Ayala Malls has always been known for its quality and value for money products and services made available in venues that offer utmost convenience both for the retailers and for the customers. Throughout the years, Ayala Malls has evolved together with its retail partners in a mutually beneficial cooperation.
“We strive to stay connected to our community and partner merchants. Everything we do must be relevant to them and help them become successful,” said Ayala Malls Head, Rowena M. Tomeldan.
An annual Ayala Malls program that supports partner merchants is Merchant Rewards. Now on its 18th year, it continues to recognize partner merchants’ efforts and contributions to the retail industry, sustainability and economic development. It acknowledges excellence in visual merchandising, overall marketing, and store operations. Awardees in these categories are recognized for their creative strategies to generate sales and awareness for the brand.
“We honor and give recognition to our top retailers. Beyond business, it is about nurturing relationships with our partners and all other stakeholders,” added Tomeldan.
What is even better about the Merchant Rewards is that it not only recognizes established stores but also values the new and most promising retailers. “These are entrepreneurs with products and services that are new to the market or unique homegrown concepts like Nathaniel’s, Apag Marangle, and Clean Plate by Twist, among others. Seeing them grow and expand to other locations is a rewarding experience for us,” said Tomeldan.
The Special Award for Promoting Philippine Arts and Culture is given to merchants that reinforce Filipino values and promote awareness for Philippine ingenuity. The Prestigious Store of the Year award is given to merchants, one from each Ayala mall, with outstanding work and upheld the highest standards of business management and operations. The Grand Store of the Year award is given to the best of the best nationwide, in terms of excellence in operations, high sales, timely payment of accountabilities, and unwavering support for Ayala Malls’ marketing efforts. Sustainability initiatives are likewise recognized with the Green Merchant award.
In addition to recognizing and awarding the retailers’ efforts, the Merchant Rewards Forum keep merchants updated and informed about consumer and global retail trends as shared by experts, equipping them with knowledge to improve their operations and ensure success in the industry.
Moreover, Ayala Malls has the Style Origin campaign that likewise engages its community of partner merchants. Launched in 2010, it has become an annual tradition of a community fashion show featuring the works of Filipino designers and retail brands. “At Ayala Malls, we support homegrown retailers and give opportunity to budding entrepreneurs with great concepts,” said Tomeldan.
Serving as a platform for merchants to add value to the community, Ayala Malls contributes to a broader vision of enriching the quality of life for more people as part of Ayala Land’s sustainable estates.