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March 26, 2015

M&S ESTANCIA OPENING AND SPRING 2015

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MARKS & SPENCER OPENS FIRST STORE IN PASIG AT ESTANCIA

Marks & Spencer (M&S), the iconic British retailer, unveiled its first store in Pasig at the newly opened Estancia shopping mall.

The new 1,000 square metre store is operated by M&S’ long standing franchise partner Rustan Marketing Specialists Inc. (RMSI), under the SSI Group, Inc. Rustan Marketing Specialists, Inc. now operates 24 Marks & Spencer stores across the Philippines.

Bruce Findlay, Regional Director of Asia at Marks & Spencer, said: “We’re delighted to be opening our newest store in Pasig today at the city’s brand new retail destination, the Estancia Mall. Our new store brings our popular quality fashions and food to customers in Pasig. We’ve had a great response from our customers already and we’re looking forward to welcoming more customers to the store.”

Outstanding quality food

M&S Estancia also offers the outstanding quality and freshness of M&S food. A wide range of food products are available including:

Best of British – traditional British tea time favourites such as shortbread, jams, marmalade and English Breakfast tea.

Confectionery and celebration gifts – the sweet treats include Percy pigs, soft caramels, chocolate eclairs, Swiss chocolate bars, Belgian chocolate truffles and fruit gums for everyday eating, special occasions and gifting.

Luxury and everyday biscuits – a wide selection of home style cookies, Viennese and extra chocolatey biscuits, ginger snaps and blueberry puffs, perfect for celebrating special occasions or everyday eating.

Savoury snacks – tasty snacks that are ideal for sharing such as hand cooked crisps and tortillas.

Groceries – these kitchen cupboard staples make it even easier to impress your guests, including a wide range of jams, teas, coffees and a selection of breakfast cereals.

Exceptional quality, stylish clothing collections

Exceptional quality and confident style are at the heart of the M&S clothing offer. At the new store customers will be able to shop the latest Marks & Spencer collections which take inspiration from the key worldwide runway trends, interpreting them into a chic, wearable and high quality collection of wardrobe staples. The Womenswear collection is characterised by a depth of texture; contrasting layers of sultry textures and styles to create a tactile and refined range which is rich in embellishment and vivid print. The Menswear collection is based on classic, masculine elegance with a focus on bold tailoring, fine fabrics, contrasting touches and iconic pieces.

Expect fresh takes on fashion as function meets form in Marks and Spencer’s 2015 Spring Collection, with updated silhouettes, an eclectic selection of styles, and new fabric technologies.

The 2015 Womenswear collection is also noted for its several innovations in fabric technology. Easy-to-iron linen adds volume, softness and drape. Secret Slimming provides a supportive lining for a sleek silhouette, while Tummy Controlutilizes a hidden power mesh panel to hold in the midsection.

Denim-specific innovations are also introduced in this season’s Womenswear. Sculpt and Lift™ features a unique back stitching for a flattering fit that retains its shape even after several washes. Stay Dark™ features fade-resistant technology and is also available in Menswear denim. Dual FX™ combines the high stretch of Lycra Fibre® and recovery power of Lycra T4000 Fibre®. Ozone Wash Denim reduces water waste by utilizing ecological Ozone as an alternative for improving textile quality. Knitted Look Denim combines the durability of traditional woven denim with a softer, relaxed feel.

Alternatively, the 2015 Menswear collection is a contemporary combination of formal and casual pieces in a cool palette of blues, from navy to midnight. Classic styles are given modern reinterpretations through clean lines, fine fabrics and masculine styles. Key pieces and motifs include deconstructed formal jackets, asymmetric fastening, and colored footwear. Denim is likewise reinvented with new washes and finishes.

As for luxury wear, Autograph offers sophisticated silhouettes as seen in more refined shapes and textures, cotton suiting, geometric print shirts, and knitwear. The luxury story continues with Autograph Casual’s selection of marl yarn knitwear, tailored trousers, and bomber jackets. Blue Harbour’s trademark nautical look translates to spring with a British-inspired color story featuring red, white and blue stripes and checks. North Coast focuses on an indigo and washed palette, and sun-bleached tones as seen on distressed pale chambray, retro print shirts, marl sweatshirts and jerseys, and camo print cargos. The M&S Collection showcases high street tailoring through statement suits in pin stripe or Prince of Wales check, juxtaposed by softened constructions and unlined tailoring pieces.

