Exceptional retailers recognized at 18th Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards Awards Night
Replicating the stylized atmosphere that all Ayala Malls emanate, the Fairmont Hotel Makati’s Grand Ballroom subtly transformed into a posh night lounge suite, complete with white leather sofas and coffee tables, upbeat music and free-flowing wine. Aside from admiring the faint backdrop of playful lights glowing on stage, guests carried out spirited conversations as the best of the best in the retail industry came together that night for the 18th Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards.
Gracing the esteemed retail event were Ayala Corporation Chairman Emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala, the artist who designed the highly-coveted Merchant Awards annual trophies; his wife, Bea Zobel de Ayala; President Bobby Dy; Senior Vice President and Group Head for Commercial Business Junie Jalandoni; Vice President and Head of Ayala Malls Group Rowena Tomeldan; and the panel of judges who took the challenge of distinguishing this year’s awardees.
Hosted by David Celdran and Janine Gutierrez, the Ayala Malls Merchant Rewards recognizes the yearly accomplishments of merchant partners who have inspired the industry with their innovation, marketing savvy and business leadership.
This year, casual Filipino dining restaurant Abe was awarded the Grand Store of the Year, as well as the Special Award for Promoting Philippine Arts and Culture, Store Operations Excellence award for Serendra and Marketing Excellence award for Trinoma.
Meanwhile, outdoor recreational store R. O. X. cinched the Overall Marketing Excellence, Green Merchant and Marketing Values awards, as well as several other accolades for specific store branches. Other major awards handed out were Visual Merchandising Hall of Fame, Store Operations Excellence, Most Promising Retailer and Store of the Year.
The revelry culminated with an explosive performance from OPM legend Gary Valenciano, who surprised the crowd with vigorous vocals and choreography. “There’s something about what we build here at home that embodies what it truly means to be Filipino,” said Valenciano, referring to the legacy of Ayala Malls.