Eton Properties Philippines Inc. reported that its Eton Centris development in Quezon City is seeing more physical stores open as Metro Manila relaxes its General Community Quarantine restrictions. 

In September, it saw the store openings of two restaurants while, last month, Maxicare Primary Care Center opened in one of Eton Centris’ office buildings, Cyberpod Centris Five; and just recently, IQOS launched its branch in the courtyard-style mall. 

While more retail businesses are transitioning into the digital platform, there are still a good number that finds benefit in brick and mortar stores, according to Eton Properties Chief Operating Officer Karlu Tan Say. 

She added that, “A lot of businessmen would agree that digital transformation is really the way to go, but to have a physical store where customers can experience your product and exemplary service, alongside technology, is more powerful and sustainable.”

Eton Properties Executive Vice President Charlie Carlos noted that, “Businesses have not disregarded the fact that a sense of community, such as going to the mall, is still an essential part of the Filipino culture.”

He added that, “In fact, our business partners are future-proofing their investments by finding more value in our wide open spaces in Eton Centris, instead of compact and closed structures because of the healthy and safe environment that we provide.”Eton Centris is a 12-hectare lifestyle hub with a courtyard architectural design featuring wide pathways and floor areas. It has strict health and safety protocols in place such as temperature check, contact tracing procedures and physical distancing to ensure consumers the safest dining and shopping experience.(James A. Loyola)