Category: Articles

In Focus: Spending Under Pressure (March 2026)

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Inflation in the Philippines jumped to 4.1% in March 2026, a sharp increase from 2.4% the month before. What stands out isn’t just the rise, but how quickly it happened—especially after things seemed to be easing earlier in the year.

The increase is largely driven by essential categories—particularly transport, along with food and housing—making the impact more immediate and difficult for consumers to avoid, as these are non-negotiable expenses. With price increases concentrated in non-discretionary spending, households are not cutting back entirely but are instead losing flexibility in how they allocate their income.

Over time, this adds up. Money simply doesn’t go as far as it used to. Even if income hasn’t changed, what it can actually buy has shrunk. Using long term reference, ₱100 in 2018 now has the buying power of roughly ₱75 today. This leads to more subtle consumer adjustments— instead of big, visible cutbacks, the shift shows up in smaller, everyday decisions. This typically translates to buying fewer non-essential items, opting for smaller purchases, and becoming more price-conscious.

Labor market dynamics add another layer of pressure. While overall employment remains stable on paper, its composition has shifted. There has been a notable decline in wage and salary jobs, alongside a rise in self-employment and unpaid work. This shift toward more irregular income sources reduces income predictability and reinforces more cautious spending behavior.

These trends are already visible in retail. Consumers are still spending, but more selectively—waiting for promotions, switching brands, and focusing on value. Discount retailers are benefiting from this shift, while traditional supermarkets are experiencing slower growth despite steady foot traffic.

Overall, the environment reflects a shift toward more disciplined consumption. Demand remains present, but with less flexibility, making value, pricing, and format positioning increasingly critical for retail performance.


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Retail Update: Beyond Robinsons – Landers, and Shopwise Signal a Shift in Supermarket Store Concepts

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Following the recently reported revamp of Robinsons Supermarket Galleria, other supermarket operators have also introduced store developments in December 2025, including the opening of Landers Aseana and the relaunch of Shopwise Commonwealth. Together, these moves signal that transformation is underway across the Philippine grocery sector.

Major supermarket operators are rethinking store formats as consumer expectations shift toward convenience, experience, and multi-purpose retail environments.

At Robinsons Supermarket Galleria, the revamp reflects a move toward a wellness-led, experience-oriented supermarket format. The revamped store integrates dining areas, ready-to-eat sections, and curated selections of both local and international products. The branch also pilots a hybrid cashier system in which staff scan items while customers input cash into automated machines that dispense change—improving checkout efficiency while reducing shrinkage risks. The initiative forms part of Robinsons’ broader modernization program, which includes plans to renovate nine more supermarkets nationwide.

 

Other retailers are also upgrading their store concepts.

 

At Landers Aseana, the company’s 16th store, the warehouse club concept is further refined through improved store navigation, wider aisles, and a more structured merchandising layout. The branch benefits from its strategic location within a rapidly developing district surrounded by residential communities, offices, and entertainment hubs. The store features wider aisles, improved sightlines, and a more organized environment. Beyond bulk grocery retail, Landers strengthens its membership ecosystem through integrated services such as cafés, dining spaces, grooming services, and pharmacy offerings.

 

Meanwhile, Shopwise Commonwealth has also undergone a store relaunch, reflecting efforts to modernize the brand’s supermarket format. Shopwise currently operates 16 stores nationwide, with Robinsons Retail planning to introduce a large-format Shopwise “big-box” concept in Cainta, Rizal by 2027. The planned store will span approximately 7,000 square meters, introducing a warehouse-style format designed for high-volume merchandising. At present, Shopwise stores operate without a membership requirement, allowing shoppers to access a broad assortment of global and local products while maintaining the accessibility of a traditional supermarket.

Taken together, these developments point to a broader shift in the Philippine grocery sector: supermarkets are moving beyond purely transactional retail toward integrated store ecosystems that combine grocery shopping with dining, services, and everyday convenience.

For retailers, the direction is clear: supermarkets are no longer just places to replenish essentials—they are evolving into everyday lifestyle destinations designed to encourage longer store visits, deeper engagement, and higher basket sizes.

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Inside Robinsons Supermarket’s Experience-Led Transformation

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Philippine grocery retail is entering a structural shift. Price and assortment alone are no longer sufficient to sustain competitiveness. Consumers now expect convenience, wellness integration, and a more experience-led environment — without abandoning value sensitivity.