Fabric Technology is also abundant in Menswear. Travel suits and trousers feature Crease Recovery. Superblack is achieved through a unique dyeing process. StayNEW™ maintains the bright and new look of clothes. Supima® Cottonis a premium yarn with a softer feel. Supercrease™ protects trousers from wear and tear. CoolMax® All Season offers cooling properties that adjust to the climate. The extra durable ToughMax™ Lycra® helps denim last longer. Finally,Ultimate non-iron in shirts, reduces the need for ironing with its fabric shape memory.

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March 25, 2015

DEBENHAMS UNVEILS NEW ICONIC FLAGSHIP STORE IN ESTANCIA

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Opening its doors at a chic new address in Estancia Capitol Commons, Debenhams unveils its much-awaited flagship store. The brand new aesthetic features a world-class look patterned after the iconic Oxford Street flagship store in London. The formal launch last March 3, 2015 saw trendsetters, celebrities, and distinguished members of the press attending a night of fun, grandeur, and of course, style. Being the first store of its kind in the Far East, the store opening kicks off the celebration of Debenhams’ 10th year anniversary.

Under the SSI Group, Inc. exclusive roster of brands, the British retail company took up an impressive 13,000 square-feet with different compartmentalized options for every one and every wear. Present at the special occasion was British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad, President of the SSI Group Anton Huang, Debenhams Director of International Franchise Operations Phil Topham, Director of International Franchise Finance Dan Marshall, and Operations Manager for South East and South West Asia Lucy Haine.

And Happy 10th year anniversary to Debenhams Philippines. Philip Topham Director for Intl Franchise for Debenhams,

DEBENHAMS ESTANCIA (40)

Ambassador Asif Ahmad British Ambassador to the Philippines

The main spectacle of the night was a British-themed fashion show, an ode to the origins of the multi-channel brand. Arriving on sporty Mini Coopers, models dressed from head to toe in Debenhams Spring/Summer 2015 apparel. The latest line explored some Urban Safari options suggesting a jungle getaway and matching safari style for this summer. These pieces included utility-inspired shifts, bold animal prints, and a dash of khaki.

Designs also paid homage to the seventies with a burst of bohemian color. A blast from the past saw retro chic flared jeans, maxi dresses, and close attention to vintage details. Fringe, suede, and denim were partnered with ankle boots. The opposite side of the spectrum was nostalgic of the sea and its many hues of blue. Nautical stripes lit up the catwalk and portrayed the cool and calm of the open waters in denims, shirtdresses, and blue jewelry.

The night of festivities included various food stations serving mouth-watering European snacks like paella, crepes, and fish & chips. Dashing Diva also offered guests nail art services on the spot. A 20% shopping discount was imposed on all items so guests could have first picks on their favorite items.

Overall, the stylish ambiance and smart fashions transport you to the trendy streets of London. With a new topnotch flagship branch, Debenhams promises to give its customers an exclusive mix of 20 different brands and pairs this with a world-class shopping experience.Rustan Specialty Concepts, Inc. (RSCI) is the official franchise holder of Debenhams in the Philippines. Debenhams is located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Glorietta 4–Rustan’s Makati, TriNoma, Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons and Abreeza Mall in Davao.

March 24, 2015

FamilyMart Fresh N Lite

By Heart2Heart | Foodie, SSI Group Inc | No Comments

With the Filipino urbanites’ fast-paced lifestyle, eating healthy meals has been the easy thing to sacrifice due to its inconvenience. Time-consuming, unappealing, and bland – this is the usual connotation behind hearty and nutritious meals. But what if healthy meals can now be accessible, scrumptious, and affordable?

This year, the spotlight gets brighter on health as Philippine FamilyMart CVS, Inc. launches its Health and Wellness line. Eating healthy has never been this convenient – no need to spare hours to prepare when it’s now just a few minutes away with exceptional ready-meals available straight from any Philippine FamilyMart store nationwide.

