End of an era: After 70 years, Automatic Centre shuts down

APPLIANCE store Automatic Centre was not spared by the pandemic, announcing the closure of retail stores by October after over 70 years of operations.

“Due to the significant challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Automatic Appliances Inc. has decided to close its appliance retail stores effective Oct. 10 2021,” Geoffrey Lim, its president, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Lim vowed to “honor all our obligations and ensure a smooth transition and closing process while exploring options to keep the 70+ year ‘Automatic Centre’ mission/legacy of ‘helping improve the quality of life of the Filipino family’ alive.” He also thanked the public for their support through the years.

The appliance store’s portfolio includes over 25 brands, including Apple, Devant, JBL, Koppel, Mitsubishi Air, Panasonic, Samsung, Carrier, Fujidenzo, Whirlpool, Oppo, Realme, Philips, LG and Sony.

Its offerings include television and audio equipment, refrigerator, freezer, air conditioner, washer and kitchen appliance.

According to its web site, the Automatic Centre opened its first outlet, a 40-square-meter store, along Avenida Rizal, Manila, in 1946 after the war. Then, among its product offerings were transistor radios, light bulbs, wires, sockets and other electrical supplies.

Given the anticipated demand, the company continued to stock up inventory.

It eventually opened its 200-square-meter branch at the Makati Commercial Center in 1964, introducing the concept of appliance super marketing.

Currently, Automatic Centre has 18 outlets in Metro Manila and one in Cebu City.

Article and Photo originally posted by Business Mirror last September 8, 2021 and written by Tyrone Jasper C. Piad.