SM Supermalls begins 100 Days of Happiness

To kickstart the Christmas countdown, SM Supermalls began its 100 Days of Happiness last September 16, where they aim to create a circle of happiness with 76 participating malls, shoppers, the marginalized communities of women, persons deprived of liberty, artisans, cause-oriented organizations, and select local government units.

"We want to create a circle of happiness in all our SM malls by featuring products of cause-oriented programs which we will offer to our shoppers who, in turn, give them to friends and family, and ultimately, benefit the communities that created these products," said SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan.

Through the campaign, SM Supermalls encourages Filipinos to support the advocacies of individuals and organizations that provide opportunities and create livelihood for their communities. For this year, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, UNICEF, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative, among others.

The launch event held at SM North EDSA The Block was attended by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and SVP for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin; Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, and select councilors of the city; Spark PH Founder Mica Teves; GSP President Dr. Nina Lim-Yuson; designer Zarah Juan; and Brownies Unlimited Marketing head Dustin Ngo.

Equipping young girls to lead and build the future, one box of brownies at a time

For this year’s 100 Days campaign, SM Megamall, along with 9 other SM malls, is collaborating with Brownies Unlimited and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. For every purchase of a special GSP-themed box of brownies in-mall and via the SM Malls Online App, one girl will be sponsored with a GSP membership for a year. 

"We have a lot of young girls across the country and they've had such difficult times during the pandemic. Our membership dropped significantly. By buying a box, you can sponsor a girl for one year and she can learn so many things like being independent, loving her country more, and helping her community," said GSP President Nina Lim-Yuson.

Recently, SM Supermalls helped the GSP vaccinate all its 70,000 members nationwide. By providing them with convenient and safe COVID-19 vaccines, SM Supermalls was able to ensure that the GSP members have access to quality healthcare services. 

SM shoppers can purchase a box of brownies from 46 Brownies Unlimited branches nationwide and the SM Malls Online App.

Giving marginalized women and persons deprived of liberty hope for the future

Apart from the GSP partnership, SM Supermalls also partnered with the local government of Quezon City for its Vote to Tote program, Spark PH, and bag designer Zarah Juan to sell upcycled tarpaulin handmade tote bags sewn by marginalized women and female persons deprived of liberty.

"Christmas is all about giving. We are very happy that this year, the communities of Quezon City are included as beneficiaries in this program. And apart from helping the women in our communities, we are also able to help the environment by upcycling 70 tons of election tarpaulins that we've collected." said Mayor Belmonte.

Juan, the designer, was the brainchild of the upcycling initiative. "During the elections, there were tons of election campaign wastes. I wanted to do something and I thought I have my platform– my designs. If my designs can actually solve this problem, then it's worthwhile. Then I pitched the idea to Maica Teves, the founder of Spark PH. From there, we gathered all the help we can– from the Quezon City LGU who will help us collect tarpaulins, the women communities that can help us create, and SM Supermalls who can provide us the platform to distribute."

A Happiness Walk was done to showcase the upcycled tote bags that shoppers can buy in SM malls. Joining the Happiness Walk were men and women of substance including select Girl Scouts members, Jeremy Lapena and Bernce Sevilla of the Downs Syndrome Association of the Phils, Mylene Abiva of WomenBiz, media celebrities Ces Oreña Drilon, and Gina Pareño among others.

The proceeds of the upcycled tote bags will be given to the women PDLs in Camp Karingal, and the marginalized women of Barangays Sto. Cristo, Greater Lagro, and Pinyahan in Quezon City. The tote bags will be sold in the following SM malls:

• SM Aura Premier

• SM Southmall

• SM City Fairview

• SM City North EDSA

• SM Megamall

Helping a community of artists 

And in the south of Metro Manila, the SM Mall of Asia family will be partnering with the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists in selling painted Christmas cards to the shoppers.

"All these and more will start to unfold in the coming days as we continue spreading happiness across all SM malls around the country. Let us not waste our next 100 days and use it to make one another happy by giving. Today, let the countdown begin to a hundred days of happiness!” Tan closed.

This is the second time SM Supermalls has started a holiday countdown campaign. In 2021, the biggest mall network in the Philippines showed the world more than a hundred ways of giving through 100 Days of Caring. Underserved communities surrounding the 76 SM malls were provided with their urgent needs through in-kind and monetary donations by the malls, its various business units, and the employees. 

For the list of all partner institutions and their beneficiaries visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

Celebrate Pinoy SMiles at SM Supermalls

Pinoys traditionally celebrate community events in town centers and marketplaces but now, festivities have found a home in modern-day community plazas – the malls. SM Supermalls has long been a witness of different Pinoy milestones, family bonding moments, and national celebrations brimming with Pinoy SMiles!