“We, at Philippine FamilyMart, ultimately want to make healthy quality food accessible to every Filipino,” shares Ed Paredes, Jr., General Manager for FamilyMart. “We hear the cry of our busy and on-the-go consumers for a one-stop place where they could get tasty and nourishing food that’s fresh, quick, and available.”

Beginning March 2015, FamilyMart beefs up its food selections with the introduction of its health and wellness line featuring ten dishes – ranging from rice meals, to pasta, and even classic snacks Filipinos will surely love. The new line boasts of the following dishes: Breakfast Chicken Rice, Breakfast Beef Rice, Smoked Fish Rice, Healthy Hainanese Chicken, Kimchi Beef Rice, Chicken Pomodoro, Spanish Sardine Arabiatta, Veggie Sticks with Hummus dip, classic taho, and mango taho – all packed with essential vitamins such as vitamins A, C, E, and other minerals.

“With our new Fresh n’ Lite product line, we hope to make it easier for Filipinos to create promising and feasible healthy lifestyles beginning with the food they eat without having to sacrifice great flavor,” adds Paredes. As FamilyMart offers fresh food choices to Filipinos, the opportunity to nourish oneself in a positive way has become more attainable. “Now, it’s just a matter of making a decision. With the growing demand for food options supporting heathy eating habits, that choice has become very simple,” concluded Paredes.

Fresh n’ Lite by FamilyMart

Product Line Fact Sheet

Veggie Sticks with Hummus dip

Snack smart with no other than carrots, celery, radish, and broccoli sliced in strips for convenience made healthy with three times less calories than fries. Dip our assorted veggie sticks in hummus seasoned with chickpeas, sesame oil, peanut butter, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and olive oil for that scrumptious taste that will make you reach for more.

SRP: Php75.00

Each serving contains:

154 calories

6% of RENI

Chicken Pomodoro

Healthy eating doesn’t mean letting go of all carbs such as pasta as our recipe doesn’t readily increase blood sugar. Pasta lovers will surely enjoy FamilyMart’s Fresh n’ Lite chicken pomodoro, topped with tomato sauce rich in flavor from the combination of aromatics and seasoning. Served with chicken breast fillet marinated and cooked to perfection, nothing comes close to this best source of healthy carbs and protein in one. Not just for regular people, this can also be enjoyed by those who are conscious about their sugar intake.

SRP: Php69.00

Each serving contains:

332 calories

13% of RENI

Spanish Sardine Arabiatta

Lightness and savor of fish on a loaded bed of pasta makes a perfect combo in FamilyMart’s Fresh n’ Lite Spanish Sardine Arabiatta. Topped with tomato sauce rich in flavor from the combination of aromatics and seasoning, the kick from Spanish sardines perfectly compliments the blend of spicy and tangy. Also rich in calcium and protein, this meal helps enhance the cells in our muscles and bones.

SRP: Php69.00

Each serving contains:

320 calories

13% of RENI

Breakfast Chicken Rice Meal

Start your day right with with FamilyMart’s Fresh n’ Lite Breakfast Chicken Rice Meal, packed with a healthy serving of lean chicken meat cooked to perfection, made sweeter with a pinch of brown sugar. With a generous serving of banana ketchup and high fiber brown rice rich which is also low in glycemic index, you’ll have everything you need to take on the day. Plus, you can get your daily intake of fiber by adding kangkong.

SRP: Php150.00

Each serving contains:

520 calories

21% of RENI

Breakfast Beef Rice Meal

High protein meets delicious cooking with FamilyMart’s Fresh n’ Lite breakfast beef rice meal. Packed with protein to keep you full for longer, this lean beef meat is seasoned with crushed black pepper and fresh pineapple juice for that extra kick enough to jumpstart your day and glazed with savory sesame mayo dressing. High fiber brown rice completes the meal for energy, and kangkong leaves for added fiber.

SRP: Php150.00

Each serving contains:

472 calories

19% of RENI

Healthy Hainanese Chicken

For that fresh and light meal infused with rich Chinese flavor, FamilyMart’s Fresh n’ Lite hainanese chicken meal is the perfect healthy alternative to ordinary fried chicken. Top it with chili sauce made from our signature mix of spices or with ginger leek sauce for that spicy boost of flavor.

