Robinsons Enters Into Hard Discount Retailing

MANILA, Philippines — Gokongwei-owned Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) is looking at dominating the hard discount store segment with an aggressive expansion mapped out for O!Save.

RRHI COO Stanley Co told The STAR that the O!Save Trading Philippines Corp. is targeting to grow its network by opening an average of 200 stores every year.

O!Save, a hard discount supermarket chain founded in 2021, currently has over 300 stores in the country.

“We just opened our 300th store a few days ago so I think O!Save is expected to end the year with 400 stores, more or less,” Co said.

‘There are a lot of things that come into play when we open a store. There are so many dependencies. As much as possible this is our target, but sometimes, it gets derailed a bit,” he said.

All of O!Save’s stores are currently situated in Luzon, but Co said the company is open to expanding in Visayas and Mindanao in the future.

“O!Save started in Angeles then moved to Bulacan then moved to Metro Manila by way of our Taytay distribution center. And then the fourth one is about to open in Pangasinan. So the expansion now is going towards north,” he said.

As a hard discount retailer, O!Save offers the lowest possible prices for its products that are focused primarily on basic food, household and personal care.

O!Save said its stores are simple and not larger than needed. It also does not rent stores in expensive locations and also avoids anything, which is not necessary that could potentially increase the sales price of its products.

RRHI, one of the country’s top retailers, entered the hard discount category through a minority stake in O!Save.

RRHI president and CEO Robina Gokongwei-Pe told The STAR that the company is currently pleased with its investment in the hard discount supermarket chain.

She said RRHI also has no plans to increase its stake in O!Save at present.

O!Save’s biggest competitor in the country currently is DALI Everyday Grocery, which is operated by Hard Discount Philippines Inc.

DALI, which started commercial operations in February 2020, was previously eyeing to grow its store network to 900 to 950 by the end of the year.


Original Article: https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/09/05/2382870/robinsons-enters-hard-discount-retailing

Kopi Kenangan to Enter the Philippines and India

Indonesian coffee chain Kopi Kenangan – also known as Kenangan Coffee – is expanding its global footprint, beginning with the launch of its first stores in India and the Philippines.

The company will open its first Philippine store in October at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

In India, Kopi Kenangan will make its debut early next year through a licensing agreement with a local F&B business. However, specific details have yet to be finalised. 

During its initial expansion phase in Southeast Asia, the company said it would focus on establishing at least 10 stores in shopping centres.

“Our expansion into Malaysia and Singapore is a testament to our commitment to serving quality coffee to more people around the world,” said Edward Tirtanata, founder and CEO of Kopi Kenangan.

“Moving forward, we hope to continue expanding our reach by opening 500 international Kenangan Coffee outlets across various countries,” he said.

Founded in 2017, Kopi Kenangan is one of the largest branded coffee chains in Indonesia, with more than  900 outlets across 60 cities.

The brand made its international debut in Malaysia in 2022, followed by an expansion into Singapore last year, where it currently operates 48 and seven locations, respectively.

Original Article: https://insideretail.asia/2024/08/30/kopi-kenangan-to-enter-the-philippines-and-india/

Metro Retail Opens First Home Improvement Store in Angeles City

Homeowners and DIY enthusiasts in Pampanga now have a new go-to place for their home improvement needs.

Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) has officially launched its first Metro Home Improvement store at Marquee Mall, Angeles City, which offers a wide array of home improvement and enhancement products.

Spanning 1,000sqm, the store houses a comprehensive selection of hardware, lawn and garden supplies, car and pet care products, appliances, electronics, housewares, and storage solutions.

To ensure a convenient shopping experience, the store is thoughtfully designed with clearly marked sections.

“This marks a monumental step as we introduce our first Metro Home Improvement store format, a key part of our aggressive expansion strategy. This store represents our commitment to being a dependable partner for the hardworking moms and dads who strive to create the best lifestyle for their families,” said Manuel Alberto, Chief Operating Officer of MRSGI.