This June 12, SM Supermalls pays tribute to Pinoy pride with Pinoy SMiles at SM, a one-of-a-kind celebration of Independence Day, through fun happenings and promos in 70 malls nationwide.

“SM continues to serve as a place to celebrate victories, and there is no bigger triumph for our country than our independence. We’ve prepared exciting events and deals as we join hands in honor of the Philippine Independence Day,” said Jonjon Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.

From June 1 to 12, customers can experience their favorite local street food at Eats Pinoy! – a food fair and culinary feast showcasing Filipino treats and delicacies.

Mallgoers can also catch Pinoy Fashion event on June 8 to 12, where style gurus infuse a modern twist in traditional Pinoy fashion pieces. They can also indulge in best-loved hits of their favorite Pinoy music icons at the P-Pop Fest music sessions.

Everyone is also invited to join the #PinoySMileChallenge from June 5 to 12 via the SM Supermalls Mobile app to win exciting prizes.

As a bonus treat, SM shoppers can get up to 70% off on fab finds at the Pinoy SMile Sale on June 12, where SM Advantage Card holders can avail more discounts during the two-hour SMAC specials.

Celebrate Pinoy SMile with pride this Independence Day at SM Supermalls!

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For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.

Colorful, Lovable Giants Welcome 2018 at SM Mall of Asia

All roads led to SM Mall of Asia (MOA) for the Grand Mascot Parade to celebrate and welcome the New Year!

Thousands of kids and kids-at-heart trooped to SM MOA for the spectacular procession of giant adorable mascots, the first time the mall mounted such an event as a highlight of its much-awaited annual New Year celebration.

Since 2008, SM MOA has been treating kids and their families with a holiday spectacle through its Grand Festival of Lights Parade. Last December, the float parade featured Santa, MOA’s magical friends, and an array of holiday characters, dancing to well-loved holiday tunes atop six floats lined with LED lights.
Unwrapping the first day of 2018, SM pumped up the celebration by adding giant inflatables to the delight of spectators. Held at the North and South Arcades of the mall, the Grand Mascot Parade featured SM’s very own Leo, the lion; Hannah, the panda; Gerry, the Giraffe; Macky, the monkey; Benny, the bunny; Cyril, the squirrel; Ellie, the elephant and Hailey, the Hippo as well as The Powerpuff Girls, Doraemon’s friends, Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers among others.

A special meet and greet with the characters was held at the Seaside Boulevard. Families had the chance to enjoy taking pictures with their favorite characters. The event was made grander by an impressive fireworks display.

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.


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Malaysian mall group impressed by SM best practices

Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, also known as Persatuan Pengurusan Kompleks (PPK Malaysia), expressed fascination over SM Supermalls’ facilities and operations during a recent visit to the country. The group’s representatives were in the country to tour local malls, including SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia and SM Aura.

While this isn’t PPK Malaysia’s first visit to the Philippines, this year’s study tour introduces a new aspect of the trip, which is to focus more on mall operations apart from design and architecture, format, retail mix, marketing and promotions.

 “The tour is about learning new concepts and new ways of mall management. We also get exposed on how cultures and other malls differ when it comes to mall designs, operations and marketing,” said Vincent Chong, PPK Malaysia assistant treasurer.

PPK Malaysia Executive Director Evelyn Lo said that members of the tour group were particularly impressed with SM Aura’s sky garden and SM’s overall security features.

“I think they were impressed and taken aback by SM Aura’s top floor—that it’s outdoor. We don’t do that in Malaysia. Malaysian malls are enclosed and air-conditioned,” Lo revealed. “They also found it interesting that there are a number of security guards in Philippine malls and all your guards are local people. Back home, the guards are mostly non-locals. We found out today that metal detectors have long been a part of your shopping culture and we don’t have it there (Malaysia) yet. You also have K9 dogs inside the malls. We usually place K9 dogs outside the malls,” Lo revealed.

When asked about the best practices of SM, Chong mentioned important highlights. “We find that you are able to get the locals to come in and join in the security department. The group noticed that not only are they willing to become security personnel and proud of the job they’re doing, they consider it a good career. If it can be done here, we should be able to do it back home,” he said.

 “We come to Manila in general because the shopping scene here is great.  It’s so vibrant. You have mid-range malls like SM Megamall which includes a higher end Fashion Hall area. There’s SM Aura which has a different format while the SM Mall of Asia is huge. We have to learn more about the mall industry from the outside but in Asian context,” Chong noted.

PPK Malaysia is a group that conducts regular study tours to learn the best mall practices in the region. It is the recognized representative of shopping centers in Malaysia whose members obtain first-hand notification and information on nationwide issues and events affecting the industry.


