National Bookstore: Oktubre 2016

National Bookstore

·         History

·        Owners life

·         National Bookstore Achievement

·         Different branches

·         Best Seller

Early history[edit]

The history of National Book Store can be traced back to the 1930s.^[1] Before the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during World War II, José Ramos and Socorro Cáncio-Ramos, rented a small-corner space of a Haberdashery situated at the foot of Escolta Bridge in Santa Cruz, Manila. With a starting capital of ₱211 (equivalent to ₱15,047 in 2015), the Ramoses set up their first retail bookstore selling GI novels, text books and supplies. During World War II, the store shifted to selling sold candies, soap, and slippers due to stringent book censorship. The store experienced success but was burned down during the 1945 Battle of Manila, rebuilt again and reverted to selling textbooks and stationery, the opening of the rebuilt National Book Store at the corner of Soler Street and Avenida Rizal, coincided with the first academic schoolyear after the war. In 1948, the store was destroyed by a Typhoon Gene but a new two storey building with a mezzanine was built to host National Book Store.^[2]^[3]
National Book Store began selling greeting cards in the 1950s depicting Philippine subjects to showcase local culture and traditions. The book store also launched a publishing program with international publishers such as McGraw-Hill, Prentice Hal, Lippincott, Addison-Wesley. In 1955, the Ramoses were able to acquire a lot owned by the Guerrero family, where they erected the nine-storey Albercer Building in 1963 which was named after Alfredo, Benjamin, and Cecilia, where a National Book Store was hosted.^[3]
National Book Store accumulated enough capital after some several years to acquire rights to reprint foreign brand greeting cards for the Philippine market. The book store had rights to reprint cards by Gibson for a few years. In 1973, outbid a more established competitor for a Philippine franchise of the greeting card brand, Hallmark.^[2]

Expansion and recent history[edit]

National Book Store, SM City San Pablo.

The Ramoses children proposed expanding the scope of national bookstore, and a branch along Recto Avenue was opened, an area often frequented by students. In the 1970s, branches were opened in shopping malls in Makati and Cubao, Quezon City.^[3] For the next decades since the opening of the Recto branch, the book store grew with shopping mall owners approaching the Ramoses to set up a store inside their properties. The National Bookstore became one of the top 100 Philippine corporations in 1988, registering profits of $1 million on gross revenues of $34.7 million. The book store chain also became one of the Top 500 of the list by Retail Asia-Pacific, ranking 308th in 2004.^[2]
In 2015, National Book store captures the majority of the Philippine book market having a share amounting to 80 percent, and operates around 127 branches across the Philippines. It also operates Metrobooks, which opened in Hong Kong in 2007, a subsidiary based in the former British crown colony.^[2]
With the pending entry of National Book Store into the Philippine Stock Exchange through the renaming of Vulcan Industrial & Mining Corp., another Ramos-owned company, into National Book Store Retail Corp. they would now also venture into wholesale, publishing, printing, manufacturing, and distribution.^[4]

OWNERS LIFE

National Book Store, the Philippine’s largest chain of bookstores is the featured success story for today as we witness the life story of the woman behind it, Socorro Ramos or more commonly know to her staffs as Nanay Coring.
Her story is truly an inspiring one as she built the business National Book Store from scratch with a lot of challenges and hurdles as she and her husband Jose Ramos literally built and rebuilt the business three times from scratch. That’s the true entrepreneurial spirit with enough courage and determination.