The new store boasts several exclusive brands and product lines, along with interactive displays and appliance demonstration areas. Customers can also look forward to exciting promotions and unique finds.

“We have ambitious plans to expand across various locations, continuously innovating and improving to serve our customers better. By pairing our home improvement format with our existing Metro Supermarkets, we ensure a seamless shopping experience that saves time and delivers quality products, all under one roof,” Alberto added.

Original Article: https://www.speed.ph/metro-home-improvement-store-angeles-city/

Watsons Continues to Champion Sustainable Retailing in the Philippines with the Opening of Its First Greener Store in San Pedro, Laguna

Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, is proud to announce the grand opening of its first greener store in San Pedro, Laguna. This milestone is a testament to Watsons’ steadfast commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard for a more eco-friendly retail in the Philippines.

Today, we proudly inaugurate the first Watsons Greener Store in San Pedro, Laguna, this store sets a new standard in sustainable retailing, embodying our dedication to fostering a vibrant culture of sustainability in every facet of our operations. By empowering our customers to embrace sustainable products and practices, we aim to make a meaningful impact on our planet.

Jin P. Jimenez
Director for Store Operations

Sustainable Elements of a Greener SThe Watsons Greener Store is a pioneering project, utilizing renewable energy, sustainable store materials, and energy-efficient appliances. The store’s materials and fixtures adhere to greener building standards, earning certification from Pi Energy Inc. This ensures that the store’s operations align with environmental standards, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Sustainable Elements of a Greener Store :

Renewable Energy Sources: The store is primarily powered by solar energy, exemplifying Watsons’ dedication to minimizing its environmental impact through sustainable energy solutions. By utilizing solar panels, the store saves approximately 7.5 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the CO2 absorption of around 377 trees annually.

The Watsons Greener Store uses sustainable materials and fixtures with no plastic components and utilizes energy-efficient lighting and appliances, reducing environmental impact.

Sustainable In-store Materials & Fixtures: Marketing materials, including signages and displays, are crafted from Solidus material instead of Sintra board containing PVC or plastic reducing environmental impact. Additionally, all marketing materials are made from recycled paper and boards with FSC® certification, ensuring they originate from responsibly managed forests. The store also utilizes wood for its display racks and fixtures, further enhancing its commitment to sustainability.

Energy-Efficient Appliances: The store uses LED lights that do not contain toxic materials, are 100% recyclable, and reduce energy consumption by up to a third. Additionally, the store utilizes inverter air conditioners and refrigerators that consume 40% less energy than conventional units.

Sustainable Choices Products: Watsons offers a wide range of sustainable choices products that advocate Clean Beauty, Better Ingredients, Refill Packs & Better Packaging from responsibly- sourced materials. 

Refill Station: Watsons introduces the first refill station outside Metro Manila, customers can conveniently replenish their Naturals by Watsons bottles with their favorite body wash and shampoo variants. The store also sells refillable bottles with screw caps, allowing customers to save up to 40% compared to standard purchases.

Waste Minimization Initiatives: The store encourages customers to bring reusable shopping bags and actively promotes waste reduction, segregation, and recycling.

The store opening was attended by Jin P. Jimenez, Director for Store Operations, Alisandrea Coloma, Senior Manager for Sustainability alongside local government officials Hon. Ramil Hernandez, Governor of the Province of Laguna, and Hon. Mayor Art Francis Mercado of San Pedro, Laguna. Their presence underscores the collaborative effort between Watsons and the local community to promote sustainable development in the province. 

“Today, we proudly inaugurate the first Watsons Greener Store in San Pedro, Laguna, this store sets a new standard in sustainable retailing, embodying our dedication to fostering a vibrant culture of sustainability in every facet of our operations. By empowering our customers to embrace sustainable products and practices, we aim to make a meaningful impact on our planet,” said Jin P. Jimenez, Director for Store Operations.

