Makro

Even before it formally opened in Mandaue City, Makro-Cebu had already stirred the shopping populace. In fact, it was by word-of-mouth that people knew how different the shopping mecca is. News spread that kids were not allowed inside, that like some kind of an airport you needed a passport to get in and that the store is actually free of salespersons. But despite this second-hand information, nothing really prepared the people for the real thing.

Unlike the malls where shoppers conveniently go in and out, Makro shoppers are required to present their membership card called a Makro passport before entrance.

Makro is a wholesale company that caters only to licensed business customers and institutions. This explains the need to present a licensed business permit upon membership. A Dutch company with 30 years of business experience. Makro is a worldwide chain of volume-driven, low-cost, self-service, cash and carrying trading outlet. In the Philippines, Makro operates in partnership with SM and Ayala. There are seven Makro outlets in the country, and Makro-Cebu is the first in the Visayas.

If you’re wondering how huge the place is to accommodate a forklift inside, the store is 7,500 sq. m. in total area. Spacious aisles make it more convenient to maneuver huge trolleys. And here, you can’t have a family shopping spree, only one non-member is allowed at every visit.

Credit cards are not accepted with the exception of the BPI Express credit card. And since it is a cash and carry outlet, Makro doesn’t deliver. However, to update the clients, they are provided with bi-monthly mailers.

For Makro, the key to customer satisfaction is careful assortment of products. Makro has no less than 12,000 articles in the store, and more is yet to come.

- Jules Inocando