Daily TribuneThe Grand Stage is positioned as a premium destination for elevated footwear and apparel, while the standard store focuses on everyday style. and comfort.
A view of the interior of the ABC-Mart Grand Stage, where leading shoe brands are available.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ABC MART
(From left) Koji Higashimae, chief executive officer of ABC-MART SONAK Philippines, Kiichiro Hattori, senior vice president of ABC-MART Japan, Anil Buxani, chief executive officer of SONAK Retail Group, Kabir Buxani, incoming chief executive officer and director of SONAK Retail Group.
BC-Mart announced that it will officially open its first flagship store in the Philippines through a partnership with SONAK Retail, during a signing ceremony held at Uma Nota, Taguig, on Monday.
The Japanese footwear retail giant has entered a strategic joint venture with SONAK Retail Group to mark its entry into Southeast Asia. The launch will begin with the opening of ABC-Mart Grand Stage, followed by a standard ABC-Mart store located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, scheduled for Fall 2025 (September to November).
“We are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with a brand that shares our vision of excellence with customer satisfaction,” said Kabir Buxani, incoming CEO of SONAK Retail Group.
Buxani added that the company is grateful for the partnership, highlighting ABC-Mart’s deep understanding of the local market and commitment to diversity, quality, and top-tier retail experience — qualities that make them the “perfect” partner.
“The collab is not just about business, it is also about synergy and a collective passion in serving our Filipino consumers better,” he said.
The upcoming store will span two floors and 750 square meters, offering a range of top global brands, including exclusive limited-edition releases.
The ABC-Mart Grand Stage concept differs from the standard ABC-Mart store. The Grand Stage is positioned as a premium destination for elevated footwear and apparel, while the standard store focuses on everyday style and comfort.
“We believe that style should never compromise comfort, and great fashion should be accessible to everyone,” said Koji Higashimae, CEO of ABC-Mart.
The first branch will open at High Street, followed by another in Mitsukoshi Mall. According to Buxani, BGC was chosen as the launch site because of its vibrant atmosphere, fashion-forward culture, and its role as a trendsetting hub in Metro Manila — making it the ideal place to introduce the brand’s Japanese identity.
