Category: News

Makro Reentering Philippine Market, Backed by Ayala

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MANILA, Philippines — Grocery chain Makro is making a Philippine comeback with the help of the Ayala conglomerate, which has recently regained appetite for the retailing business.

ACX Holdings Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corp., signed on Sept. 24 a partnership deal with Thai company, Makro ROH Company Limited (MROH) for the operation of Makro stores in the Philippines.

ACX and MROH will own equity interest of 49.9 percent and 50.1 percent, respectively, in an investee entity that will operate the business venture.

MROH is a a subsidiary of CP Axtra Public Company Limited, a wholesale and retail business operator and mall management firm in Thailand and overseas markets. It is part of the Charoen Pokphand Group.

Makro, part of a Dutch warehouse club, debuted in the Philippines in 1996 during the term of President Fidel V. Ramos. The SM and Ayala groups then jointly invested in the brand.

16-year hiatus

Ayala later on sold its stake to the SM Group. Starting 2009, however, the SM Group decided to phase out the brand in favor of its own SM Hypermarket or SM Savemore.

But under a new generation of leaders, Ayala is noticeably getting back more aggressively into the retailing game, seeing an opportunity in the country’s demographic profile.

It recently brought Australian brand Anko to the Philippines.

Through incubation arm Kickstart, the group likewise invested in fast-growing PickUp Coffee chain.

Ayala Corp. managing director Mariana Zobel de Ayala earlier explained to Biz Buzz why the conglomerate was more confident in reentering the lucrative but highly-competitive retailing space.

“I think this time we have a dedicated team that’s really focused. We’ve also brought in experts who have done retail both locally and abroad,” Zobel said. “And we think there’s so much more to serve the Philippine market with. We feel the Filipino is quite underserved when it comes to retail and that’s kind of what drives us.

The renewed appetite for retailing complements the Ayala group’s business as a property developer. Grocery operation – one of the few businesses that thrived even during the harsh COVID-19 lockdowns – can anchor shopping centers and integrated developments.

 

Original Article: https://business.inquirer.net/548873/makro-reentering-philippine-market-backed-by-ayala

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Hard Discount Stores Dali, O!Save Disrupt Retail Market With Soaring Sales

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Hard discount stores Dali and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.’s affiliate, O!Save, are giving stiff competition to traditional supermarket and convenience store chains by registering strong sales growth while expanding their reach in the retail market.

Based on research by Abacus Securities Corp., sales of Dali jumped 57 percent to ₱34.1 billion in 2024 from ₱21.8 billion in 2023, while O!Save’s annual sales surged 134.6 percent to ₱13.6 billion last year from ₱5.8 billion in 2023.

“Clearly, these two are at least partly responsible for the lackluster earnings growth of its much larger competitors in the past few years,” added Abacus.

The brokerage noted the “significant inroads hard discounters have made in the local market with Dali leapfrogging MRSGI (Metro Retail Stores Group Inc.) in terms of revenues last year.”

MRSGI posted a 4.9 percent sales growth to ₱28.6 billion last year, lower than Dali’s ₱34.1 billion, when it was higher at ₱27.2 billion compared to Dali’s ₱21.8 billion in 2023.

Other major grocery retail chains also posted single digit sales growth last year with SM Food (including Alfamart) rising eight percent to ₱252.9 million from ₱234.2 million, Puregold Price Club (excluding S&R Membership Shopping) up by 8.3 percent to ₱144.9 billion from ₱133.8 billion, and RRHI Supermarkets with a 4.7 percent hike to ₱120.3 billion from ₱114.9 billion.

Only Philippine Seven Corporation, the local franchisee of 7-Eleven convenience stores, posted double-digit revenue growth of 13.8 percent to ₱90.11 billion last year, up from ₱79.19 billion in 2023.

However, Dali has yet a long fight ahead of it, and doubts have been raised on its continued viability since it has yet to break even, much less turn a profit.

Despite growing revenues by 52 percent to $595 million, Dali’s net loss last year increased five percent to $33 million, liabilities jumped 111 percent to $355 million, and equity shrank 73 percent to under $13 million.

“Management expressed confidence margins will turn around, but if Dali eventually does fold, it will be a significant positive for retailers PGOLD, RRHI, SM Retail, and MRSGI… So keep your ears on the ground for any news on Dali’s fate over the next six to 12 months,” said Abacus.

