ECHOstore: Living the eco-green way
ECHO stands for Environment and Community Hope Organization. ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle is a unique social enterprise, providing a retail platform for products from small, medium and microenterprises (SMEs) and introducing consumers to environment-fr
The noble and ingenious idea that is ECHOstore, was hatched by its three pillars: Chit Juan, president, who leads marketing directions, handles business and network development, and leads social media and media relations; Jeannie Javelosa, president of the ECHOsi Foundation, who tackles strategic communications, product sourcing and development, and also sees to the company’s business and network development and marketing; and Reena Francisco, head of operations, finance, and product development.
As a social enterprise, ECHOstore is not only a collaborator but also a link between the consumer and nongovernment organizations. With the company’s expertise in commercial strategies, unique products get market exposure that is not merely lucrative but, more significant and meaningful as the company helps the makers tell the story behind each creation. The company is involved in the communities it helps, integrating these into the store’s campaigns (e.g., Recycle for a Cause, Second Life, 1,000 Stories), while engaging the consumers.
ECHOstore is now operating nationwide with a new store that recently opened in Cebu adding to its presence in Davao City last year. It continues to source products from communities around the country — especially women-led groups and small producers. In Metro Manila, it has opened a store in busy Salcedo Village, Makati besides its branches in Serendra, Podium Mall and Centris Quezon City. It is also active in e-commerce with its online store.
Some of its popular products include coffee, tea, chocolate, body- care and home- cleaning solutions. The Body Basics line includes a whole range of shampoos, conditioners, head-to-toe washes, soaps, shower gels, hand sanitizers, massage oils, and spa in a bottle or can. Home Basics is a line of cleaning solutions such as surface cleaners, dishwashing and laundry liquids, odor busters, linen and room sprays and veggie washes. ECHOstore also supplies corporate giveaways as they can package themed gifts like “ecofriendly” gifts, women-sourced products or fair trade and “doing good stories.”