Wilcon expansion sets 8 new stores

Listed home improvement and construction supplies retailer Wilcon Depot Inc. is accelerating its expansion this year, with plans to open at least eight new stores, including a Cubao, Quezon City branch set to launch on Friday.

While the company has set an initial target, Wilcon president and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan indicated the number could increase. “Targeting eight stores this year is a conservative estimate,” she said in an interview, hinting that the total could reach up to 10.

Beyond new openings, Wilcon is also focusing on upgrading existing locations. “We’ve already hit our five-year target of 100 stores, so now we’re focusing on revamping our older stores, especially in Metro Manila,” Belo-Cincochan said.

Cebu outlet readied

Most upcoming stores will be in Luzon, with a mix of small and medium-sized formats. Only one new store, in Cubao, will be in Metro Manila, while another is set to open in Cebu by the second quarter.

Despite ongoing challenges in the home improvement sector, Belo-Cincochan remains optimistic, particularly as the summer season is expected to boost performance. “We’re seeing positive signs,” she said, noting that the industry’s recovery remains gradual but promising.

Wilcon is balancing expansion with reinvestment in its infrastructure to keep its stores competitive. The company operates through two retail formats: the Depot store and the Home Essentials store.