DAVID VS. GOLIATH INDUSTRIES IN THE CITY
With the thriving number of giant companies in a developing city - Legazpi, what does a small business have to say? In the heart of Legazpi is where Free-line General Merchandise, a small business, about two studio room size store is situated. It is also a single proprietorship, general merchandise and retail store owned and managed by Zonaida Merjilino Acosta. It has been operating for 19 years since it was built in the year 1997. Back then, the store was still located at the old Legazpi City Public Market. They moved to Capantawan due to the place's marketing potential. Her business is surrounded with large entities; there is Ayala Malls, Hong Enterprises, 101 Shopping Mall, Metro Gaisano and Pacific Mall and also farther but still within the perimeter is Yashano Mall which are her competitors in the industry. Rise of malls as opportunity of income Recently, Ayala Malls in partnership with Liberty City Center opened its doors to the public last April 19, 2016. It paved way for more opportunities, jobs and shopping stores for Legazpeños, however; it may also affect income of small businesses like Free-line General Merchandise who is just across its building. Three buildings of Hong Enterprises are just beside the small store of Acosta. They have also recently opened their 4th branch inside the newly operating mall, Yashano at Tahao Road Legazpi City. More malls are being constructed and deemed to be ready for the public to see in the coming year. Included are proposed SM Legazpi, which they said is the largest SM franchise in Bicol and also Gregorian Mall that is soon to open before year ends. While we seem to think that Free-line store's profit is falling with the surging of these business giants along the city, it is quite the opposite according to Acosta. Further, to them the emergence of these malls is a blessing from the sky. "Iba naman yung tinda namin. Ang tinitinda namin eh yung pang masa. Pwede silang makabili ng pa unti-unti. Meron kaming per kilo na hindi mo naman mabibili sa mall" (The products that we sell are different from them. It is more for the common people. They can buy in smaller quantities which you can't do in malls) She also added that their products are sold by their buyers to their baranggays. Thus, it is more affordable on their part. The appearance of these huge malls or even enterprises gave them big help. Especially during Christmas season. Shoppers from different malls along the proximity also see their store and even buy from them. It also lures customers to go to their stores instead of falling in a long line to pay just a single item inside a store in the mall. And because of them, their income grows and they were able to renovate and upsize their small store. Though there were times that the store's income is down, they were still able to stand until this time and earn fairly enough to suffice their daily consumption. Legazpi as 3rd overall most competitive city Legazpi City ranked 3rd as the overall most competitive component city in the Philippines out of 1,389 LGUs in the 2016 4th Regional Competitiveness summit of National Competitiveness Council Philippines on July 14. This is an implication that there were many businesses who ventured in the city. Thus, we are hoping that with the awards that the city is getting it will encourage more companies to invest in our city. Further, if you walk along the busy streets of the city, posters, banners and tarpaulins carry in bold, chromatic, eye catching letters this logo/slogan saying "There's always more in Legazpi!". It is suspended everywhere anywhere the eyes can see. Indeed, Legazpi is progressing and moving its way to become the next investment hub outside metro manila and other progressive cities. Although larger companies provide greater income and effect to the economic growth of the city, small businesses also boost and contribute to the progress. Whether it is a David or a Goliath in the business industry, as long as they are given attention and people still patronize their products and service and not just be competition to one another - despite the nature of business - but also help build a city of fun, adventure and progress. May Legazpi's name make its debut nationwide or much better worldwide.
