Businesses, no matter how big or small, have been greatly affected by the ongoing pandemic. But, more than a year into the challenges brought about by COVID-19, Anton Tantoco Huang, Store Specialist Inc.’s (SSI) president, turns his company into recovery by shifting to digital and cost-cutting initiatives.
One of the country’s largest specialty retailers, the SSI Group has logged a P761M loss during the onset of the pandemic in 2020. But this year, the high-end retailer cut its loss by 64 percent in the first half of 2021, all thanks to Anton’s strategy of shifting to digital by launching Trunc.ph and 10 more e-commerce websites under the SSI Group’s brands.
Trunc.ph is a first-of-its-kind digital portal by the SSI Group, which features a multi-brand treasure trove of the finest brands, a diverse range of home essentials, and beauty products. Launched in November 2020, Trunc has started bearing its fruits this year as digital sales quadruple.
“Through Trunc.ph, we seek to provide our customers with a world-class shopping experience which upholds the same level of personalization we provide in our brick-and-mortar stores and makes accessible a unique and desired brand line up,” says Anton.
With a curation of the most coveted lifestyle and luxury brands, including the likes of Loewe, Burberry, Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, MUJI, Lush, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Jeans, Lacoste, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Alexander McQueen, Trunc brings the SSI Group’s retail expertise online.
There are four categories in Trunc.ph—Trunc, Trunc Show, and Powder Room by Trunc. Trunc is a multi-brand marketplace featuring some of SSI’s most sought-after brands. On the other hand, Trunc Show is a dedicated stand-alone boutique within Trunc for the most premium designer brands. Powder Room by Trunc is the go-to for beauty and skincare enthusiasts, with its wide assortment of cult-favorite and iconic brands and lastly, Trunc at home features the world’s top home and living brands.
Here are some of the items we find worth buying at the four categories of Trunc:
Trunc: Superga 2750 (P3950)
White sneakers are always a classic, especially if it’s from the Italian brand Superga. The Superga 2750 features three velcro straps and an outsole in vulcanized natural rubber.
Trunc Show: Givenchy Mini Pandora Bag in Aged Leather (P77,000)
If you’re investing in designer bags, then why not add Givenchy Mini Pandora to your collection? Set in aged leather, this supple cube shape bag features two metal zips, an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, and one interior and exterior zippered pocket.
Powder Room by Trunc: Lush Twilight Body Spray Gift Set (P2,395)
It is never too early to buy holiday presents! So whoever you think of giving this Lush Twilight Body Spray Gift Set will surely appreciate it, mainly because of its lavender scents that can calm and soothe you off to sleep.
Trunc at home: West Elm Round Nesting Side Tables (P23,500)
If you have a small space in your room, this West Elm’s Round Nesting Side Table lets you hide the smaller table under the larger one and pull it out when you need more surface space. It is a fusion of function and chic as it features smooth marble tabletops
“The addition of Trunc, Trunc Show, Trunc at home, and PowderRoom to our online properties enhances and expands the retail experience of the SSI customer,” adds Anton.
Through these digital shopping innovations, the only way for SSI is up, as it continues to be one of the largest specialty retailers with an established brand portfolio in the Philippines, online and offline.
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