In December, Robinsons Supermarket relaunched two major branches: Nuvali and Galleria — with Galleria positioned as the largest branch, according to Robinsons Supermarket Group General Manager Kerwin L. Legarde. More recently, the company unveiled its third revamped location at Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City.

 

With more than 157 stores nationwide and nine additional renovations planned this year, the direction is clear: this is not a single-store refresh. It is a network-level format recalibration.

The revamped branches reflect a structural shift from transactional grocery to accessible, experience-led supermarket. Layout enhancements improve zoning clarity and shopper flow. Dining integration extends trip purpose beyond replenishment. Fresh and minimally processed categories reinforce wellness positioning. Curated global assortments and premium visual cues elevate perception without altering core pricing architecture.

Operationally, modernization remains disciplined. The hybrid cashier-assisted cash automation system improves efficiency while managing shrink and capital expenditure — signaling pragmatic innovation rather than high-risk tech deployment.

Strategically, three signals emerge.

First, experience is being used to enhance perceived value while protecting middle-market positioning. Second, wellness is embedded structurally within assortment and layout — not treated as a merchandising add-on. Third, the confirmed expansion to nine more stores suggests economic confidence in the model’s replicability.

For retailers observing the market, the implication is clear: format evolution must balance experience with operational control. Dining zones, premium cues, and layout upgrades must translate into productivity. Private labels must protect margin. And transformation must scale sustainably.

If executed consistently across its broader network, Robinsons Supermarket may be establishing a new baseline for mainstream grocery retail in the Philippines — one defined not by price alone, but by intelligent, disciplined format modernization at scale.

 

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Bringing value across different brands

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Inside OH!SOME’s Store Experience

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Another “budol” store has arrived in the Philippines! OH!SOME, a one-stop trendy retail brand originating from Singapore, has just opened its first store at One Ayala, Makati.

OH!SOME positions itself between MINISO’s accessibility and KKV’s visual merchandising strength. Price points are closely aligned with MINISO, while the store layout and visual language strongly resemble KKV—bright lighting, bold colors, and an open, highly aesthetic presentation that naturally pulls people in.

One notable observation is its broad demographic appeal. Even older shoppers (“oldies”) are seen leisurely browsing the store, often getting “budol-ed” into purchasing. This is driven by the depth and variety of the assortment, where customers are presented with multiple options across categories, encouraging impulse buying. The store’s circulation design has no clear endpoint, making the shopping experience feel exploratory and engaging rather than linear. Combined with clean, visually pleasing displays, the space becomes enjoyable to walk through—almost recreational—which increases dwell time and basket size.

From an assortment perspective, OH SOME follows a curated yet trend-forward strategy. SKUs are selective but highly relevant, featuring reputable local Philippine skincare brands, trendy accessories such as press-on nails, food items, and licensed merchandise like Disney and Pingfong. This mix balances trust, novelty, and emotional pull.

Operationally, the brand appears to be in a continuous SKU refresh and display optimization phase, keeping the store current and aligned with fast-moving consumer trends.

Key takeaway:

OH!SOME wins by blending KKV-level visual storytelling, MINISO-like pricing, and localized, trend-led assortment curation, creating a highly engaging retail environment that attracts a wide age range and effectively converts foot traffic into impulse purchases.

 

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Bringing value across different brands

At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here

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Fully Booked Power Plant Reopens with Kinokuniya and Wasachi Café

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Book lovers, your next favorite destination is here — the newly reopened Fully Booked at Power Plant Mall!

Now beautifully reimagined as a collaborative store with Japan’s iconic bookseller Kinokuniya, the Fully Booked x Kinokuniya Power Plant Mall branch brings together the best of two literary worlds.

Fully Booked’s beloved collection of international titles now sits alongside Kinokuniya’s signature range of Japanese manga, literature, art books, and language learning materials—offering an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

Fully Booked Power Plant redefines what a modern literary space can be. It’s now a premium lifestyle destination, where culture, design, and experience come together to attract readers, families, professionals, and Gen Z shoppers alike.

Its merchandise mix stands out for its exclusive and carefully curated offerings. While priced slightly higher than traditional bookstores, the selection—ranging from limited-edition books and collectible toys to designer stationery and lifestyle accessories—reflects a refined and aspirational brand identity.

Adding to the charm is Wasachi Café, which fills the store with calm green hues and the earthy aroma of whisked tea. Professionals and young creatives drop by to work or unwind, while families and friends find it a cozy space to reconnect. Its premium ambiance fits perfectly within Power Plant Mall—a high-end retail destination loved by those who appreciate quality, calm, and inspiration.

