General Info

[QUOTE=Mbsl65;1772195]I see Rustan's carry lots of Costco Brand (Kirkland). I wonder how they get them.[/QUOTE]Same way Costco gets them, via truck. LOL.

Seriously, although Costco has it's own purchasing dept they outsource much of their buying, same as Rustans. The lines overlap on the manufacturing end too. Costco (like Walmart / Sam's Club) is famous for ordering large quantities to get the price they demand, but cutting back once their order is ready for shipment (and of course demanding the same initial price; which they get). Hence you now have overproduction and Rustans (like other retailers) benefit by scoffing up the overages. Plus they also can simply have a manufacturer produce more of the same order. Called tail ending the original order, which both helps the manufacturer as well as the other retailers. I'm sure Rustans has some type of agreement with Costco that allows them to legally sell Costco's signature Kirkland brand in the Phils, but you never know.

[QUOTE=PipJaeger;1773162]Same way Costco gets them, via truck. LOL.

Seriously, although Costco has it's own purchasing dept they outsource much of their buying, same as Rustans. The lines overlap on the manufacturing end too. Costco (like Walmart / Sam's Club) is famous for ordering large quantities to get the price they demand, but cutting back once their order is ready for shipment (and of course demanding the same initial price; which they get). Hence you now have overproduction and Rustan's (like other retailers) benefit by scoffing up the overages. Plus they also can simply have a manufacturer produce more of the same order. Called tail ending the original order, which both helps the manufacturer as well as the other retailers. I'm sure Rustans has some type of agreement with Costco that allows them to legally sell Costco's signature Kirkland brand in the Phils, but you never know.[/QUOTE]What you said is partially right. Since I live in Seattle and some of my friends do work for Costco, what you said about Costco merchandising is not correct. They don't sell overstock items to thirds parties to keep the brand integrity. Also they had a case against to some international guys reselling their goods. That is why I was shocked to see their goods in Rustan's. About Walmart and other retailers what you said most likely is correct.

[QUOTE=Mbsl65;1773197]What you said is partially right. Since I live in Seattle and some of my friends do work for Costco, what you said about Costco merchandising is not correct. They don't sell overstock items to thirds parties to keep the brand integrity. Also they had a case against to some international guys reselling their goods. That is why I was shocked to see their goods in Rustan's. About Walmart and other retailers what you said most likely is correct.[/QUOTE]Perhaps I should have been clearer. I didn't mean to infer that Costco is selling off excess inventory. It's happening on the manufacturing end; mostly by those in third world countries like China (mostly via Taiwanese and Hong Kong exporters), but it does happen in the USA too. Though more often then not, the products are relabeled with some off brand or generic brand name (Dollar Tree, Dollar Genral and the 99 cent type stores). However, many unscrupulous exporters will just sell off excess branded items (like Kirkland) to anyone.

Maybe you should ask one of your Costco friends to inquire with their corporate HQ about it. If Rustans is selling Costco / Kirkland branded items illegally then maybe you'll get a free pizza from them (which, I've been told, are not bad).

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1772929]Many if not most of the elite families here have strong ties in and to the US dating back to when the country was a US territory. It can be enlightening and extremely entertaining to hang out with members of these families, who are, by and large, very well educated, speak perfect English and are well traveled. I don't agree with Ebauche that they are "no fun," except from a sexual standpoint. They're lots of fun as platonic company.

GE.[/QUOTE]Well, what other kind of fun is there, really? I enjoy my friends, and they are friends, and a absolutely DROOL over their daughters, and quite a few of their wives. But, for many reasons, no bumping of uglies will be going on there. I'll stick to more accessible pinay poon.

[QUOTE=PipJaeger;1773221]Maybe you should ask one of your Costco friends to inquire with their corporate HQ about it. If Rustans is selling Costco / Kirkland branded items illegally then maybe you'll get a free pizza from them (which, I've been told, are not bad).[/QUOTE]S&R warehouse stores were a JV (I believe) between Costco and Kareila Management Corporation. KMC was bought out by Lucio Co, who owns Puregold. Puregold is a competitor with the Tantoco-owned Rustan's, Rustan Supercenters, Shopwise hypermarkets and Wellcome supermarkets.