Nanay Coring or Maria Socorro Cancio in her early years was born in Sta. Cruz, Laguna on September 23, 1923. Ever she was young, she grew up in an entrepreneurial environment as one of the six children born to entrepreneur parents and grandmother. Her parents used to ran a store selling a lot of stuffs from slippers to clothes and a lot more while her grandmother had a market stall where the young Socorro got used to seeing customers withdraw items on credit. Unfortunately, her grandmother did not manage the business carefully not maintaining a list of those items availed on credit and their business fell.
After that event, they went to Manila. Her mother struggled hard to feed six children and the young Socorro considered herself as lucky if she got money from her mother. Her elder sisters helped the family by working in a candy and bubble gum factory and she spent her summer doing summer jobs too. In one instance, young Socorro was hired to peel off the paper used in old cigarettes so that it can be reuse to make new fresh cigarette sticks. She received 5 centavos per pack of cigarettes. But the young Socorro started her entrepreneurial skills and hired kids and their neighborhood paying them 5 centavos for every two pack of cigarettes leveraging her efforts. Since then, the young Socorro was on her way to become an entrepreneur as early as 10 years old!
Immediately after graduating from Arellano High School, she worked as a salesgirl at Goodwill Book Store owned by the family of her present husband Jose Ramos. Socorro’s brother Manuel married one of the Ramos children and in 1940, they needed someone to look after the branch they set up along Escolta Street, on the ground floor of Panciteria National. Jose Ramos took over it and asked Socorro to work on him in that branch. They renamed it as National Book Store.
Their love story began but her parents were against with it as Socorro was just 18 years old back then. She was told to stay in the province to keep away from marrying Jose Ramos. But as they say, true love never dies, the young Socorro with just 11 pesos in her pocket, struggled to went back to Manila to marry Jose. Because of this act, her family was so furious and angry that they considered her dead already. It was short-lived though lasting only until Socorro gave birth to her twins named Alfredo, who is now the President of National Book Store and Benjamin, now the Vice President.
As mentioned above, the business National Book Store faced a lot of challenges as it was built and rebuilt three times from scratch!

First, Socorro admitted that it was not easy to start the business from scratch. She recalled that during the Japanese occupation, they would look on each and every book title on sale. If they found questionable books, they would just tear the pages off leaving them useless. So instead of selling books, Socorro and Jose decided to fill their bookshelves with stuffs from candies, soap, slippers, papers, and cigarettes. During the war, she would transfer goods to her smaller stores.

Second, when the Japanese were driven away, it was now the time for the Americans. Their National Book Store stall in Escolta was damaged in the war. They recovered a bit by selling unused greeting cards and uncensored books, which they had hidden in their home.
Third, in 1945, they relocated their National Book Store previously located at Escolta to Avenida. The business is doing quite well during first few post-war school years but unfortunately, three years after, a typhoon blew the roof of their store and they were left with soaked books and stuffs that were worthless. Again, for the third time, they have to start from zero.
They struggled hard to rebuilt National Book Store for the third time. But since then, every centavo that they earned were used to buy the lot where the Rizal Avenue Branch of National Book Store stands to this day.
Today, National Book Store is considered as the largest chain of bookstores in the country. They have ventured into several businesses already such as a convenience-type store named NBS Book Express, publishing companies named Cacho-Hermanos printing press, Anvil Books and Capitol-Atlas Publishing, another book store named Powerbooks, music store named Tower Records and Music One, Gift Gate, the home of Hello Kitty and Swatch, and a department store named Crossings department store. Socorro’s children and relatives ran all these.
Socorro Ramos’ life and success story and the challenges that she faced with her business National Book Store business was another inspiring story. In fact, it was recognized when she was chosen as the Ernst and Young’s Philippine Entrepreneur of the Year in 2005.
Today, at the age of 85, Socorro Ramos or Nanay Coring acts as the General Manager of National Book Store. And she told that the core values in her success are to keep learning, being actively involved in the business, being able to read changes and act on them immediately, and most of all, never give up!

National Bookstore Achievement

Entrepreneur of the Year In 2005

Ernst & Young bestowed the second Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines award to National Book Store’s founder and chairman, Mrs. Socorro C. Ramos. This prestigious award is bestowed to an individual that best embodies entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, community/global impact, innovation, and personal integrity/influence. The award is presented annually in more than 125 cities in 40 countries worldwide. Hard work, perseverance and a keen sense of entrepreneurship may be attributed to her success. Winning the award is a true testament to Mrs. Ramos’ dedication and innate passion to her life’s purpose. It was a defining moment in National Book Store’s history and one that would surely fire the flames for the future generation to carry on the company’s legacy.

Our Vision

We will be a globally competitive Filipino company delivering excellent customer experiences through its profitable retail and learning centers and brands.