SRP: Php150.00

Each serving contains:

173 calories

7% of RENI

Smoked Fish Rice Meal

FamilyMart’s Fresh n’ Lite smoked fish rice meal is the ultimate dish light enough to get you through your jampacked day. With the smoked milkfish mixed with a healthy dose of greens, this meal is heavy on vitamins B, and K. Low-calorie brown rice completes the meal for energy, and kangkong leaves for your daily need of fiber.

A tasty way to include vegetables to your meal is by adding tomato salsa which is high in vitamin C which helps boost immunity, and lycopene as an anti-oxidant.

SRP: Php150.00

Each serving rice contains:

275 calories

11% of RENI

Kimchi Beef Rice

Craving Korean? Get your protein fix and dose of vitamins A and C with FamilyMart’s Fresh n’ Lite kimchi beef meal. Mixed with vegetables, this protein-packed lean beef meat is seasoned in savory sesame oil for that aunthentic Korean taste. Paired with low-calorie brown rice stirred with mayonnaise and fiber-rich kimchi, this meal is sure to delight any time of the day.

SRP: Php175.00

Each serving contains:

401 calories

16% of RENI

Classic Taho

FamilyMart’s classic taho is the guilt-free dessert one can always indulge in. A sweet snack with soya protein to help boost daily vitality, this chilled silky soya pudding topped with a little syrup and sago pearls surely won’t disappoint.

SRP: Php55.00

Each serving of silky soya pudding contains:

180 calories

7% of RENI

Mango Taho

Classic taho gets a tropical twist with Family Mart’s mango taho. More than just savoring the sweetness of mango, one also gets a good amount of protein without the guilt.

SRP: Php55.00

Each serving of mango silky soya pudding contains:

180 calories

7% of RENI

The FamilyMart Fresh n’ Lite line will be available starting March 25, 2015 at all Family Mart branches nationwide. For more information, please visit www.familymart.ph.

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March 20, 2015

Furla High Tea at Raffles Makati

By Heart2Heart | Foodie, SSI Group Inc | One Comment

March 20, 2015

Old Navy Flip-flop day Flip Flops for P 100

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Nothing says summer like flip-flops. And, everyone says yes to flip-flops at Php100! Especially when they’re OLD NAVY flip-flops – offered in all colors of the rainbow for all ages. Old Navy is throwing a sensational Flip-Flop Day for the very first time and the entire family is invited.

On March 21, 2015, Old Navy Philippines will celebrate its first year anniversary with an unforgettable anniversary treat – Php100 flip-flops for everyone at a one-day only price! All solid basic rubber flip-flops will be offered at Php 100 only at all Old Navy stores – Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta 3, SM Megamall, Fairview Terraces, Estancia and Shangri-La Plaza. It’s the perfect time to stock up on flip flops for the whole family. Shop early because supplies are limited.

Save the date and make sure to drop by at your nearest Old Navy store to get a hold of your favorite Old Navy flip-flops at Php100 – for one day only. Share the excitement using #OldNavyPHFlipflopday

Company Profile

SSI Group is the number one specialty retailer in the Philippines having the biggest international brand portfolio and largest store network. Its broad portfolio covers leading brands in the luxury, bridge casualwear, fast fashion, footwear and accessories, personal care, and home segments, catering to all aspects of a quality lifestyle.

As of June 2014, it has 103 international brands and 655 specialty stores that cover over 100,000sqm of prime retail space Philippines

The Group has recently entered into other retail formats—its own brand of mid-market department store called Wellworth and FamilyMart convenience stores—to cater to the changing needs of the market.

About Old Navy

Old Navy is a global apparel and accessories brand that makes current American essentials accessible to every family. Originated in 1994, the brand has now grown to be the #1 apparel brand in the U.S.* A division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Old Navy brings a fun, energizing shopping environment to its customers in more than 1,000 stores in the U.S., Canada and Japan. Visit our PH webpage for more details, www.oldnavy.com/ph.