Anyway, Costco also exports, http://www.costco.com/export-sales.html. This may be the reason for Kirkland-branded items at Rustan's.

Does anyone besides me find this boring and irrelevant? I was trying to yawn, but it got too boring.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1773428]S&R warehouse stores were a JV between Costco and Kareila Management Corporation. KMC was bought out by Lucio Co, who owns Puregold. Puregold is a competitor with the Tantoco-owned Rustan's, Rustan Supercenters, Shopwise hypermarkets and Wellcome supermarkets.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1773428]S&R warehouse stores were a JV (I believe) between Costco and Kareila Management Corporation. KMC was bought out by Lucio Co, who owns Puregold. Puregold is a competitor with the Tantoco-owned Rustan's, Rustan Supercenters, Shopwise hypermarkets and Wellcome supermarkets.

Anyway, Costco also exports, http://www.costco.com/export-sales.html. This may be the reason for Kirkland-branded items at Rustan's.[/QUOTE]It was kind of messy to sort out S&R. Sol and Robert Price, whose company merged with Costco, opened a new warehouse operation named PriceSmart (PS). PS entered the Philippines, partnered with a local company named E Class, and established S&R. A few years later each company filed lawsuits against the other in the US and the Philippines. These were eventually settled and PS sold its Philippines stake (52%) to E-Class (38%). Eventually KMC acquired it and then KMC itself was purchased by Lucio Co / Puregold. Clear as mud? Good.

Anyway, neither Costco nor its spin offs have operations in the Philippines. Kirkland goods are being imported by wholesalers and/or retailers w/o a business partnership with Costco.

[QUOTE=XMan;1773442]Does anyone besides me find this boring and irrelevant? I was trying to yawn, but it got too boring.[/QUOTE]Sorry, m8. It is in General Info, the thread for [I]anything[/I]. But it would be better in Politics and Economy. The conversation kind of evolved.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1773462]Sorry, m8. It is in General Info, the thread for [I]anything[/I]. But it would be better in Politics and Economy. The conversation kind of evolved.[/QUOTE]Are you the admin / moderator of this forum?

[QUOTE=XMan;1773442]Does anyone besides me find this boring and irrelevant? I was trying to yawn, but it got too boring.[/QUOTE]Not boring at all. As a frequent S&are customer here, I find the history and ownership issues interesting.

GE.

[QUOTE=Mbsl65;1773491]Are you the admin / moderator of this forum?[/QUOTE]No. Jackson is. If you require admin or moderator support you may contact him.

[QUOTE=XMan;1773442]Does anyone besides me find this boring and irrelevant? I was trying to yawn, but it got too boring.[/QUOTE]Me too and I just do not even read the posts.

[QUOTE=Hutsori;1773807]No. Jackson is. If you require admin or moderator support you may contact him.[/QUOTE]Since you made it clear that you are not a moderator, you can tone down your comments too. Just act like a user like we all do.

Has anyone had a dental implant done in the Philipines? Recommendations, time constraints and cost would be appreciated. I've never had the procedure before.

Years ago I had a tooth capped at Smile Makeover in AC. I was happy with their work and they are now located just off the strip. Much like lady drinks and EWRs, their prices have increased.

[URL]http://www.smilemakeoverdentalclinic.com[/URL]

I think someone mentioned Green Apple at Ayala Mall, Cebu. Was that a positive review?

Searching the Internet brings up several places around MM with glowing reviews. I'm just not sure if the reviews are legitimate.

[URL]http://www.whatclinic.com/dentists/philippines/manila/implants[/URL]

[QUOTE=XMan;1773977]I think someone mentioned Green Apple at Ayala Mall, Cebu. Was that a positive review?

Searching the Internet brings up several places around MM with glowing reviews. I'm just not sure if the reviews are legitimate.

[URL]http://www.whatclinic.com/dentists/philippines/manila/implants[/URL][/QUOTE]Green Apple is OK XMan, I have used it as have a few friends of mine in Cebu. Professional, clean and not as pricey as I thought given its location. See the Cebu thread for more information.

Also, some of dental nurses are cute (if that is a factor in your decision making LOL).