SSI Group launches e-commerce venture

Freshly listed at the Philippine Stock Exchange, specialty retailer SSI Group, Inc. is now on the process of formalizing its e-commerce venture, with formal launch yesterday).

The project, which involves setting up an web portal where the company can sell its foreign branded products to its domestic consumers via online, is called SSI Life.

The online retailing site SSI Life will be available beginning November 15, 2014 to offer some of SSI's retail brands.

The website will initially offer brands such as Marks & Spencer, TWG, Oliviers & Co, Payless Shoe Source, Nine West, Aerosoles, Bass, Superga, Steve Madden, MBT, OkaB, A/X Armani Exchange, Replay, High Sierra, Samsonite, Beauty Bar and MakeRoom with more to be added in the following months.

“The Philippines is one of the world’s fastest growing internet markets and we expect this growth to further escalate over the next few years as disposable income and broadband penetration continues to increase.” said Anton Huang, President of SSI Group, Inc.

“We are the only e- commerce participant that is able to implement an omni-channel approach where our bricks and mortar stores will complement the on-line shopping experience of our customers and vice- versa," he added.

Meanwhile, SSI has also acquired the Philippine franchise rights to three new international brands.

These brands are Hamley’s, the iconic British toy retailer, C. Wonder an accessible luxury brand from the U.S. that retails women’s clothing with a fresh twist, personalized gifts, stylish accessories and home décor items and Salad Stop a popular Singaporean chain serving fresh and healthy salads and wraps.

Hamley’s is SSI’s first venture into specialty toy retailing, while Salad Stop is an addition to its specialty food portfolio. C. Wonder, on the other hand, is an international accessory brand.

The acquisition of these new brands is in- line with SSI’s 2014 expansion plans.

Huang said these new brands are a valuable addition to the firm's portfolio.

In December, SSI is also scheduled to open the first Philippine stores of Coretfiel, a leading Spanish retailer of stylish men’s and women’s accessories, and Reiss, an affordable luxury brand from the UK specializing in modern and design-led women’s apparel and accessories.