Mission Statement

We commit to:

Our Customers • Provide the highest standards of customer service

Our Products • Offer wide range of relevant and quality products

Our People • Create programs for the development and advancement of our highly productive employees

Our Shareholders/ • Develop mutually beneficial relationships for the welfare and growth of our company, partners and shareholders

Partners

Our Community • Undertake community projects that aim to bring knowledge and learning within reach

1930's -1940's: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

The first National Book Store started as a stall shop in Escolta before the Japanese occupation selling supplies, GI novels, and textbooks. When war broke out, strict book censorship forced them to shift their trade to soap, candies, and slippers. They bought their merchandise from wholesalers and peddled them to smaller retailers. Liberation came, but the whole Escolta area was burned to the ground. Having all their stocks reduced to ashes left the couple with nothing but determination and an undying drive to succeed. And their persistence paid off. They were able to rebuild a barong-barong in the corner of Soler and Avenida Rizal in time to catch the post-war business boom. They went back to business using their door as a counter for selling textbooks, notebooks, pad paper, and pencils. Business went very well because during that time, there were only a few stores that sold school supplies and books. National Book Store's opening was strategically timed to welcome the first postwar school year. 1948 brought another trial to the Ramos' life. Typhoon Gene destroyed their store and soaked all the merchandise. But this did not dampen the spirit and tenacity of the couple to pursue their dream and rebuild National Book Store. Adversity forced them to work harder. They slept for only three hours a day, spending the rest of their hours at work. They were eventually able to construct a two-story building with a mezzanine, which was to become their retail store for many years.

1950’s-1960’s: INCREASING PRODUCT LINES

In the 1950's, Mrs. Ramos thought of producing a line of greeting cards and postcards using Philippine views and artwork. It was a brilliant move for her to earn more by creating a distinct design and at the same time to promote Filipino customs and traditions to the rest of the world. Later on, they acquired the Philippine franchise for Hallmark cards. It was also at this time that the couple began a publishing program through the assistance of international publishers such as McGraw-Hill, Prentice Hall, Lippincott, Addison-Wesley, and others. In 1955 and after five years of negotiations, the Ramoses were able to acquire a piece of prime property owned by the Guerreros. It was only in 1963, however, that the construction of the Albecer Building began. This building was named after their three children -- Alfredo, Benjamin, and Cecilia. Little did they know that this nine-story building was the first of many that they would build.

1970's-1990's: STEADY EXPANSION

When their children grew, they persuaded their parents to expand beyond Avenida Rizal. Although they were reluctant at first, the Ramos couple realized the opportunity envisioned by their children. They opened a new branch on Recto Avenue, a place catering to students. In the 1970's, they were able to acquire space in new shopping centers opening up in Cubao and Makati. This started the National Book Store chain's steady growth and by the 1990’s there were over 50 branches across the country.

A NEW COMPANY LOGO

Image result for price list national bookstore

1996 brought significant change to National Book Store. The family decided to change the company logo and commissioned a Singapore design company to execute the new company identity. A modernized script evolved, the stripes made solid with a bolder shade of red. This has spawned a change in the store layout as well. Color-coded signages and logical merchandise displays provide a customer-friendly atmosphere in the branches.

NATIONAL BOOK STORE: AN INSTITUTION

Over seventy years of focused energy has brought National Book Store to where it is now: the pinnacle of the bookstore industry in the Philippines. More than that, the National Book Store family takes pride in its role as an institution that supports education and enhances lives by providing the best and widest selection of educational, professional, and social communication products. The values that took Mr. and Mrs. Ramos through adversity -- hard work, shrewd business skills and a strong sense of social responsibility -- remain the driving force for the whole Ramos family, their over 3,000 employees in over 200 branches, and will keep National Book Store ahead in the next century.

DIFFERENT BRANCHES

CALOOCAN

Ever Gotesco Grand Central
Second Floor, Ever Gotesco Grand Central, Rizal Ave. Extension, Caloocan City
Telephone: 363-5455
Fax : 366-2917
Store hours: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
Email Address: nbsgrandcentral@nationalbookstore.com.ph

Victory Mall
Ground Floor, G 10 Victory Central Mall, Rizal Avenue, Monumento, Caloocan City
Telephone: 332-1206, 332-1207
Fax : 332-1208
Store hours: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
Email Address: nbsvictory@nationalbookstore.com.ph

PureGold, Zabarte
Puregold Price Club Building corner Zabarte Road, Barangay Camarin, Caloocan City
Telephone: 355-2527, 355-2564
Fax : 355-2523
Store hours: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Email Address: nbszabarte@nationalbookstore.com.ph

LAS PINAS

SM Southmall
Upper Ground Floor, SM Southmall, Alabang-Zapote National Road, Almanza, Las Piñas City
Telephone: 806-8093, 806-3403, 806-3463
Fax : 806-3441
Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Email Address: nbssmsouthmall@nationalbookstore.com.ph