The opening of Watsons Greener Store marks a significant shift towards sustainable practices in the retail industry, making sustainability a more achievable goal for everyday shoppers. Watsons aims to minimize waste and empower customers to make eco-conscious choices, contributing to a healthier planet. By integrating sustainability into its operations, Watsons reduces its environmental footprint and inspires customers to adopt greener lifestyles. This commitment reflects Watsons’ broader mission to foster a healthier planet while empowering individuals to make informed, sustainable choices.

For more information about the Watsons Greener Store and its sustainability initiatives, follow   @watsonsph on Instagram, like @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and follow @watsonsphilippines on TikTok.

Original Article: https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/580406/watsons-continues-to-champion-sustainable-retailing-in-the-philippines-with-the-opening-of-1st-greener-store-in-san-pedro-laguna

Heyday Offers Fresh Sales this Earth Month!

On April 10 (Wednesday), customers flocked to Heyday for discounted prices on Farm to Fresh produce! With sustainability and health-consciousness increasingly at the forefront of consumer priorities, Heyday’s promotion under the Fresh category struck a chord with a diverse array of shoppers. 

With each basket brimming with fresh, locally-sourced produce, customers not only secured a bounty of nutritious ingredients but also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a more sustainable shopping experience. The sale showcased how much people care about where their food comes from and how it’s grown. By buying from Heyday, shoppers could feel good about supporting local farms while getting nutritious food at a great price!

Heyday is Manila’s newest health and wellness superstore, located in Glorietta 4, G/F. Dedicated to supporting customers in their journey towards living their best lives. Dedicated to supporting customers in their journey towards living their best lives, Heyday Philippines offers a meticulously curated selection of global and local products.

Curious about the next promotions offering discounted prices and great deals on fresh produce? Don’t worry—RetailWise has got you covered!  

For more information about Heyday, visit https://heyday.ph/

AI Powered Convenience Store Chain Re-Up to Deploy Autonomous Kitchens

Re-Up, the world’s first AI-powered convenience store, redefining gas stations with cutting-edge technology, today announced that the company will be installing autonomous robotic chefs at a variety of locations powered by Nala Robotics, an AI technology company revolutionizing the culinary industry.

The Wingman by Nala Robotics is an autonomous fry station that can easily be added or configured to any restaurant or commercial food service operation. Re-Up will leverage Nala Robotics’ advanced artificial intelligence technology to enhance its food service offerings, enabling customers to enjoy freshly prepared, fully customizable, fried chicken, french fries and other menu items on demand, quickly, easily and without human intervention.

The announcement comes on the heels of Re-Up’s grand opening of its inaugural location in Melbourne, Florida, located just a mile and a half from Melbourne Orlando International Airport, at 601 South Babcock Street, Melbourne, Florida. According to U-Haul data, the Palm Bay-Melbourne market netted the largest number of movers in one-way U-Haul® equipment last year, dominating the US city growth trend. Re-Up currently has 9 open stores and more than 30 in the pipeline.

Nala Robotics’ AI-enabled virtual kitchens are equipped with advanced sensors, precision cooking mechanisms, and machine learning algorithms, allowing its robotic chefs to autonomously prepare a wide range of menu items with unparalleled consistency and efficiency. In addition to on-premises ordering via multi-modal kiosk, restaurants can create virtual storefronts for remote transactions through a website or online food ordering and delivery platform. The integration of The Wingman into Re-Up’s convenience stores will enable faster service, reduced wait times, and enhanced food quality, improving the overall customer experience.

Re-Up’s pillars consist of clean, safe, healthy, and modern; the ultimate elevated customer experience. Built on multigenerational retail expertise, Re-Up prioritizes exceptional customer service, on trend merchandising, and modern store layouts, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for every patron. Re-Up offers nutritional food options, free WiFi, and cafe seating.

“As the c-store for the new generation – offering clean and healthy alternatives to the traditional convenience retail experience, we are thrilled to partner with Nala Robotics,” said Michael Salafia, Founder and Managing Director of Re-Up. “By harnessing the power of AI, we are able to provide our customers with convenient, personalized, and safe shopping and dining experiences. We believe this groundbreaking concept will revolutionize the way people shop and fuel up.”