PhilSeven Operations Director Francis S. Medina said last August that the company is getting stiff competition from hard discount stores, which are “opening left and right.

“Yes, they are a threat. On the perspective of site acquisition, they practically open on the same areas where we want to open” so they compete one site bidding, said Medina noting that, “At the same time, they focus mainly on residential clusters, which we are also going into.”

However, he said they have an advantage over hard discount stores since not all of them operate 24 hours “so it’s a big plus for 7-Eleven since most of them open at 6 am and close at 10 pm, while we are open 24 (hours).

“Second big advantage is we serve fast food, which most of them don’t have. Third is we have dining spaces, so this gives customers more options. They can sit down while shopping.”

Amid this challenging environment, medina said “our objective is to acquire most of the best sites as soon as possible to prevent or make it difficult for any competition.”

Original article: https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/01/hard-discount-stores-dali-osave-disrupt-retail-market-with-soaring-sales

IKEA Says ‘Preparing’ Second Store in PH

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MANILA — IKEA Philippines will open a second branch in the country, but is not yet ready to disclose the location of the new store.

But the company confirmed it is indeed happening soon due to the success of its first Philippine store in Pasay.

IKEA Philippines Country Retail Manager Ricardo Pinheiro said the location would still be in Metro Manila. He added that its online store remains open and is available for delivery nationwide.

“Due to the success of the first store, we are now preparing the second store in the Philippines. I cannot tell you now, but I know very soon you will get that information,” Pinheiro said.

Pinheiro added that the Pasay store is not only the biggest IKEA store in the world, but also the store with the most products sold. He said they are now excited to expand operations in the Philippines because of the Filipinos’ support of their products.

“After only 3 and a half years, almost 4 years, our Pasay City store and our website have become successful in the IKEA world, that we have almost now been pressured to continue to develop the brand in the country since Filipinos love us,” he said.

He revealed there is also a plan to further reduce prices of almost all its products in the country this year.

“Last year in September, we decreased the price of more than 2,000 products. This is our way of doing things. We want to decrease prices to make the range more affordable to Filipinos. But I can tell you very, very soon, I will say in a month, two month’s time— we will again bring the prices further down,” he said.

IKEA has launched a pop-up exhibit at a mall in Quezon City. It launched the Stockholm 2025 collection featuring various pieces from furniture, dinnerware, mirrors, and more.

“Scandinavian classic style, very close also to our roots, where the quality, where the choice of the materials, where the functionality, the sustainability come together in a nice way,” Pinheiro said.

When asked if the new IKEA store will be in Quezon City because the pop-up exhibit was in a mall in the city, Pinheiro said they will have more pop-up exhibits in various parts of Metro Manila in the coming weeks and months. This will be their strategy before announcing where the second brand will be.


Original article: https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/7/4/ikea-says-preparing-second-store-in-ph-1742

 

Maison Ladurée returns to Philippines with first Southeast Asia flagship

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Maison Ladurée, the luxury patisserie based in France, is poised to launch its first flagship store in Southeast Asia, specifically in the Philippines. The move marks an important milestone for the brand as it expands its international presence.

Flagship Store Location

The store, christened Ladurée Tropical, will be located at BGC High Street, in Manila. The concept behind its name and design has been meticulously crafted to cater to the Philippine market, a strategic approach to ensure that the brand resonates with local customers.

Ladurée made its first foray into the Philippines in 2015, when it opened a flagship store in 8 Rockwell, Makati. However, in 2019, the store had to close its doors as a result of the global pandemic.

The Vision For Ladurée Philippines

Karan Gopwani, CEO of Gastronova, the company helmimg Ladurée’s revival in the Philippines, said that the goal is to create a uniquely Filipino Ladurée experience. “Our vision is to make Ladurée feel as though it was born in the Philippines rather than imported into it,” he explained.

The new venue will house both the Ladurée Café, for casual coffee experiences, and the Salon de Thé, which features full-service dining. Gopwani stated that this dual offering was a calculated bold move that goes beyond anything previously attempted.

A Blend of French and Filipino Flavors

The menu, masterminded by executive chef Katrina Torres, will be a blend of  French cuisine crafted specifically for Ladurée and signature items from its Paris menu. This delightful fusion combines the brand’s famed  pastries with savory dishes tailored to local tastes, featuring ingredients from the Philippines.

