Q1: As a retail expert, who are the top 3 retailers you admire most and why? Locally, Rustan’s, SM, and Bench.  These homegrown brands all had humble beginnings and through the years have grown tremendously through constant evolution while remaining true to their brand essence, DNA, and heritage. Rustan’s represents quality, service, and world-class products and experiences.  It has defined […]

Q1: You have expanded from a shirt brand to a tourism brand.  Please tell us what was the insight that led to this transformation? I first got the idea to go into the business of selling souvenir shirts from my travels – shirts were and continue to be the preferred souvenir as they’re light and practical. But many of the […]

Shark fin soup may exude an air of luxury and prestige, often gracing the tables of traditional events such as weddings and banquets. However, a darker reality shrouds the acquisition of shark fins, giving rise to ethical and environmental concerns. Sharks are frequently captured, subjected to the cruel removal of their fins while still alive, and callously tossed back into […]

Starting a business is like setting off on an exciting journey, but it’s not always a smooth ride. As you venture into the world of entrepreneurship, some key ideas can steer you towards long-term success. Let’s break down these marketing principles in a way that’s easy to understand for budding entrepreneurs. Principle no. 1. Awareness Before Revenues: The Power of […]

In a previous article, I delved into the Battle of the Bargains and its far-reaching effects on brands and marketers. This time, I’m back with more insights. It’s time to realize that bargains aren’t always the win-win situation they appear to be. Unscrupulous sellers can damage consumer trust, leading to buyer dissatisfaction and regret. This not only tarnishes the seller’s reputation but […]

Innovation, a term widely bandied about in various conversations, and corporate functions. Some companies have even dedicated positions to innovation management, aiming to embed it within their corporate culture, processes, and mindsets. It is imperative, then, to gain a clear understanding of what innovation truly entails, enabling businesses to direct their efforts and resources towards genuine innovation, rather than pursuing […]

(Left to right: Chiqui Escareal-Go, Sam Christopher Lim, Emilio Macasaet III, Josiah Go)  Last November 29, 2022, National Book Store and the Shangri-La Mall sponsored a talk and book signing event featuring four bestselling business authors who gave marketing tips for 2023.  Marketing Anthropologist Chiqui Escareal-Go focused on how consumer behaviors can be quite unpredictable, being both rational and irrational; […]

In 2022, the most read articles (according to the  number of readers) in my blog josiahgo.com reveal interest in diverse themes.  Choice topics cover both current events such as the election campaign in the first quarter of the year, as well as recurring marketing concerns on pricing and customer satisfaction.   I also observed how over the years, most readers want to refresh […]

The Primer Group’s core businesses are in retail and distribution of 150 premium consumer and travel brands in outdoor, travel, footwear, fashion, action sports, wellness and urban lifestyle.  They have over 350 stores in over a dozen countries. It has diversified into industrial products and services offering green solutions, with businesses in air-conditioning and energy management, full-scale printing and manufacturing, […]

Josiah Go features the movers and shakers of the business world and writes about marketing, strategy, innovation, execution and entrepreneurship

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