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Harte Hanks Open BPO Site in Mall of Asia

Harte Hanks (NYSE:HHS) praised the dedication and service-oriented culture of Filipino workers and called them the country’s main draw for foreign investors.

In a panel discussion, following the opening Thursday of the American marketing company’s new BPO-call center in the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, which was moderated by ANC Anchor Ron Cruz, executives of Harte Hanks and its local business said they decided to increase investment here because of the Philippines’ “very good” labor market.

“Filipinos possess a very strong work ethic and a culture of customer service,” said Benjamin Chacko, Harte Hanks’ Head of BPO Operations. “We have been always impressed by the skill and dedication of Filipinos who work for Harte Hanks. They have been an important factor in our success, and we look forward to sustaining our growth here.”

He added: “Our Filipino employees learn quickly, are customer-service minded and culturally aware of the United States, our primary service market.”

Chacko also attributed the steady growth of the country’s BPO industry to a highly-educated, English-speaking workforce.

Butch Valenzuela, treasurer of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines, who participated in the forum along with Jopat Lelay, project director of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines, and Atty. Ray Glenn Agranzamendez, representing Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto, said the IT-BPO industry hired 1.2M workers in 2015 and would add another 100,000 this year to 1.3M.

The Pasay facility, situated at Five E-Com Center, consolidates both of Harte Hanks Philippines’ former primary and secondary locations and creates seats for hundreds of additional new employees.

The US-based firm’s Manila affiliate employs about 2,000 IT-BPO workers, majority of whom are assigned at its primary location in Fort Bonifacio, Global City.

Jonathan Bondoc, Site Director for Harte Hanks Philippines, said the company prides itself as a BPO with a low-attrition rate, or turnover of employees, focusing on in-house programs that engage, enable and retain personnel.

“Our employees generally stay for the culture and work environment we provide,” Bondoc stressed. “We pride ourselves in a culture that is inclusive and embraces diversity.”

He cited the company’s program dubbed Promise Based Management. “It is quite simply ‘Who will do What by When.’ We apply it to both our internal and external customers. Our commitments to our employees is updated through PBM boards across our sites. It outlines the promises we have accomplished and those that we are still working on.”

Harte Hanks began operating in the Philippines over a decade ago with a buy-operate-transfer partnership.

Harte Hanks Help Sony Regain Brand Loyalists

Sony is a global leader in electronics products, but the Japanese multinational conglomerate once lost this status as a premier brand, at least for the brand loyalists.

How did Sony, an iconic brand for Filipino consumers, regain that lofty position in the world market?

It took a marketing strategy mapped out by Harte Hanks (NYSE:HHS), who is known for driving growth for the world’s largest brands, to turn things around for Sony, one of the world’s largest television manufacturers.

With consumers having more options, how could Sony Corp. generate consumer buzz around its products, and then translate that into long-term loyalty that drives growth and profitability?

Harte Hanks, which will incidentally open on April 21 its BPO-call center at the Mall of Asia Complex, in Pasay City, and the Japanese company devised an integrated marketing campaign that leveraged the power of untapped data from Sony’s existing and prospective customer base. The idea was to keep them a step ahead of the customer.

“We deliver real interactions and measurable engagement results for brands the world over,” said the US-based marketing firm, who had established a main and two secondary locations in the Philippines more than a decade ago. The MOA facility will consolidate Harte Hanks Philippines’ BPO-call center operations in the country. 

The campaign included key elements like direct mail to drive traffic to Sony’s website and Email communications to deliver just the right product information at the right time.

Sony also implemented catalog drops and free standing inserts (FSI) that would engage the customer on a more frequent and relevant basis, resulting in a more engaging and profitable consumer experience, and enhancing loyalty across multiple products and devices.

The Harte Hanks’ strategy paid off as Sony’s sell-through and product registrations, cross sales and conversion rates, and customer satisfaction have all significantly improved.

The company registered a 41 percent growth in revenue and 100 percent increase in email open rates because of the successful marketing initiative.

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ABOUT HARTE HANKS

Harte Hanks partners with clients to deliver relevant, connected and quality customer interactions. Our approach starts with discovery and learning, which leads to customer journey mapping, creative and content development, analytics and data management, and ends with execution and support in a variety of digital and traditional channels. We do something powerful: we produce engaging and memorable customer interactions to drive business results for our clients, which is why Harte Hanks is famous for developing better customer relationships, experiences and defining interaction-led marketing. For more information, visit the Harte Hanks website at www.hartehanks.com, call 844-233-9281, email pr@hartehanks.com or follow us on Twitter @hartehanks or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HarteHanks.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the company's leadership transition, services and clients. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results. Additional important factors and information regarding Harte Hanks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC and available in the "Investors" section of our website under the heading "Financials & Filings." We specifically disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the future even if circumstances change and, therefore, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views after today.  

