Automatic Centre
 | |
 Store façade in SM North EDSA, Quezon City | |
| Product type | Appliance and electronics retail store chain |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1948 by Benito Lim |
| Markets | Philippines |
Automatic Centre is a appliance and electronics retail store chain in the Philippines.[1] Started in 1948 by Benito Lim, the store chain has grown to maintaining multiple outlets in Metro Manila.
History
[edit]Automatic Centre was established by Benito Lim in 1948.[2] It was a family business by the Lims, with sons Wilson and Samie founding Abensons and Blims Fine Furniture. Automatic Centre was managed under Automatic Appliances Inc. (AAI).[3]
The chain shutdown all of its stores on October 10, 2021 due to losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[4][5] The Lim family has sought third parties interested to take over the Automatic Centre brand which had about 20 stores in Metro Manila at the time of its closure.[2]
However by October 2022, Automatic Centre has reopened 19 of its stores with an updated brand logo.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Automatic Super Centre Opening". Manila Bulletin. May 16, 2008. Archived from the original on October 4, 2008. Retrieved May 20, 2008.
New 10000 m² Automatic Super Centre store at Araneta Center in what used to be Rustan's Superstore.
- ^ a b "Automatic Centre, Philippines' oldest appliance chain, to shut down". Rappler. September 8, 2021. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
- ^ "'Automatic Centre' brand up for sale: Lim family pulls the plug on appliance store due to COVID - Bilyonaryo Business News". Bilyonaryo.com. September 8, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ "Automatic Center to quit appliance retailing". Manila Bulletin. September 8, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
- ^ "Automatic Centre to close shop, cites pandemic". BusinessWorld. September 8, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
- ^ "'Automatic Yan!': 70-year-old appliance store reopens". Daily Tribune. October 9, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2024.