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Bringing value across different brands

At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here

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IKEA Opens a New Plan & Order Shop in Trinoma, Quezon City

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Great news for North Metro Manila residents! IKEA Philippines has officially opened its newest Plan & Order shop at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. This 500-square-meter space brings the brand’s world-famous Scandinavian design, functionality, and affordability closer to Filipino homes.

The new IKEA Trinoma store is designed for both convenience and inspiration. Shoppers can explore a curated selection of home essentials—including pots, pans, dinnerware, glassware, and home organizers—perfect for every corner of your home.

 

Highlight: The Planning Studio

One of the key features of IKEA Trinoma is the Planning Studio, where customers can get personalized help from IKEA’s design experts to plan and visualize their dream kitchen, wardrobe, or living room. The team will guide you step-by-step in customizing your ideal layout and choosing the right furniture.

The best part? Design consultations are free! You can even explore your ideas on your own through IKEA’s self-planning tools. Simply visit their website, go to the Planning and Services section, and start designing your space at your own pace.

 

Self-Checkout and Friendly Assistance

To make shopping even more convenient, IKEA Trinoma features self-checkout counters, giving customers a faster and more seamless shopping experience. And as always, IKEA’s friendly staff are ready to assist you every step of the way to make your visit pleasant and hassle-free.

Whether you’re redecorating your living space or building your dream kitchen from scratch, IKEA Trinoma’s Plan & Order shop is the perfect place to start. It combines creativity, expert guidance, and affordability—all under one roof.

Visit IKEA Trinoma today and see how easy it is to bring your dream home to life!

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Bringing value across different brands

At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here

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Pickup Coffee Opens Its Largest Premium Café Concept

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Pickup Coffee, the beloved Filipino brand, has opened PICKUP PRIME, its biggest branch and first premium café concept in Metro Manila, located at Ayala Malls Vertis North.

Building on its “FEEL THE PICKUP” campaign—which celebrates life’s uplifting moments, big or small—the brand continues to deliver high-quality, affordable coffee infused with positive, feel-good energy.

PICKUP PRIME offers a vibrant, youthful atmosphere where customers can use self-order kiosks, enjoy an exclusive specialty drink menu, and have fun with an interactive mirror photobooth.

In step with the growing trend of immersive customer experiences, the Vertis North café introduces inventive offerings such as the Americano Orange Sunrise, Sea Salt Biscoff Latte, Tiramisu Latte, and Golden Buttercream Latte, along with indulgent espresso soft-serve treats like the Kape Kastila Swirl and Americano Affogato Swirl.

To complete the experience, Pickup Coffee has partnered with celebrated home baker Ricardo Guninto of 5G Coffee House to serve handcrafted pastries including the Classic Croissant, Dulce Ensaymada Croissant Roll, Ham and Cheese Croissant, and a tempting selection of cookies.

From a humble startup to a well-established Philippine brand, Pickup Coffee has blended affordability, digital innovation, and experiential retail to become a cultural mainstay in cafés nationwide and beyond.

Haven’t visited yet? Now’s the perfect time to drop by and experience PICKUP PRIME for yourself!

 

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Bringing value across different brands

At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here

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Anko Opens Its Largest Store Yet in the Philippines at Trinoma

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Anko has just opened its biggest store to date, not only the largest in the Philippines, but also the largest outside of Oceania. Strategically located in Trinoma Mall, Quezon City, the expansive store covers a total of 1,634 square meters, with 1,421 square meters dedicated to retail space.

This store is designed undeniably to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, the store’s layout and curated displays invite customers to explore and discover more, and it makes it impressive with its affordable prices. Another notable in this store is their Play and create area for your kids, exclusive to their anko members.

Anko is a value-driven home and lifestyle brand known for its Scandinavian-inspired minimalist aesthetic.

What Makes It Different?

  • Core focus on home, storage, toys, beauty, nursery, pet products, fitness, arts and crafts, and travel.
  • Simple, clean visual merchandising (white space, product grouping).
  • Often merchandised in room-set formats.
  • Fewer SKUs per category, but curated for function and form.


Customer & Market Trend? YES.

  • Anko responds to today’s consumer wants: stylish yet affordable home & lifestyle goods
  • One-stop convenience for décor, beauty, crafts, and essentials
  • Design-focused products that feel global but are priced locally
  • Market: Anko fills the gap in the retail landscape—multi-category lifestyle shopping, a scalable model with international retail standards, and matches the shift toward hybrid, experience-led home retailing.


