FASHION BRANDS ARE WEATHERING THE STORM

The Filipino consumer may have a very limited budget, but is still very brand-conscious, she says.

However, Johnson T. Go, general  christian louboutin shoes  manager for Robinsons Department Store, and Hope Tang, VP for merchandising, say consumers are more price-sensitive than ever. They will spend more on practical items such as plastic ware than on decorative objects such as candles and picture frames.

Ultimately, brands that promote heavily and are perceived by consumers to be of good quality will flourish.

In personal care, LOreal Philippines reports that despite slowdown, it has posted positive growth this year compared to 2007. The mass-market brand Garnier and its Skin Naturals Light got off the ground after a successful launch. The pricing strategy was the biggest come-on.

Luxury brand Lancomes Absolue franchise and the midrange LOreal Paris Revitalift line posted triple-digit growth. This shows that baby boomers and Gen Xers are still flexing their financial muscle. LOreal Paris haircare brand Elseve also helped build the treatment  louboutin category on the market.

According to LOreal, Filipino women are spending more time taking care of themselves and setting aside some me time since they feel they deserve it after shouldering part of the household income.

For skincare and haircare brands, Filipino consumers are a mix of loyal  louboutin shoes consumers and switchers ; price continues to be a key factor among the majority, says LOreal.

Anthony Huang, executive vice president of Store Specialists Inc., agrees skincare products have shown a surprising upsurge in louboutin boots sales.

Along with the increase in sophistication of our customers is a growing awareness of the importance of proper skincare as a preventive measure against aging and the damaging effects of the environment on skin. Due to media and the focus of many womens magazines on beauty, women are more particular about skin treatment before the application of color.

Lim says its too early to tell if the economic crisis will affect the market adversely, because the outlook has been positive so far.

In fashion, SSIs flourishing brands are also in the midrange categoryMarks & Spencer, Gap, Zara, christian louboutin  . Surprisingly, rich customers lap up Burberrys polo shirts, which are twice the price of a classic Lacoste shirt.

Predictably, SSIs high-end labels are recession-proof. Ramon San Agustin, VIP services manager, points out that in the past few months the resurgence of formal affairs has driven brisk louboutin boots sales in evening shoes, bags and gowns. The tourist market, particularly Koreans, is also buoying up louboutin boots sales.