Robinsons to resume Tacloban operations on Dec 19

MANILA, Philippines – Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. announced Tuesday, December 17 that it would resume retail operations in Tacloban on December 19, some 6 weeks after the province was affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Robinsons Retail will use up 5,500 square meters of selling area, working through its subsidiaries Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, Handyman Do It Best, Robinsons Appliances, Toys R Us Toybox and Daiso Japan.

Robinsons hopes to provide for Taclobanons’ shopping needs for the upcoming yuletide season, a statement from the company said.

“There is really a conscious effort from the group to re-open on the 19th of December to be in time for the Christmas holidays,” noted Mariano Joaquin Jr., vice president of Robinsons Retail.

Joaquin added, “This is also the group’s way of helping the national and local governments to bring the city’s trade and commerce back to normal.”

Due to the unstable power supply, the mall will limit its hours from 8 am to 3 pm.

Frozen and refrigerated items will also be unavailable due to power issues. Canned goods, snacks, beverages, milk, and other food products including noche buena items such as fresh fruit and quezo de bola will be sold.

Clothing, shoes, hardware items, home appliances, toys, and gifts will also be available.

The temporary selling area will remain operational, while the mall is being rehabilitated. The mall will be relaunched by April 2014, the company said. – Rappler.com