Following safety protocols and wearing protective gear like face masks and face shields are quickly becoming a way of life for most Filipinos.
While these measures are needed to ensure the public’s health and safety, the new norm continues to affect how businesses operate.
“The early days of the pandemic were really difficult for everyone, and this was specially true for malls whose primary resource is people,” says Camille Villar, managing director of the Vista Land Commercial Division. “Vista Mall and Starmall locations, however, were in the unique position of being centers of community. This helped us quickly adapt and recognize where and how we could thrive by helping our communities manage the challenges of the pandemic.”
Using this as a guide, Vista Land was able to roll out several initiatives that not only provided conveniences to their customers but allowed the company to support their tenant partners as well.“To be able to thrive, we had to learn to pivot,” Camille adds.
And since the pandemic forced everyone to stay home, Vista Mall and Starmall partnered with logistics provider GetAll, also under the Villar Group of Companies, to establish a shopper service under a unified hotline. This shopper service is currently active across the entire 30-mall network of the Villar Group.
SAFETY GUARANTEED
As the economy is slowly picking up, the question of safety still looms heavy over commercial centers. Even with the vaccine rollout, keeping its customers and employees safe remains a top priority for Vista Mall and Starmalls.
In fact, Vista Mall and Starmalls locations recently received the “safety seal” from the Departments of Health, Labor, Interior and Local Government, Tourism, and Trade and Industry. This certification is a guarantee that Vista Mall and Starmall have met minimum public health standards set by the government in managing the pandemic in aid of the reopening of the economy.
The seal also gives shoppers peace of mind that they can shop and dine at Vista Mall and Starmalls anytime.
GET THE JAB DONE
Vista Mall and Starmalls are also proud participants in the government’s initiative to roll out the vaccine. In cooperation with the city and municipal governments of Las Pinas, Taguig, Dasmariñas, Tanza, and Bataan, five Vista Malls across the country are now official sites for the DOH-led vaccination efforts, improving accessibility to the vaccine not only for the community at large but for retail frontliners as well.
“We believe that the inoculation of everyone — in this case, especially our essential workers — is a key milestone on the road to our economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19,” Villar points out. “Health — Especially the vaccine rollout — is a core personal advocacy of mine. Partnering with the DOH and our esteemed local governments to administer the vaccine is not only for us but for every family and worker affected by the pandemic. This effort is going to be of great help in ensuring families are better protected from COVID-19. We will be announcing more Vista Malls as vaccination sites as soon as possible” she discloses.
COMMUNITY-CENTERED
Vista Mall and Starmall continue the tradition of being involved members of their communities by putting the spotlight on local trade. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, the Villar chain of malls launched two initiatives: “Farm To Table AgriMarket” which supports local farmers, craftsmen, and Kalakal Community Market, which is currently in Vista Mall Sta. Rosa.
The Farm To Table AgriMarket showcases locally sourced fresh & frozen produce and handmade Filipino crafted goods from vendors all over the Philippines. The AgriMarket allows these businesses to reach out to a wider audience and introduce their quality products to more potential buyers. This opportunity does not only benefit the local vendors but also the customers by giving them access to locally and ethically sourced goods.
CELEBRATE WITH CARE
Filipinos still find ways to honor and celebrate family amid the pandemic. With the upcoming Father’s Day festivities, Vista Mall and Starmall celebrate daddy’s day with My Dad Rocks!, a collection of fun activities in keeping with the safety priorities of the pandemic. These include a virtual concert and fan meet with Silent Sanctuary, themed automotive displays, various deals and discounts from tenant partners, and a TikTok challenge for the digital young and young-at-heart.
For information about the many initiatives, Vista Mall and Starmall are implementing as they thrive in #NavigatingTheNewNormal, visit Vista Mall’s official Facebook Page at facebook.com/vistamallofficial, Starmall’s official Facebook Page at facebook.com/StarmallOfficial, or through the Vista Mall website at www.vistamalls.com.ph.