*Source: 2013 NPD Group research

In the Philippines, Old Navy is exclusively distributed by SSI Group, Inc. and is located at Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta 3, SM Megamall, Fairview Terraces, Estancia and Shangri-la Plaza. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information

March 19, 2015

Cara Delevigne wears Tory Burch

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Cara Delevigne wearing the Stretch Silk Tie Blouse in navy while backstage during London Fashion Week on 23 February 2015

In the Philippines , Tory Burch is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) – a member of The SSI Group – and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, and Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

March 9, 2015

FURLA SS’15 TONES OF NEO-POP

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Eye-popping colors. Experimentation. Painted effects. The new Furla collection for Spring/Summer 2015 plays with fashion, art and graphics, melding the worlds with a dynamic appeal, understated elegance and upbeat energy.

Inspired by the Neo-Pop artistic movement, a post-modern interpretation of Pop Art, the new styles vibrate with lively colors, primarily festive shades of sunshine, hibiscus orange and ocean blue, counterpointed by gentler shades of white, gray and dove.

Splashes of colors that with chromatic gusto are often combined together to form daring color-block effects, adding a distinctive personality to the new “Furla Twist bag”, a versatile and labor-intensive buckets-shaped shopper, complete with a metal bar and a woven inner compartment.

Furla Twist Bag in Petalo

For trendsetters on the go seeking a relaxed modern elegance from sunup to nightfall, Furla presents the season’s novelty shape: the soft-edged, user-friendly “Furla Spy backpack” in soft nappa and suede that is adorned with either mini or macro flat studs in burnished metal that set off a graphic polka dot effect.

Furla Spy Backpack

In the iconic “Furla Metropolis bag”, a small chain-strapped bag characterized by hand-stitched padded details that trace geometric motifs down the front, the clasp features a multi-color rubber coating, again in pretty color combinations.

Furla Candy Bag in Speed Furla Metropolis Bag in Speed Furla Metropolis Bag in Ocean

The same padded details also enhance the clean and sleek personality of the new “Furla Alice tote”, an expression of contemporary casual class that reveals a painstaking artisanal expertise and distinctive details that transcend time.

Furla Alice Tote in Emerald

Pushing ahead with its ability to innovate and reinvent a longstanding heritage, anchored on impeccable Made in Italy craftsmanship, prized materials and an ever-evolving creativity, the latest version of the iconic “Furla Candy bag” in soft PVC is a high-impact explosion of colors and opposing textures that add a touch of playful glamour to any day. Also of note is the version featuring resin brush-stroke effects that vary from subtle trickles to bold splotches, rigorously hand-applied to make each bag unique.

Further strengthening the brand’s bond with the art world is the collaboration with prominent Tokyo-based illustrator, Maho Tonouchi, who inspired the interactive artistic installation, starring the new Furla bags that was presented during Milan Fashion Week.

FURLA TAPS WORLD-CLASS TALENT MARIO TESTINO AS CREATIVE PARTNER

Further sealing its evolution as a leading international premium accessories lifestyle brand, Furla has teamed up with world-class photographer Mario Testino and his creative agency, to shape the brand’s artistic image across the board.

Starting with the Spring Summer 2015 Collection, the brand will develop a 360-degree project that will set the tone of voice and the communication codes of the brand, developing a media-neutral creativity, which will roll out to all platforms: point of sales, media and web.

Only in the early stages of a long-lasting collaboration, the creative partnership between Testino and Furla will transmit the brand’s colorful, joyful and contagious Italian lifestyle mood that celebrates both its iconic and novelty products with a strong mix of quality and innovation.

The lively and dynamic images will be reflected in the ad campaign for media and outdoor, in window display, in store and web catalogs as well as in videos for the website, social media platforms and PR purposes.

This new challenge is the first initiative of a strong and focused marketing strategy, aimed at bringing Furla into the next level of its international growth.

“This is a very exciting and positive time for the brand. We are proud to begin this partnership with such a great artist like Mario Testino. His creativity will project Furla to the next level of its global evolution,” declares Eraldo Poletto, Chief Executive Officer of Furla.

“Furla is about energy, life and colors. When I look at the product, I imagine whoever is wearing it is having a great time. It’s a great journey we are beginning together,” said Mario Testino about the brand.

In the Philippines, Furla is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) – a member of the SSI Group – and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Central Square, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Newport Mall.

March 7, 2015