FINDS Convenience Stores Inc. (FCS), operator of the convenience store chain owned by the Villar family, wants to add 150 new outlets in two years as part of an aggressive expansion strategy.

In a statement, FCS chief operating officer Wilfredo Camarillo said the company is keen on franchising to increase its current 25 branches, which are all located in properties developed by Villar-led Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.

“The next 50 stores will be opened to franchisees. In fact, the retail group is already inking partnership agreements,” he said. The next 50 stores are expected to be opened by yearend, with 100 more to follow through 2013.

The company sees this business generating P1 billion in yearly revenues upon hitting the 100-store mark.

“The expansion program will also propel the company to be the first nationwide convenience store chain and be among the top three chains in the country,” the company said in the statement.  

Finds Convenience Store was initially conceptualized to complement the villages and subdivisions developed by Vista Land nationwide and to serve the daily needs of its residents.

The chain started in 2008, when it opened outlets at Springville in Molino, Bacoor and at Starmall Las Piñas.

In the franchising setup, the franchisee and the company become partners and share their investments. A flexible profit-and-loss sharing scheme is also available.

Potential franchisees can choose from three store models: community, express and express Jr.  The community store model measures 100-square meter (sqm); express store usually have an area of 50 sqm; while Express Jr. models have an area of sqm.

FCS has also put up an al fresco dining concept which offers all-day breakfast meals and ready-to-go meals.  --Miguel R. Camus