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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Automatic Centre to quit appliance retailing

Automatic Centre to quit appliance retailing

Published Sep 10, 2021 11:56 am

Automatic Center, the country’s leading appliance retailing firm, announced it will close shop effective October 10, 2021 after 70 years of operation.

automatic

In a statement Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, Automatic Appliances Inc. (AAI) said it will officially close down its appliance retailing operations effective October 10, 2021 due to difficulties caused by the pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous challenges on our business and it is with much regret and trepidation that we share this news with you today,” said a statement signed by company President and CEO Geoffrey Lim.

As AAI winds down its appliance retail operations, the company also assured that it will remain committed to honoring its obligations and to work closely with each to ensure smooth transition and closing process.

For over 70 years, the “Automatic Center” brand has been synonymous with selling high quality appliances, electronics and gadgets at very reasonable prices and at affordable payment terms.

Moving forward, the company said that it will continue to seek out outside parties that may be interested in using/adopting the “Automatic Center” brand name. This is in line with keeping the brand’s legacy alive, the company said.

“On behalf of the Lim Family, let me take this opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude for the unwavering support you have provided us over the past seven decades,” Lim said.

Samie Lim, uncle of Jeffrey and a stalwart in the local retailing industry, said the closure of Automatic Center is a "sad news" and a "heartbreaking decision", but added that "We, the family, support him (Jeffrey)."

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