Levi Strauss & Co., the world’s largest jeans maker, met with SM Investments Corp. officials to discuss its plans for continued expansion in the Philippines. The meeting aligns with LS&Co.’s strategic focus on building a direct-to-consumer presence for the Levi’s brand in the country.
SM Investments vice chair and SM Retail chair Tessie Sy-Coson expressed optimism about the planned expansion of Levi’s in the Philippines.
“We see a lot of opportunity in further growing the retail portfolio, and part of the growth is cultivating partnerships with leading brands such as Levi’s, which has been at the forefront of sustainable fashion and patronized for its quality and brand leadership,” Sy-Coson said.
The visit solidified the ongoing partnership between SM Group and LS&Co. as the Levi’s brand experiences sustained growth in the Philippines. The market holds great potential for the leading lifestyle apparel brand, which resonates with Filipino consumers by offering a diverse range of apparel that caters to their preferences.
LS&Co. senior vice president and managing director for East Asia Pacific, Nuholt Huisamen, called the Philippines an important market for the company.
“The Levi’s brand’s presence has deepened in the Philippines thanks to our partnership with key partners like the SM Group, who have strengthened our ability to reach out to our customers. As we continue to establish Levi’s® as a lifestyle apparel brand that delivers a wide range of apparel to meet the needs of our customers in the Philippines, we will continue to work with our partners to expand our footprint in the country and bring these products to them, right where they shop,” he said.
Huisamen said the Philippines is a core part of LS&Co.’s international expansion strategy as the company strengthens its commitment to Asia.
The visit was part of a tour by LS&Co.’s global leadership team across Asian markets, demonstrating their continued commitment to the region and exploring growth potential in markets like the Philippines.