Torres expressed enthusiasm about this culinary fusion, saying, “Our aim is to create a blend that beautifully complements both local tastes and the classic elegance of Ladurée.”

Questions & Answers

When is Maison Ladurée planning to launch its first flagship store in Southeast Asia?
Maison Ladurée is planning to launch its first flagship store in Southeast Asia this July.

What will the new Maison Ladurée store in the Philippines offer?
The new store will house both a Ladurée Café, for casual coffee experiences, and a Salon de Thé, which features full-service dining. The menu will feature a blend of French and Filipino dishes.

Who is responsible for the culinary offerings at the new Ladurée store?
The menu at the new Ladurée store has been masterminded by executive chef Katrina Torres. It will offer a culinary fusion that complements both local tastes and the classic elegance of Ladurée.


Original Article: https://www.retailnews.asia/maison-laduree-returns-to-philippines-with-first-southeast-asia-flagship/

Korean Fast Food Chain Lotteria Eyes Philippines Launch

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MANILA, Philippines — South Korean fast food chain Lotteria is looking to enter the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

In a statement, the DTI said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque met with Lotte GRS and other South Korean conglomerates on May 16, in Seoul, with the discussions covering the firms’ planned investments and expansion into the Philippine market, particularly in the areas of food service, franchising and retail.

These companies aim to invest in joint ventures, master franchise agreements and localized operations.

The DTI said Lotte GRS, in particular, is preparing to launch its flagship brand Lotteria.

It said Lotte GRS, the restaurant service arm of the Lotte Group, is targeting to open at least 30 stores in over five years.

“This initiative has strong focus on local sourcing and workforce development,” the DTI said.

Other firms outlined plans to introduce modern convenience store formats to cater to the needs of the Philippine market.

The companies also emphasized their commitment to source locally, with over 95 percent of the products offered in their overseas stores coming from the host country.

The discussions also covered initiatives to integrate digital commerce platforms and strengthen last-mile delivery services.

Aside from food service and retail ventures, South Korean firms are also exploring opportunities in the import and export of Philippine agricultural and seafood products.

To learn more about opportunities for sourcing and partnerships, the South Korean firms are also scheduled to join local trade expos such as the IFEX Philippines and the World Food Expo.

During the meeting, Roque explained how the Philippines through its young and dynamic population of over 115 million and its strategic position in Southeast Asia offers opportunities for businesses.

She also highlighted the government’s efforts to provide an environment that is conducive for businesses.

In line with the aim to attract more incentives, the CREATE MORE Act, which seeks to enhance the incentives system, was signed into law last year.

“With the CREATE MORE law in place, our partners enjoy one of the most competitive and forward-looking incentive systems today – through smarter incentives, streamlined processes and a vibrant consumer base ready for innovation,” Roque said.

Original article: https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/05/25/2445516/korean-fast-food-chain-lotteria-eyes-philippines-launch

 

 

 

Filipinos Spent Less at Sari-Sari Stores in 2024, Study Says

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MANILA, Philippines – Average monthly spending at sari-sari stores continued its decline in 2024, as consumers increasingly opted for smaller, more frequent purchases to stretch their limited disposable income, according to a study.

A report released on Monday by local tech startup Packworks showed that average monthly spending by Filipinos at sari-sari stores fell to P689 each, based on insights from its micro-retail analytics platform Sari IQ.

This represents an 11.8-percent drop from the P781 average in 2023, which had already decreased from P800 in 2022.

Packworks Chief Data Officer Andoy Montiel said the trend points to a growing shift toward the “tingi” style of purchasing where consumers buy smaller quantities more frequently as a strategy to manage limited budgets.

“The combination of Filipinos’ smaller basket sizes and more frequent visits to sari-sari stores points to a preference for buying in smaller, more affordable portions – the essence of the ‘tingi’ economy,” Montiel said.

“This behavior likely stems from consumers needing to stretch their budget further, even in a lower inflation environment. They might be opting to buy only what they immediately need, rather than larger quantities less frequently to stock-up,” he added.

Packworks’ data also revealed that while average spending by Filipinos decreased, their visits to sari-sari stores became more frequent.

