1st Nokia Store in South Central Mindanao opens in GenSan

Gen. Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines and the Most Competitive Medium-Sized City in the Philippines is really on the roll!

In what is another paean to the city’s economic potential, global giant and cellphone manufacturer, NOKIA inaugurated on August 8, 2008, its world-class store outlet at the 2nd floor of the KCC Mall of GenSan, its first in South Central Mindanao.  This also makes GenSan the third Mindanao city after Davao and Cagayan de Oro to be given this distinction.

The NOKIA STORE at KCC Mall of GenSan

According to Nokia Philippines GM William Hamilton-Whyte who graced their store opening at the KCC, and who was kind enough to answer some of my questions, “We believe that GenSan is more than ready to host the Nokia Store.  Other than its burgeoning population, other indicators which made us decide to come here are the the vibrancy of its economy being the premier business hub of the Soccsksargen Area and the responsiveness of the local government to the needs of the private sector.”

He then explained, “All these indicate a very robust business climate, and a growing discriminating clientele, thus the need for us to come in.”

Ribbon-cutting sponsors during the opening of the NOKIA STORE at the KCC Mall of Gensan:  Nokia Retail Program Manager Azer Villola, Nokia Business Development Manager Rudolph Sanots, Nokia Phils. GM William Hamilton-Whyte, Wiltelcom owner Wilson Lu, KCC owner Chan Shui Lam, and Nokia Corporate Communications Mngr. Nikka Abes

The French gentleman also revealed that the 75-square meter store at the KCC Mall of GenSan is the 29th Nokia Store in the Philippines and is the very first one to adapt the new Global Design.  Thus, its look will be copied by the rest of the Nokia stores all throughout the country and the rest of the world!

The new Nokia Store design is more client-friendly and allows visitors to touch and feel the latest Nokia products.  Exact replica models of their newest units can be hand held, tested, poked, flicked, rubbed and handled every imaginable way possible. Definitely there are no “BREAKER, BUYER” signs posted within the premises.  🙂

The KCC store with its minimalist interiors gives one a feeling that he’s inside an art gallery with the phone model units laid out on their display counters propped up against the walls, neatly categorized according to their SERIES grouping (N-series, E-series, etc.).

All these plus its well-illuminated spacious area, and the attentiveness of its well-trained sales staff who ready to give out expert advice without being obstrusive, the NOKIA Store in GenSan makes for some pleasurable shopping experience.

With this development, expect GenSan’s inclusion among Nokia’s numerous product launching events and other promotional gigs in the future.  And of course, they may now be able to join local festivals such as the Tuna Festival and the Kalilangan through their local trade partner Wiltelcom, owned by Mr. Wilson Lu.

And who knows, am keeping my fingers crossed that they could support the 2nd Mindanao Bloggers Summit to be held here on October 25, 2008.  Now, that would really be cool!!!

And yeah, topping it all, watch out for the NOKIA CARE Service Center Outlet (NOKIA CARE) opening two doors to its right at the KCC Mall very, very soon!

Thanks to Ms. Nikka Abes for the photos.