“Our expansion efforts at Re-Up are proceeding at an accelerated pace. We aim to procure 25-30 additional stores by the end of 2024 and more than 200 stores in the coming years,” said Narendra Manney, Co-Founder & President of Re-Up. “The integration of robotics kitchens stands as a pivotal strategy in our modernization initiative, enabling us to enhance operational efficiency and deliver seamless services while upholding unwavering quality standards around the clock.”

“Our agreement with Re-Up underscores both companies’ commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction and will deliver better outcomes for both operator and consumer,” said Ajay Sunkara, CEO of Nala Robotics. “The Wingman doesn’t get sick, can work around the clock and can cook any dish efficiently all the time, improving on quality and saving on labor costs. At the same time, customers get to choose from an assortment of great-tasting food items just the way they like it.”

ABOUT RE-UP

Meet Re-Up, the convenience store of the future. Re-Up is a gas station and convenience store retail operator, focused on elevating customer experience through the integration of AI-powered technology and design. Re-Up is elevating the way people re-fuel, re-charge, re-fill, re-up, answering a pent up demand for a modern, clean, and healthy convenience retail experience. With more than 30 stores in the pipeline, strategically positioned for accessibility and convenience across Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana, Re-Up is led by a dynamic team, contributing unique expertise in the sectors of retail operations, technology, and real estate. Learn more at https://reupfuel.com/.

ABOUT NALA ROBOTICS

Nala Robotics is an AI technology company disrupting the culinary industry with the introduction of The Wingman, Pizzaiola, Nala Chef, Bowl Bot and Sandwich Bot. Its fully automated, customizable robots use machine learning to cook infinite recipes replicated with exact precision anytime, anywhere. The company’s autonomous robotic solutions are ideal for multiple cuisines including American, Chinese, Indian and Thai. Based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Nala Robotics has offices in California, India and Ukraine. For more information, visit https://nalarobotics.com/

Original Article: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240402720622/en/AI-Powered-Convenience-Store-Chain-Re-Up-to-Deploy-Autonomous-Kitchens

Filipino Women ‘Virtually Control’ the Local Economy Through Sari-Sari Stores, Study Finds

This women’s month, a new study from Packworks, in partnership with Fourth Wall, has found that women essentially run the local economy in the Philippines.

According to Packworks’ business intelligence tool Sari IQ, 75 percent of sari-sari stores in the country are owned by women. Of the remaining 25 percent, 20 percent are run by men while ownership of the five percent remains unknown.

Unique to the Philippines, sari-sari stores can be found on almost every block. With the widely-accepted belief that Filipinos are, at the community level, a matriarchal society, it should come as no surprise that women own the majority of these family-run sari-sari stores. Their influence as the owners of these small retail shops has been primarily underrated, at least until now.

“The high percentage of sari-sari store ownership by women shows that Filipinas virtually control much of the local economy,” said Andres Montiel, Packworks’ Head of Data.

At the grassroots economy, women are in charge. With almost 70 percent of manufactured goods transacted in sari-sari stores, Filipino women hold significant sway in the local economy. However, there’s still work to be done to boost women’s labor in other industries and upskill female laborers for personal and economic growth.

“The primary reason for women’s domination of sari-sari stores lies in the very origin and nature of sari-sari stores themselves. Families set up sari-sari stores to augment the resources of the household,” explained Fourth Wall’s Research Director, John Brylle Bae. “Thus, sari-sari stores are always intertwined with the needs of the home. In the Filipino context, the role of the nanay [mother] is to manage the home, including addressing and managing the household’s needs.”

Due to the cultural influences of Spanish colonization and Western patriarchal culture, the role of women in Philippine society has drastically changed over the centuries, noted Bae. From religious and political leaders like babaylans and priestesses, women are now expected to be nurturers and caregivers—which is in itself a hot topic to debate. On the economic front, the role of women as the head of the household shouldn’t be underestimated, especially considering how much-untapped influence they have over the grassroots economy.

