One of the most well-known appliance stores in the Philippines is closing down. After 72 years in the industry, the Automatic Centre is, unfortunately, is closing down all its retail stores in the country. The business is one of the many that has been forced to shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 70-year old chain has become the latest victim to succumb to the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Starting October 10, all retail stores in the country will officially stop operations permanently.

Being in the business since 1948, it is one of the oldest appliance and electronics stores in the Philippines. The business was started by the Lim family with only a 40-square meter store in Avenida Rizal, where they sold light bulbs, wires, sockets, and other electrical supplies. They managed to grow this one small store into 20 retail outlets as of 2021, where most are located inside shopping malls. However, all this didn’t help them to survive the pandemic just like many other big businesses. Because of government-mandated shutdowns to prevent the spread of the pandemic hobbling operations, especially since many of their locations are inside malls.

Automatic Centre retail stores will officially close down on October 10, 2021. pic.twitter.com/wmb5GGD952

— JP ? (@dumidyeypee) September 8, 2021

Automatic Appliances Inc. President and CEO Geoffrey Lim said the pandemic has caused “tremendous challenges” to their business. “As AAI winds down its appliance retail operations, we would like to assure you that we remain committed to honoring our obligations and that we intend to work closely with each of you to ensure a smooth transition and closing process,” he also added.

Mr. Lim further added that their family is open to outside parties “that may be interested in using/adopting the ‘Automatic Centre’ brand name moving forward.”

As for Blims Fine Furniture which is also owned by AAI, the chain of furniture stores across the country will remain open. It’s sad that the Automatic Centre is closing, which is another in a long string of local companies shuttering their doors because of the pandemic.