Sustainable footwear company Allbirds is making its strategic move into the Visayas region with a new store opening at Ayala Center Cebu, marking its first retail presence outside Metro Manila in the Philippines.
Cebu Emerges as Next Retail Frontier
The San Francisco-based brand, famous for its minimalist designs and environmentally conscious materials, is expanding beyond the capital region as it targets Cebu's growing consumer market. This expansion signals Cebu's rising importance as a key retail hub in the post-pandemic economy.
Founded in 2016 by former footballer Tim Brown and engineer Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds has developed an international following for shoes made from renewable materials including Merino wool, eucalyptus fiber, and sugarcane-based SweetFoam™.
The company stated that Allbirds' entry into Cebu reflects both the region's strong appetite for premium lifestyle products and the brand's commitment to making sustainability accessible to everyday consumers.
Sustainability Meets Tropical Comfort
As a Certified B Corporation, Allbirds promotes a business model centered on environmental responsibility. The company's popular models - the Wool Runner and Tree Runner - utilize natural fibers and carbon-neutral materials designed for lightweight comfort that suits tropical climates like Cebu's.
This expansion represents more than just retail growth - it demonstrates how global sustainable brands are finding receptive markets in emerging Philippine cities beyond Manila.
Analysts Confirm Cebu's Retail Potential
Market experts from Colliers Philippines have identified several factors making Cebu attractive to international retailers. The region's young population, increasing disposable income, and status as a regional tourism and business hub create ideal conditions for retail expansion.
During his recent visit to Cebu, Primer CEO and co-founder Jimmy Thai described the city as becoming the next frontier for high-value retail and experiential brands. He noted that global players see Cebu as a gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao markets.
The retail sector in Cebu has attracted growing investment from both local and international companies as shopping malls upgrade their facilities and tourism continues to recover.
This expansion occurs as the Philippines maintains its position as one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing consumer markets, supported by a strong labor market and consistent remittance inflows. Allbirds' Cebu venture highlights how the country is becoming a testing ground for sustainability-focused global concepts in the post-pandemic consumer economy.