Original Article: https://www.esquiremag.ph/money/industry/filipino-women-local-economy-sari-sari-stores-a00304-20230327?utm_medium=Echobox-Esquire&utm_campaign=Echobox-Ownshare&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0x8nusbMZpZXckrJU79-VhlXgiQPyiPTPij-N4BW4_MtJe5J9e4QSIwUk_aem_ASxMj1J9A4MIiS51dpfDVARjXPScp44fZiKOcMiikK_pdgU2T0euMmjC2YfJ6jtSfhg#Echobox=1709726534

Three Digital Shopping Trends to Watch in 2024

Out of the eight billion people in the world today, 64% use the internet, double the rate from a decade ago. Internet access has disrupted consumer life, including how they shop. Euromonitor International forecasts that consumers will spend nearly USD11 trillion on goods and services bought online in 2024.

This growing digital base needs to be at the center of your retail strategy. At NRF 2024: Retail’s Big Show in January, I spoke about the digital shopper trends that will have the biggest impact on retailers and brands. Let’s break down three big ones to watch in 2024.

Intuitive E-Commerce

The rising influence of digital channels is putting pressure on companies to improve the online experience. This is becoming possible due to evolving data-gathering strategies and emerging technologies, from AR to IoT to generative AI. These advances have the potential to transform the online shopping experience, leading to one that is more intuitive.

Consumers have greater expectations. About half of digital consumers want one-of-a-kind offerings. A fifth note the desire for more personalized shopping experiences. In both cases, these sentiments are higher among the most digitally savvy population, according to Euromonitor’s consumer research. That is telling as this shift toward a more intuitive experience is playing out on digital channels where these consumers shop more frequently.

In part, this means ensuring the online channel is more akin to what a consumer might experience in person. While a variety of data and tech will be used, generative AI is poised to take on a central role in shaping the online experience. Generative AI can be leveraged in a variety of ways, from improving customer service to tailoring marketing messages to optimizing supply chains.

Virtual assistants powered by generative AI can create a more intuitive experience by using additional information sources for added context. Zalando’s new chatbot offers suggestions based on natural questions the shopper might ask, and in the future, could be combined with personal preferences, taking steps toward making the discovery experience feel more intuitive.

Almost half of industry professionals say they plan to invest in generative AI in the next five years

Source: Euromonitor’s Voice of the Industry Survey, 2023

New technologies like generative AI could give brands a competitive advantage. The pioneers who can create a next-generation shopping experience using these advances will be the ones that fuel a new shopping behavior and usher in the next so-called “Uber moment.”

TikTok Economy

Digital consumers are flocking to TikTok and its Chinese sister platform, Douyin. Brands are striving to promote their products and services on these platforms known for their short-form video content, but some of the viral trends that are doing the most to boost brand sales are emerging organically from users on those platforms.

These ByteDance platforms are not only some of the most popular, but also the fastest growing. As of 2023, 43% of digital consumers globally report using them monthly, a 19-percentage-point jump in three years, according to Euromonitor’s Voice of the Consumer: Digital Survey. These short-form video platforms, also known for their endless scroll and advanced algorithms, are a hit with young consumers, especially Gen Z.

Although most marketing campaigns on TikTok are financed or initiated by brands, some of the most viral content is organic. In 2023, an Israeli TikTok influencer posted a video of herself wrapping a frozen Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-Up processed snack around ice cream to create a crunchy fruit-flavored ice cream cone. Almost overnight, Fruit Roll-Ups began flying off shelves, creating a black market.

ByteDance platforms are dabbling in retail. In 2020, Douyin pivoted from being a pure social media platform to a retailer, prioritizing smaller sellers with a low-fee structure with revenue supplemented by advertising. Douyin has seen massive e-commerce gains. Online sales of beauty and personal care products on Douyin’s marketplace surged 81% in the first nine months of 2023, as compared with the same period in 2022, according to Euromonitor’s new e-commerce research. As for TikTok, its TikTok Shop is finding success in Southeast Asia and set up shop in the US and UK in September.

