Cebu GTH eyes online shop for Tindahang Pinoy project

The Cebu Gift, Toys and Housewares (GTH) Foundation Inc. aims to launch an online shopping center for Tindahang Pinoy within the year.

Cebu GTH Foundation president Ramir Bonghanoy and marketing manager Pete Sepulveda said they thought of setting up the online shop after seeing an opportunity to tap markets outside Cebu.

“While the store was set up in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry to cater to tourists that come to Cebu, we think many other customers would like to just shop online from the comfort of their home,” said Bonghanoy.

According to Sepulveda, this new direction will enhance their visibility among target customers in the country and abroad.

Since Tindahang Pinoy opened in December last year at the Bridges Town Square in Mandaue City, Sepulveda said average monthly sales reaches P200,000 and they expect to close this month with  total sales of P300,000.

“We are overwhelmed with the response from our customers and we are  especially thankful for the help of DTI who also helps refer customers to us,” said Sepulveda.

The foundation also partnered with logistics companies FedEx and Air21 for delivery services.

“We have items here that our customers would like to buy but can’t bring along when they fly home so we have FedEx to take care of that for our international buyers and Air21 for our domestic travellers,” said Sepulveda.

He said they will be meeting with experts on information technology to advise how to set up the online shop within the year.

“With the online shop setup soon we will be able to attract more buyers and other exporters and even small enterprises which are not yet importing and provide a venue where their products can be promoted globally,” said Bonghanoy.

At present, 42 companies are displaying their products in Tindahang Pinoy, which includes goods from other provinces in Central Visayas.

“We now have Peanut Kisses from Bohol, stonecraft from Negros Oriental and other companies and delicacies, aside from fashion accessories and home accessories and furniture displayed by our members,” said Bonghanoy.

DTI Regional Director Asteria Caberte said the national launching of  Tindahang Pinoy on April 19 will be attended by Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo.

A Tindahang Pinoy outlet  will be opened this year in Bohol province, she said.

“We are very happy with the outcome of this project which follows the Public-Private Oartnership thrust of the current administration. There are only three stores now in the country. We are looking at opening more and duplicating the success,” said Caberte.

Tindahang Pinoy is a joint project of DTI with Cebu GTH Foundation, Inc. following the thrust to integrate efforts of two key industries in the country—tourism and export.