At the newly-constructed Novotel at the Araneta Center, the Philippine Retailers Association held its 2/Q General Membership Meeting-cum-Election of Board Members on 28 June 2016.  Guest Speaker for this gathering was Partner of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Mary Jade T. Roxas-Divinagracia, CFA and she spoke on the latest findings on consumer behavior.  Among which she says that China is leading the way in online purchases given the growth of ownership of smartphones; 40% of Phil. customers still look for service from sales assistants as the biggest factor in determining choice of store to shop in; talent, stock availability and promo personalization are key retail differentiators; and that today’s consumers look to community mainly for exclusive offers and promos, among many other findings.  The PRA voted for its fresh batch of 16 Board Members from 19 candidates who filed their candidacy to run for the Board this year.