Holcim’s retail arm now open for franchising

HuBB Stores and Services, Inc. (HSSI), the retail subsidiary of cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, is now open for franchising to those interested in operating a community hardware store.

The retail outlet, called the HuB Builders Center, is the first modern community hardware store concept in the Philippines and the first of its kind in the local franchise industry.

HSSI General Manager Maribel Sumaria said this is a good business to consider especially now with the robust construction activity in the country.

“More Filipinos are investing to have their homes built or have repairs done. This provides HuB Builders Center franchisees a steady market for their business,” she said.

The HSSI offers different packages for interested franchisees, which will be guided from pre-operations until the business is running. The HSSI will also supply franchises with the merchandise for the store.

The Holcim subsidiary engaged Francorp Philippines, the premier and leading franchise developer in the country, to help develop the franchise program and manuals for the business. Before opening for franchising, the HuB Builders Center had already been operating for the past five years to grow to its current network of 20 stores in Luzon.

Franchising is popular among Filipinos wanting to have their own businesses due to franchising’s higher success rate compared to start-ups. This is because of the former’s tested business model and the public’s familiarity with the brand.

“By becoming a HSSI franchisee, entrepreneurs interested in the hardware business are guided by a partner that is very familiar with the industry and has a track record of success. We will provide you with the system and guide you in building up the business and nurturing customers,” Sumaria said.

Sumaria added that HSSI has been receiving numerous inquiries about the business from all over the Philippines, with the first phase of expansion in Luzon. She also invites entrepreneurs who already own franchises to consider having a HuB Builders Center store to widen their portfolio.