Singapore-based fashion retailer Love, Bonito is looking beyond simply opening more stores in the Philippines. The brand is also exploring collaborations with Filipino designers, signaling a strategy that blends retail expansion with deeper local engagement as it strengthens its foothold in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing consumer markets.
The expansion plans were discussed during a meeting in Singapore on July 30 between Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque and Love, Bonito Co-Founder and Chairwoman Rachel Lim, together with Chief Executive Officer Dione Song.
Their discussions covered the performance of the company’s newly opened TriNoma branch in Quezon City, preparations for its upcoming Cebu store, and areas where the DTI can support Love, Bonito’s long-term growth in the country.
The retailer currently operates stores at SM Megamall, Power Plant Mall, One Ayala and TriNoma. Its planned Cebu outlet will be the brand’s first store outside Metro Manila, reflecting confidence that demand for contemporary fashion is expanding beyond the capital into regional growth centers.
Equally notable was the discussion on possible collaborations with Filipino designers. Such partnerships would allow Love, Bonito to tailor its offerings more closely to local consumers while giving Philippine creative talent access to a regional platform, complementing the DTI’s push to attract investments that also nurture domestic industries.
The approach reflects a broader shift among international lifestyle brands. Rather than relying solely on store expansion, companies are increasingly seeking local partnerships that strengthen brand relevance, create shared value and resonate with consumers looking for products that combine global quality with local identity.
For the Philippines, the talks underscore its rising appeal as both a retail destination and a source of creative talent. As consumer spending and modern retail continue to expand, international brands are finding opportunities not only to sell to Filipinos but also to collaborate with them.
Also present during the meeting were Philippine Trade and Investment Center Commercial Counsellor Carla Grepo and DTI Chief of Staff Jeremiah Reyes.