Last year, its network of stores recorded an average of 18 transactions per month nationwide, reflecting a 16-percent increase from 15 transactions per month in 2023.

The most commonly purchased items in Filipino sari-sari stores were seasoning and recipe mixes, detergent, powdered drinks, and hygiene products like shampoo and conditioner.

 

Original Article: https://business.inquirer.net/526053/filipinos-spent-less-at-sari-sari-stores-in-2024-study-says

Landers Opens Largest Superstore Yet in Cavite

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IMUS, Cavite — Landers Superstore, the country’s fastest-growing membership shopping chain, officially opened its 15th branch — and its first in Cavite — on 23 April, marking a significant milestone in its nationwide expansion.

The new outlet, located in the Ayala Vermosa Estate in Imus, spans 12,900 square meters, making it the largest Landers store to date. The opening attracted members of the media, digital content creators, and special guests, who were given a first look at the spacious store and its wide array of local and international products.

In his opening remarks, Landers deputy chief executive officer Bill Cummings shared his enthusiasm about the launch, stating that more than 60,000 members had already signed up before the official opening — a testament to the strong demand in the region. Cummings also acknowledged the support of local officials and the partnership with Ayala Land, which helped bring the project to life.

The event was also attended by Imus City Mayor Alex Advincula, underscoring local government support for the store’s presence in the province.

Landers Vermosa offers a variety of membership perks beyond traditional retail. Members can access free grooming services at Federal Barbers, discounted medicines and wellness products at Capital Care Pharmacy, fuel discounts of up to P10 per liter at Landers-Caltex gas stations, and up to 50 percent off Solane LPG refills.

The store also features ongoing promotions such as the “Super Crazy Sale” and “50% Off Produce Sale,” in addition to regular in-store events and product samplings aimed at enhancing the customer experience.

Memberships are currently being offered at a 50 percent discount until 31 May, reducing the annual fee to P350. Customers may also apply for the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card to earn up to 5 percent cashback on purchases and receive additional rewards when shopping outside the store.

Landers Vermosa is the brand’s latest effort to expand into southern Luzon, with the goal of bringing premium yet accessible shopping to more Filipino families.

Original Article: https://tribune.net.ph/2025/04/26/landers-opens-largest-superstore-yet-in-cavite

Chinese Lifestyle Retail Brand KKV eyes 200 Stores in the Philippines

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Chinese lifestyle retail brand KKV continues to scale its presence in the Philippines with plans to open 200 stores within the next three years.

Most recently, the company launched two new stores in Quezon City – one at SM North Edsa and another at Gateway Mall.

The openings take the brand’s store count in the country to four, with more planned throughout this year.

KKV is the flagship brand of KK Group, a multinational retail company whose portfolio also includes The Colorist, a beauty concept store, and X11, a trendy toy brand. KK Group operates approximately 1000 stores across six countries.

Positioned as the group’s core brand, KKV offers more than 20,000 SKUs across eight categories, including cosmetics, homewares, daily essentials, and fashion accessories.

The company launched in the Philippine market last year in partnership with SM, one of the country’s largest retail and mall operators. It is actively seeking more partners to bring two of its other brands into the local market.

“We are committed to optimising our product structure, strengthening localised operations, and building more partnerships with local businesses,” said Rojen Wu, COO of international business operations at KK Group.

 

Original Article: https://insideretail.asia/2025/05/02/chinese-lifestyle-retail-brand-kkv-eyes-200-stores-in-the-philippines/

SSI Group acquires Rustan’s in P232-M deal

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The SSI Group Inc., a prominent player in the Philippines’ retail industry and the official distributor of several luxury international brands, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Rustan Marketing Corp. (RMK) for P232 million. This move marks a significant expansion of SSI’s footprint in multi-channel retail distribution, allowing the group to broaden its reach across various retail platforms.

In a regulatory filing, SSI revealed that its subsidiary, Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI), has successfully acquired a 99.44 percent stake in RMK. This strategic acquisition allows SSI to diversify and strengthen its presence across specialty stores, department stores, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms. By acquiring RMK, SSI can now provide its brand partners access to a wider array of retail channels, enhancing its distribution capacity across the Philippines.