Bestsellers. SM Center Las Pinas Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas City
Telephone: (632) 555-1791
Fax : 555-1798
Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

MAKATI

Greenbelt
Ground Floor, Greenbelt I, Ayala Commercial Center, Makati City
Telephone: 812-3950 to 51
Fax : 893-3953
Store hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Sunday to Thursday; 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Friday and Saturday
Email Address: nbsgreenbelt@nationalbookstore.com.ph

Cash & Carry Mall
Between South Super Highway & Filmore Street, near corner Sen. Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Telephone: 889-5037, 844-6112
Fax : 843-3861
Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Email Address: nbscashncarry@nationalbookstore.com.ph

Powerplant Mall, Rockwell
Level 2 Archeology Section Powerplant Mall, Amapola cor. Estrella St., Makati City
Telephone: 897-4346, 899-7916
Fax : 897-4562
Store hours: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday to Thursday; 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday; 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Saturday; 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday
Email Address: nbsrockwell@nationalbookstore.com.ph

Petron Square (Bel-aire)
Petron Square Bel-Aire, Sen. Gil Puyat corner Makati Ave., Makati City
Telephone: 897-6744 to 45, 897-6749
Fax : 897-6749
Store hours: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday to Friday; 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Saturday and Sunday
Email Address: nbspetron@nationalbookstore.com.ph

Glorietta 5
Glorietta 5, Ayala Commercial Center, Makati City
Telephone: 757-0525, 757-0526, 757-0523
Fax : 757-0527
Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday to Thursday; 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Friday and Satuday

Market! Market! Extension
Space RR-2GF Market! Market! Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Telephone: 728-5114
Store hours: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Work Station Glorietta 3
Ground floor, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati City
Telephone: 576-8416

MALABON

Malabon Citisquare
Ground Floor, Malabon Citisquare Annex, C4 Rd., cor. Dagat-Dagatan Ave., Longos, Malabon City
Telephone: 287-2864, 288-8754
Fax : 288-6089
Store hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Email Address: nbsmalabon@nationalbookstore.com.ph

Recto
C.M. Recto Ave. cor. Morayta, Manila
Telephone: 735-5631

Rizal Avenue
Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Telephone: 733-8256, 733-8257

Robinsons Ermita
Level 1 Robinsons Place Ermita, Ermita, Manila
Telephone: 536-7893, 536-7896

Robinsons Otis
Mendoza St., Pandacan, Manila
Telephone: 559-0599

SM Manila
Upper ground floor, SM Manila, Manila
Telephone: 524-1615

SM San Lazaro
Ground floor, SM San Lazaro, Sta. Cruz Manila
Telephone: 786-2519

Taft Avenue
Ground floor, Madison Building, 2574 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila
Telephone: 536-2913

Tutuban
Ground floor, Tutuban Center Mall, Manila
Telephone: 253-1912

MARIKINA

SM City Marikina
Ground Floor, SM City Marikina, Marcos Highway, Barangay Calumpang, Marikina City
Telephone: 477-1863 to 64
Fax : 477-1865
Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Email Address: nbssmmarikina@nationalbookstore.com.ph

MUNTINLUPA

Alabang Town Center
Ground floor, Casa Filipina Arcade, New Alabang Commercial Center, Muntinlupa City
Telephone: 850 5182
Fax : 842-4106
Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday to Friday; 10:00 am to 9:30 pm Saturday and Sunday
Email Address: nbsalabang@nationalbookstore.com.ph

Filinvest-Festival Mall
Level 1, Festival Supermall, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Telephone: 850-3578, 850-3581
Fax : 850-3580
Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Email Address: nbsfilinvest@nationalbookstore.com.ph

Metropolis Star, Alabang
Ground Level, Metropolis Star Alabang, South Superhighway, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
Telephone: 809-9437, 842-6620
Fax : 842-9229
Store hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Email Address: nbsmetropolis@nationalbookstore.com.ph

SM City Muntinlupa
Ground Floor, SM Supercenter Muntinlupa, National Road, Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
Telephone: 659-1536, 659-1538
Fax : 659-1537
Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Email Address: nbssmmuntinlupa@nationalbookstore.com.ph

PARANAQUE

SM Bicutan
Upper Ground Floor, SM City Bicutan, Doña Soledad Avenue, corner West Service Road, Bicutan, Parañaque City
Telephone: 776-0194
Fax : 776-0428
Store hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Email Address: nbssmbicutan@nationalbookstore.com.ph and more.