Global furniture retail giant Garant enters Philippines

European marketing and services firm Garant Group has signed a partnership deal with A. Sachi Ventures — established by Philippine Retailers Association and Philippine Franchise Association founder Samie Lim — to introduce the Garant-Moebel concepts to the Philippines and connect local furniture makers to an international network.

In a recent news conference, Garant-Moebel Board Director Christoph Hampel said in partnering with A. Sachi Ventures, they may support small and medium furniture retailers through their international knowledge and network.

The two companies formed the A. Sachi-Garant, the partnership venture that will offer SMEs the opportunity to convert their mom-and-pop stores into Garant outlets.

By becoming part of the Garant Group, the SMEs in the furniture retail industry will see upgrades in their stores, including design concepts, layout and inventory, Hampel said.

Filipino furniture producers will also gain access to the 21 other markets that Garant has presence in worldwide should they become part of the group, Hampel added.

Lim, considered the father of Philippine franchising, said local furniture makers can benefit from the partnership as they will get the opportunity to be listed as one of the global suppliers of Garant.

“Furniture makers in the Philippines will have ready distribution channels, both here and abroad, when they pass the quality standard of Garant,” Lim said.

Garant will initially offer two of its retail-store concepts for the Philippine market: the Garant Better Living and Gatrant Mer.