Deal highlights and reach

Founded in 1964, RMK has become one of the country’s largest wholesale distributors, specializing in global brands across various categories, including fragrances, beauty, fashion, footwear, luggage, home and lifestyle products. RMK’s portfolio includes well-known international brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, Tefal, Lacoste Fragrances, Maison Margiela, Spanx, OPI Nail Polish, and Nine West.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen SSI’s already formidable retail presence. SSI, which currently manages a portfolio of 96 brands and operates 565 stores across the country, will benefit significantly from RMK’s established wholesale network. The combined entities will be able to offer a more comprehensive distribution system, covering more than 1,300 outlets and major e-commerce platforms nationwide.

RMK, under the leadership of the Tantoco family, posted impressive financial results in 2024. The company reported P1.085 billion in revenues, with an EBITDA of P111.2 million and a net income of P44.2 million. The deal also includes a requirement for RMK’s selling shareholders to inject P232.08 million into the company, further solidifying its financial foundation.

SSI president and CEO Anton Huang has expressed confidence that the acquisition will allow the group to expand its portfolio in 2025, potentially offering up to seven new brands. As the Philippines’ consumption-driven economy continues to grow, SSI aims to capitalize on the increasing demand for premium and luxury products.

The acquisition also aligns with SSI’s vision of becoming a multi-channel distributor of premium brands nationwide. The group is committed to offering a variety of lifestyle choices to Filipino consumers, responding to evolving tastes and preferences. With a strong retail presence, including 111,816 sqm. of gross selling area, SSI is positioning itself at the forefront of the retail industry.

Huang added that SSI’s goal is to continue bringing global lifestyle trends to Filipino consumers, providing them with access to a broad range of luxury, casual, and fast fashion products. The acquisition of RMK will also contribute to the group’s efforts to enhance its online retail presence, meeting the growing demand for e-commerce in the Philippines.

Honoring RMK’s roots

The Tantoco family’s deep roots in the Philippine retail industry have been instrumental in shaping the success of both SSI and RMK. Over the years, the family has nurtured a strong reputation for delivering premium products to the local market, and this acquisition underscores their ongoing commitment to expanding their retail footprint.

With the integration of RMK, SSI Group is poised for even greater success in the future, with enhanced distribution capabilities and an expanded portfolio of global brands that will cater to the diverse needs of Filipino consumers. The acquisition reflects SSI’s strategy of continuous growth and expansion, which has seen the group return to expansion mode in recent years, following a 7.4 percent increase in its gross selling area in 2023.

As SSI continues to broaden its influence in the retail sector, the acquisition of Rustan Marketing Corp. is a significant step toward becoming a comprehensive, multi-channel distributor of premier global brands in the Philippines. With its increased reach and a wider array of retail channels, SSI is well-positioned to remain a key player in the ever-evolving Philippine retail landscape.


Original Article: https://tribune.net.ph/2025/04/20/ssi-group-acquires-rustans-in-p232-m-deal

Metro Retail Creates Pharmacy Subsidiary

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METRO Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) is creating a new pharmacy unit by acquiring Apple Drugstore Corp. from its principal stockholder and making the firm a wholly owned subsidiary.

In a disclosure on Friday, Metro Retail said that last April 4, its board of directors approved the acquisition of Apple Drugstore via the sale of 2,500 common shares held by Viscal Development Corp. (VDC) at P100 apiece or a total of P250,000.

“MRSGI will centralize and manage its pharmacy operations through the creation of a wholly-owned subsidiary, Apple Drugstore Corp.,” the company said.

“The acquisition of Apple Drugstore Corp. is a strategic move to create a dedicated platform or vehicle for optimum operational efficiency, increased flexibility, enhanced focus and performance, and unlocking value,” it added.

The transaction value constitutes less than 10 percent of MRSGI’s total book value, with the company adding that full payment will be made in cash upon signing of the deed of conveyance of shares of stock.

Conditions precedent to closing of the deal include the approval of both companies’ boards and stockholders owning at least two-thirds of the outstanding capital stock of Apple Drugstore.

On Friday, Metro Retail shares rose 2.36 percent to close at P1.30 each.

 

Original Article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/12/business/corporate-news/metro-retail-creates-pharmacy-subsidiary/2090978#:~:text=METRO%20Retail%20Stores%20Group%2C%20Inc,firm%20a%20wholly%20owned%20subsidiary