BUSINESS MODEL

Ben Chan is a prominent Chinese-Filipino entrepreneur who is the founder of the

Philippines’ largest clothing chain, Bench, under the trademark Suyen CorporationBen
Chan on Success. His family members Chan Lib (Father), See Ying (Mother) and brothers
Manuel Chan and Carlos Chan are known entrepreneurs. Chan Lib established Liwayway
Marketing Company, which soon became the country’s leading starch supplier due to its
famous flagship product Liwayway Gawgaw (laundry starch). It primarily specialized in
repacking of flour and coffee products. Ben Chan’s brother, Manuel Chan established the
popular Philippine snack brand, Oishi. Despite his family’s success in the food industry,
Ben Chan decided to do something different and pursued the field of art which is Interior
Design, he gained this course from a university in San Francisco California.

Ben Chan’s Entrepreneurial Journey:

Post University: Upon his return from the US, he established Dimensione, a modern
furniture store and Finale, an art gallery
1987: He started a small T-shirt shop in Manila’s SM department store. His t-shirts were
known for its affordable prices and distinctive style
1994: Bench opened its first fashion store outside the Philipines in Al-Khobar, Saudi
Arabia, soon followed by its first in Shanghai, China
2007: Bench had established stores in Eaglerock, Los Angeles, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,
Bahrain, Guangzhou, Xian, and Dubai, on its road to global retailing. China remains its
primary focus with more than 27 company stores and 19 franchises.

What made Ben Chan decide to get into the world of fashion?
Ben chan said "It would be my inclination towards aesthetics and an eye for beauty. I
suppose I was only waiting for the right medium for me to express that creatively. After
years of study, seeing the world, and a bit of experimentation, my calling turned out to
be in fashion retail"

Success for Ben Chan

● He does not measure success with the number of stores he has nationwide.
Success for him is his longevity in the clothing business, which is 30 years long.

Ben Chan on Setbacks

● Being an entrepreneur means accepting the fact that their will always be
setbacks along the path to success. Ben Chan does not believe in setbacks, but
only in challenges which improve oneself for the future.
Ben Chan on Globalization
● Ben Chan’s success is not limited to the success of Bench. He was able to
conquer the local scene not only by owning Bench, but by also acquiring the
streetwear line Human, Kashieca - a clothing line for young ladies and
Dimensione. Ben Chan also did something very unexpected. Ben Chan was able
to create sub-units that will cater to the well-being of oneself. Bench was able to
branch out, creating the likes of: Bench Fix Salon, Bench Skin Expert, Bench
Barbers and PCX - a complete cosmetics beauty shop.
● He was able to be the local distributor of international brands like Cotton On,
Vero Moda, American Eagle, Assembly, Aldo, Call it Spring, Charles + Keith,
Pedro and Face Shop.

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