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In 1952, Rustan’s opened its doors for the first time, bridging the gap between renowned international brands and its Filipino consumers. Seven decades later, the retail giant remains true to its purpose, only now with more people to serve
Once upon a time, Rustan’s department store was but a humble San Marcelino living room of husband and wife Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and Gliceria “Glecy” Rustia-Tantoco. Theirs was a dream that merged service, class, taste, and style, qualities that have grown stronger through the years.
Seventy years in the retail industry, and Rustan’s remains devoted to bringing together international brands for local consumption. With luxe branches located in the Philippines’ key urban centres, the department store has successfully built a reputation for refined service, amenities, and exciting events.
This 2022, Rustan’s commemorates 70-years of excellence through a display of its historic moments in-store and online. Highlights include groundbreaking moments that feature Glecy’s feats: bringing an exclusive distribution of Lacoste to the country, being the first Filipina to license Christian Dior, and opening the first Charriol boutique in the Philippines.
It also highlights heartwarming customer stories, all of which showcase how Rustan’s takes the seemingly ordinary and makes it extraordinary, through dedication to excellence in goods and service.
In case you missed it: Anton Tantoco Huang Clues Us in on the Future of Luxury Retail This 2022
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“Seventy years ago, my mother Glecy had a vision to bring the most luxurious and exciting brands to the Philippines, something that had never been done before,” Zenaida "Nedy" R. Tantoco, Rustan’s chairperson and chief executive officer, recalls.
“Today, her legacy continues to live and the boundaries she broke ensure that we will offer only the top brands, the finest products, and the best service,” she adds.
For Nedy, the unwavering patronage that Rustan’s continues to enjoy through the years is a legacy that she will forever thank her mother for. “We are who we are because of her, alongside our ever-loyal customers who are such an entwined part of our story.”
Related: How the Rustia-Tantoco Family Built And Maintains Its Retail Empire Rustan's
As part of the celebrations, customers will be invited to share their favourite Rustan’s moments from over the years to cement their part in this continued historic journey. Alongside this, celebrations will also see many in-store events, promotions, and exciting new brands and collections that will be launched during an online anniversary sale.
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If there's anything time has taught Rustan's, it is to present itself as an establishment that reinvents and innovates every year, one product at a time.
"Our promise is to constantly pursue how we can continue to make the everyday special for them and the seemingly ordinary, extraordinary," Nedy concludes.
The inspiring Rustan's story may have started 70 years ago, but it continues on; now, with the exciting refurbishment of the Makati flagship store and continued dedication to creating ever-lasting moments for the people of the Philippines.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
