Budget-Friendly Luxury

Mr. Webster defines luxury as “something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary.”  He also points out that luxury may be defined as “a condition of abundance.”  Hence, it makes sense that luxury is a twin of wealth.  Think of Hermés, Bottega Venetta, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Louboutin — they spell luxury with a prize only a few people can make hold it tangibly on their hands.

However, one can exempt this online shop hailing all the way from the Philippines’ queen city of the South — Cebu.  It’s Signature Collections Unlimited, a shop that sells affordable “fandom stuffs about books and movies that fan lovers would love to have”, so Chao R. Says, the owner of the said enterprise.

”I’ve been to business since 2011,” says Chao.  “I started selling books and then upgraded to selling One Direction Items [and] personalized Items. But I had to close it [SCU] this 2013 because my partner and I decided to go on solo businesses.”

SCU made a comeback just this November 1 and is now venturing, as mentioned earlier, on retailing book series merchandises coming from both local and international suppliers. 

In a competitive online environment, many small-scale businesses try hard to keep their heads above water and thrive.  But the key ingredient to gain an upperhand is to be different, and for Chao R., it is offering her products in a more budget-friendly price and by throwing giveaways at her own site and sponsoring the same in other sources.

Harry Potter Golden Snitch at P550.00
Photo from SCU

“I want to assure that my customers get the best from my business by simply offering them high-quality products at a very low cost even if it means I don’t gain much profit,” Chao says.

IT ALL BEGINS WITH A SPARK

Asking Chao as to why she sells Hunger Games merchandises, she admits, “I, myself love The Hunger Games trilogy as well. I also want to share my stuffs at a lower cost to my clients who are die-hard fans of the said trilogy.” 

And just like any victor, the reward for doing so has been amazing.  Talking about the SCU pre-hiatus, The Hunger Games merchandise allowed her business to grow while earning her loyal customers.  The venture even allowed her to meet fellow fans of the series. 

Mockingjay Necklace at P199.00
Photo from SCU

And the best thing ever said to her shop?

“Your shop’s got something WORTH purchasing. Purchasing over and over again.”

Inspiration, Fierceness, Humility — these are three characters that pave way for Chao and SCU to victoriously come back.  It is the inspiration from the overwhelming responses from her previous venture, the fierceness to trudge the waters of the online business arena, and the sense of availability that only down-to-earth and friendly shop owners are able to do are SCU’s driving force.  These are also the values that Chao R. admires in Cato Hadley (fierceness), Finnick Odair (Inspiration, in reference to his love towards Annie Cresta), and Katniss Everdeen (humility), three tributes that for Chao R., shown what a real victor is made of.

CATCHING THE FIRE

Despite earning a minimal profit, SCU is unstoppable in giving away items.  Not that the premiere of Catching Fire is just a few days away.

Part of her merchandise is the most coveted item of all Hunger Game merchandise — the Mockingjay pin.  But while it may be considered a luxury for its rarity and price, SCU gives it in almost a bargain price!  And take note, they are authentic NECA Mockingjay pins, the ones that are certified replicas of pin  used in the games and are being sold in various ToysRUs stores in the US.

NECA Mockingjay Pin at P190.00
Photo from SCU

It is in offering fandom luxuries that Chao R would like to represent District 1, should she be given the chance to be a tribute.  But unlike in the games, she is the budget-friendly luxury.

In the business world, everyday is like a day in the arena.  Some are crushed by the ones that have prepared for the games while others strive to remain in the competition.  It is a competitive battlefield with the familiar adversaries but with varied opportunities and consequences.  But what is the price?  Profit.  But more than that, what every business strive for, is longevity — the staying power in the battlefield despite adverse circumstances.

For SCU to comeback is a risk. For it comeback successful proves that its loyal followers have remained hopeful for its return.  Thus, in a way, Chao R. became her own victor.  And while she is now up and in fighting form, her ability to remain will now be tested.  Will the odds be in SCU’s favour?  No one knows.

But one thing is for sure, the affordability that she ties with luxury will be her weapon.

That’s not just hot!

That’s fabulous!


* Prices may change without prior notice.
For more shopping details, visit SCU’s fanpage at www.facebook.com/SignatureCollectionsUnlimited