Retailer POV

Strategies we can adapt from Anko:

  • Zoning by Lifestyle, Not Just Category Experience-first zoning drives exploration and basket building.
  • Color Blocking & Design Cohesion – Visual harmony increases perceived value and encourages bundled buying.
  • Thematic & Seasonal Storytelling – Reinforces relevance and keeps assortment feeling dynamic.
  • High SKU Breadth, Low Depth – Creates a “treasure hunt” experience similar to Daiso or Flying Tiger
  • Price-Point Signage & Accessibility – Supports high conversion at shelf, especially for walk-ins and window shoppers.

Consumer Draw:

Young families, homemakers, and value-conscious consumers seeking affordable style and utility. The value-for-money pricing and home lifestyle essentials in a minimalist setup.

 

This new branch joins the existing Anko locations in Glorietta, Makati City, and Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City. As part of its continued expansion, Anko plans to open two more stores within Metro Manila later this year.

Established in 2017 under the Kmart Group—a division of Wesfarmers Ltd., one of Australia’s leading conglomerates—Anko continues to grow its global footprint with its Philippine expansion.

Haven’t checked out their biggest store yet? Visit Anko in Trinoma Mall today, you’re sure to fall in love with the space, the vibe, and the prices!

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Bringing value across different brands

At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here

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MUJI Opens Flagship Store in the Philippines

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Our beloved Japanese lifestyle brand, MUJI, has finally opened its flagship store in the Philippines last April 24, located at Glorietta 3, Makati City. Spanning three floors and over 2,600 square meters, this must-visit destination features MUJI’s most extensive product range yet—covering fashion, sleepwear, home, decor, travel essentials, and even plants.

One of the store’s biggest highlights is the largest MUJI Coffee Counter in the Philippines, which seats up to 122 diners, and the introduction of the first-ever MUJI Bakery in the country. Here, you can enjoy freshly baked breads and croissants daily, served in a spacious and serene dining area—perfect for your next coffee break or casual meetup.

This flagship location carries 2,500 carefully curated MUJI items out of the brand’s 7,000-product catalog, including popular ceramics and tableware.   

Notable In-Store Experiences:

  • Embroidery services
  • In-house alteration
  • Water refill station
  • Stamp table
  • A dedicated plant section

 

What’s Inside the MUJI Flagship Store?

Ground Floor: Café & Bakery, Kitchenware and tableware, food items, plants


Second Floor: Womenswear and childrenswear,  Socks, shoes, bags, and travel essentials, Embroidery service for personalization


Third Floor: Health & beauty, stationery, storage solutions, cleaning, and laundry items, Bedding and living room essentials, Stamp table

MUJI now operates eight branches across Metro Manila, including this new flagship store. Other locations include, Greenbelt 3, Central Square, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, Uptown Mall.

Whether you’re in search of minimalist home essentials, thoughtful gifts, or simply a peaceful moment over coffee, the new MUJI Glorietta 3 flagship store is a destination you won’t want to miss.

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Bringing value across different brands

At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here

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H2 2024 Retail Report

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The journey of customers and business innovation in the retail industry comes to a close once again. As the curtain falls, let us reflect on the stories from the second half of the year—highlighting the transformative changes, groundbreaking breakthroughs, and the rise of new players in the retail arena. This period has witnessed a shift in how businesses approach customer engagement, technology, and sustainability. Alongside this, we have seen the evolving expectations of customers, who are now more informed, demanding, and conscious of their purchasing decisions.

As we look back on the key moments, game-changing trends, and emerging strategies, we explore what’s shaping the future of shopping. Learn who the consumer of tomorrow is and discover the strategies you’ll need to capture their attention. After all, in this ever-changing arena, the consumer will always be the king.

At RetailWise, we firmly believe that keeping a finger on the pulse of what the market wants isn’t just a strategy but the heartbeat of a successful business.

Happy reading!

 

Retail News and Updates

 

National Players Update

 

Food and Beverage Grocery Sector

 

Sustainability in Philippine Retail

 

What’s Next for 2025 and Beyond?

 

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Stay updated with RetailWise’s comprehensive Retail Report for H2 2024! Gain insights into the latest developments and trends in the retail industry at global, regional, and local levels. Discover innovative advancements and understand the dynamic changes shaping the retail sector. Don’t miss out, click below to stay ahead in the retail world!

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