The Beginnings

Over half a century ago, an enterprising couple would buy interesting and elegant products on their trips abroad, and find that their friends were excited and willing buyers. Encouraged by the response, the couple put up a modest gift store, simply designed but decorated by the beauty of the things they bought. The couple was Gliceria Rustia and Bienvenido R. Tantoco. They combined the first syllables of their last names, and not only was Rustan's born, but Philippine retailing as an art, science and industry.

That little anecdote spawned a conglomerate of companies that tackled every facet and nuance of retailing and then some. The Rustan Group of Companies defined and set the bar for retailing in the country. It continues to do so into the new millennium and the twenty-first century, and because of an unequivocal vision, relentless innovation, a solid reputation, a unique pulse for what people want, and that inimitable quality of taste, it will continue to do so for at least another fifty or maybe a hundred years!

Of the different companies that are part of the conglomerate, one company stands out because of its creative business intuition and foresight, and its ability to seize the moment: Stores Specialist, Incorporated.

What We Do

STORES SPECIALISTS, INC. is a testament to the vision of the Rustan Group of Companies. It was formed two decades ago as a response to the growing desire of luxury and designer fashion brands to not just be found in stores lumped with all other brands, but to create their own concept stores all over the world. Thus STORES SPECIALISTS, INC. or SSI, was established to acquire, manage, and develop exclusively the world's top lifestyle brands. This initial mandate has since evolved into an incredibly successful combination of brand management system and team and a keen sense of real estate development that is envied by others. As a result, SSI has the largest and choicest luxury upmarket fashion lifestyle portfolio, the largest network of retail outlets all over the country. The numbers tell the story: Over 50 brands, over 250 free standing and shop in shop boutiques, totaling over 250,000 square feet of prime retail space. And still growing

A Success Story

SSI has achieved an excellent reputation all over the world with its extremely professional and lucrative relationships with its partners. Where it once sought new brands relentlessly, it still does, but it finds itself being sought after instead as well.

As the franchisee of the many of the world's most prestigious labels, SSI adheres to uncompromising standards of professionalism, excellence, marketing, research, planning, brand management, brand development, merchandising, public relations, advertising, technology and all other logistical support.

SSI is extremely responsive and aggressive, yet it is highly selective. It chooses to represent not every trendy or popular brand, but only a choice register of brands that appeal to the luxury up market and have products and brand images that will endure.

Aside from its international portfolio, SSI has also developed a number of highly successful specialty retail concept stores: Beauty Bar and Makeroom. Beauty Bar is the first and only specialty personal care concept store of its kind in the country, carrying an enviable selection of personal care and beauty products not found anywhere else. It enables consumers the opportunity to sample fresh brands and niche products from all over the world.

Makeroom is a designer home improvement and container store, abound with innovative, creative, and witty ideas and products for home and office management.

Simply put, STORES SPECIALISTS INC., with its cornucopia of brand and product ideas, is the Philippines' window to the best the world has to offer…and by trailblazing these excellent products in a country which is increasingly becoming more sophisticated, it is also the periscope of international brands and countries to discover the Philippine consumer.