The Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Negros Oriental said it welcomes the entry of employee-generating businesses in Dumaguete such as the opening of more call centers in the city.

Chamber president Alex Sy said that business in Dumaguete is normal, and he does not expect an increase in sales due to the limited buying power of the people.

He said the opening of Robinsons will surely affect small businesses because it will now share the market with the same people in the province.

Greg Uymatiao of the chamber said Robinson’s opening could be good for the community, like in other areas where big malls are sprouting.

But this will surely hit small businesses in Dumaguete, whose market is small, unlike in big cities.

Uymatiao said this is a reality, so he enjoins small and medium businesses to shift to personalized services, rather than direct purchasing in order to survive.   He said this is something that cannot be bought in bulk.

Uymatiao said that with Robinsons, the buy-and-sell business is going to be affected.*JG

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