Revamped Returns

Consumers have long wanted hassle-free returns but delivering on that expectation has not been without challenges. The convergence of trends, like the rise of e-commerce, closure of stores by some retail chains and boost in sustainable strategies, is moving returns up the industry agenda. New technologies and partnerships are paving the way to a happier return experience for shoppers.

Creating a hassle-free return experience is not without challenges. First, what is deemed hassle-free varies by consumer. Although 43% of digital consumers point to mail as the preferred channel for online purchase returns, preferences vary by generation. For example, baby boomers prefer to return by mail, while Gen Z prefer to return in-store. To solve the unhappy return experience, the industry needs to shift its mindset, viewing this as being about improving loyalty, rather than a revenue drain.

Retailers are deploying a variety of tactics to reduce returns or at least their impact on the bottom line. Electronics specialist Best Buy is opening 10 smaller outlets, specializing in selling used and refurbished electronics. The aim of these stores is to target budget-conscious shoppers and recoup more from open-box and return products. More and more retailers are outsourcing the return experience to companies like Happy Returns or Loop Returns, which provide merchants with a customizable online portal for returns and exchanges.

To date, many retailers have struggled to grasp the pivotal role returns play in shaping customer loyalty and, as such, have sidelined this moment. That’s changing.

Two-thirds of retail professionals said they plan to continue or even accelerate investment in product returns

Source: Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Industry: Retail Survey

Looking ahead

These trends demonstrate how online shopping continues to mature, improving the customer experience from the moment of discovery to potential product return. A second, prominent theme is how consumers desire more power in their relationship with brands. TikTok Economy is rooted in how consumers are using social media to gain power in the value exchange. This power has led to more authentic messaging, which resonates with younger consumers like Gen Z.

As you begin to execute your 2024 strategy, use these insights to guide your campaigns, decisions and growth plans with the most digitally savvy consumers.

Original Article: https://www.euromonitor.com/article/three-digital-shopping-trends-to-watch-in-2024

What Are the Top Consumer Trends in 2024?

ask-ai
delightful-distractions
greenwashed-out
progressively-polarised
value-hackers
wellness-pramgmatist
about-want-to-know-more

Original Article: https://www.euromonitor.com/article/what-are-the-top-consumer-trends-in-2024

Duck Donuts Signs Franchise Deal to Enter the Philippines

The Pennsylvania-based donut and coffee chain has partnered with Bravo Foods Corp to open 25 outlets across the Philippines within six years – its largest international franchise agreement to-date.

Duck Donuts will enter the Philippines this year after signing its largest international franchise agreement to-date.

Local franchisee Bravo Foods Corp will open its first Duck Donuts in Makati – a key financial and retail hub in the Metro Manila region – in the second quarter of 2024. Bravo Foods Corp will then seek to open 25 sites by 2030.

“We believe that the warmth and uniqueness of Duck Donuts will resonate with the Filipino community. We are excited to embark on this journey of sweet success in partnership with Bert Bravo and leverage his knowledge of the market and industry as we begin to introduce Duck Donuts throughout the country of the Philippines,” said Betsy Hamm, CEO, Duck Donuts.

“I saw the potential of Duck Donuts when I first heard about it from my colleagues in California. We are excited to bring the unique, customisable donuts to our country,” added Bert Bravo, CEO, Bravo Foods Corp.

Duck Donuts currently operates 145 stores across 25 US states alongside international sites in Canada, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Egypt, Pakistan and Qatar. The franchise donut and coffee chain expects to open 10 new international stores this year and also has franchise agreements to launch in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, Australia and the UK.

Original Article: https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/Latest/News/2024/January-(2)/Duck-Donuts-signs-franchise-deal-to-enter-the-Phil