Smartphones ‘Newseum’ to open in Davao

DAVAO CITY – The Nokia phone main distributor in the country will be opening a Newseum in Davao next week as a showroom of its line of phones.

HMD Global Philippines, the home of Nokia phones, is also expanding its presence in Mindanao, banking on the strong market in the island.

Country manager Shannon Mead of HMD Global Philippines said Mindanao helped build the company’s story when it first came to Davao City in 2017.

"As we write the next chapter of our brands, we make sure that you get the promise we committed in Davao last year," he said.

Gibby Penaflor, the head of marketing, said the company is seeing a strong market based on the volume sales coming from Mindanao.

"I guess in terms of profile it is very heavy on the market with imaging still a big attraction and preference that get across the market, with the growing younger generation where that kind of devices (smart phones) has big appeal right now," he said.

Meanwhile, Mead said the sales of Nokia was ten times higher with the success of Nokia 3310 units in the Philippines. The 8110 4G model will be introduced in the county next month and Davao consumers will be the first ones to receive it at P3999 per unit, he said.

He said the unit (8110) was in the market 10 or 12 years ago but now comes with some improvements as it has smart features: 4G, a camera, dual sim, radio and the game (snake) to name some.

"It is more relevant to announce 8110 4G here as we want to invest in the right areas," he said. “We definitely felt the presence, especially in the provincial areas and the consumer recollection of the brand, had more impact here than in Manila.”

Mead said HMD is partnering with different stores as distributors and Mindanao would account for about 100 of that; and a thousand other  significant partners around the country.

"With the 14 model phones the retailers have something to offer to customers where they (consumers) could have great experience with the units," he said.

HMD is also looking at Tagum City and General Santos City for connections.

Mead said he wants HMD to be the top market supplier within 3 to 5 years though it is a long journey. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA)