Hanabishi sees growth despite weak economy
Philippine home appliance maker Hanabishi expects continued growth despite a cautious market, attributing optimism to expanding dealerships. President Jasper Ong noted that while double-digit growth is unlikely this year due to dealer caution over rising oil prices and a weak peso, the company remains confident in its market lead among local brands.
Hanabishi's strategy for navigating a cautious economic environment centers on dealership expansion and cost management. The company is actively penetrating more provinces and cities through its dealership network, which is cited as a basis for future growth. Simultaneously, Hanabishi is attempting to absorb rising production costs to avoid increasing consumer prices, acknowledging that consumers are currently very cautious and conduct extensive online research and price comparisons.
The company's focus remains on offering affordable appliances for Filipino families, rather than integrating advanced technologies or artificial intelligence into its products. This decision is presented as a deliberate choice to meet the specific needs of its target market. Executives expressed confidence in the quality of their products and after-sales service as key differentiators against Chinese brands entering the market via digital platforms.
This approach highlights the continued relevance of traditional retail channels in the Philippine appliance market. Despite the presence of online stores, Hanabishi reported that purchases from physical stores still account for the majority of its sales. The company also noted the ongoing expansion of malls and their role in the Filipino lifestyle, suggesting that a physical presence remains a significant factor in consumer purchasing behavior.
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