As used herein, "Harte Hanks" refers to Harte Hanks, Inc. and/or its applicable operating subsidiaries, as the context may require. Harte Hanks' logo and name are trademarks owned by Harte Hanks. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective owners. 

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US Firm to Open BPO - Call Center in MOA, Offer New Seats Harte Hanks Increases Its Philippines Investment

Harte Hanks (NYSE: HHS), a leader in customer engagement and interaction-led marketing, is consolidating its Manila operations and adding room for hundreds of new employees with the opening on April 21 of the company’s BPO-call center at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, in Pasay City.

Harte Hanks Philippines, a subsidiary of the US-based marketing company currently employs about 2,000 people in its main and secondary locations in Metro Manila.

The move allows the company, which has established its presence in Asia-Pacific with the launching of its call center in the Philippines over a decade ago, to integrate the secondary locations with the Pasay facility.

“We have been always impressed by the skill and dedication of our employees in Manila and look forward to sustaining our growth here,” said Jonathan Bondoc Harte Hanks Manila-based Site Director, in a statement.

Among Harte Hanks’ clients are companies known worldwide in information technology, computer software, sports media, banking, mobile phone and health insurance industries.

Besides the Asia-Pacific, Harte Hanks has offices spread across North America, Europe and Latin America.

“The Philippines’ consistent support of innovative business models such as buy-operate-transfer model and investment in dependable infrastructure priorities are just two of the reasons we are expanding our investment here,” added Ben Chacko, head of operational planning and strategy for Harte Hanks.

The American outfit, whose call center business focuses on North American clients, started doing business in the Philippines with a buy-operate-transfer partnership in 2001.


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ABOUT HARTE HANKS

Harte Hanks partners with clients to deliver relevant, connected and quality customer interactions. Our approach starts with discovery and learning, which leads to customer journey mapping, creative and content development, analytics and data management, and ends with execution and support in a variety of digital and traditional channels. We do something powerful: we produce engaging and memorable customer interactions to drive business results for our clients, which is why Harte Hanks is famous for developing better customer relationships, experiences and defining interaction-led marketing. For more information, visit the Harte Hanks website at www.hartehanks.com, call 844-233-9281, email pr@hartehanks.com or follow us on Twitter @hartehanks or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HarteHanks.

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SM celebrates longest Grandparents' Day

 
As a sign of solidarity with the Filipino family's inherent respect for elders, SM Supermalls gives its shoppers the longest Grandparents' Day celebration, where grandmas and grandpas take the spotlight in all of SM's 52 malls nationwide for two whole weeks.

From August 31 up to the actual Grandparents' Day on September 13, SM malls will have their "Grand Gifts and Treats" activities where special treats and discounts are offered by various mall tenants during the whole two-week celebration.

A "Grand Memory: I Love You Lolo & Lola" photo wall is also installed as an attraction for all families. It is a special spot where families can capture their precious bonding moments with their elders while inside their favorite SM malls. Also not to be missed is the "Grand Market" activity which will happen in select malls from September 7 to 13. It is a bazaar showcasing items produced by grandparents.

Come September 12, at 7am, a "Grand Walk" warms up the grandparents for the days with special exercises and a massage therapy session conducted by accredited Red Cross volunteers. Registration for the activity is open to 60 years old and above.

Finally, on Grandparents' Day (September 13), all SM Supermalls will go full force to delight all grandfathers and grandmothers with dining offerings, entertainment, and event gadgets and technology products.

Setting the mood right are the malls' 9am Thanksgiving Mass for Grandparents, where the priest will administer a special blessing for grandparents and grandchildren, who will offer flowers to their lolos and lolas.

SM Cyberzone will have an all-day play gaming event at SM Dasmariñas, SM San Mateo and SM Masinag.

A "Grand Music" event will serenade the senior SM shoppers with oldies but goodies tracks that will not only make them reminisce about the good old times, but also introduce the timeless music to their grandkids.

To capture all the special bonding moments of the families celebrating in their favorite SM malls, a special Grandparents' Day photo booth will also be present per mall on the actual Grandparents' Day on September 13.

In SM Supermalls’ social media assets, several Grandparents' Day online promos will be ran from August 31 until September 13.

Shoppers can visit SM Supermalls' official website at www.smsupermalls.com; follow its official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through Viber Public Chat. Customers can tweet their thoughts, upload and share photos while celebrating Grandparents' Day inside the SM Supermalls, then use the season’s official hashtag #GrandparentsDayAtSM.