for women, men and children.

“Customers have an option to have their orders delivered at home or at accessible drop points across the Philippines and through in store pick up,” SSI noted.

“Customers will have the possibility of returning purchased items free of charge at stores or from home collection within a 30-day period,” it added.

International Specialty Concepts Inc., an SSI Group member, is the exclusive local distributor of Zara.

It has stores located in Ayala Center Cebu, Glorietta 3, Greenbelt 5, Mega Fashion Hall, One Bonifacio High Street, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-la Mall, SM Mall of Asia and Trinoma.

Earlier this month, SSI inked a territory agreement with Singapore-based food firm Crystal Jade Management Pte. Ltd. to own and run Crystal Jade restaurants in the country in a bid to widen its food and beverage portfolio.

Crystal Jade Hong Kong

Kitchen — the first concept to be launched — is set to open by first quarter of next year in Central Square, Bonifacio Global City.

Other brands include Crystal Jade Golden Palace, Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Crystal Jade GO.

In the first semester, SSI’s consolidated net income was up by 22 percent to P345.94 million from year- earlier P283.28 million on the back of strong same- store sales and profit margins.

SSI shares dropped by 8 centavos or 3.02 percent to end at P2.57 apiece on Wednesday.