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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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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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!
Vietnamese coffee chain Cong Caphe is set to open its first Philippine outlet in February at Gateway 2 Mall in Quezon City.
Known for its signature 1970s-inspired interiors and unique coffee offerings, the brand aims to bring an “authentic Vietnamese coffee experience” to Filipino customers. It makes its coffee using Vietnamese Robusta beans.
Founded in Hanoi in 2007 by former performance artist Linh Dung, Cong Caphe currently operates 66 stores across Vietnam, with 45 located in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The cafe is known for its creative take on traditional Vietnamese coffee, including specialties like coconut coffee, coconut green rice coffee, and coconut pho coffee.
Cong Caphe made its international debut in Seoul, South Korea, in 2018 and has since expanded to Malaysia, Canada, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
The recent trail of typhoons that hit the country has had devastating effects on Filipinos. Many have lost their homes, livelihoods, and tragically, their lives. Time and again, the resilience of Filipinos in the face of adversity makes headlines across various facets of society. Despite the heartache, Filipinos continue to show their strength in withstanding calamities.
Unfortunately, our crops have not been as resilient.
According to a report released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), the total agricultural losses in the country due to Typhoons Kristine and Leon have reached a staggering 6 billion pesos. One can only imagine the gravity of this loss for our hardworking farmers – who have toiled in the fields, looking forward to the harvest season. But in just a few days, a typhoon can wipe out everything.
In the recent years, the Direct-To-Farm (DTF) approach has emerged among retailers. This model has gained popularity among consumers as a win-win-win situation for the three key stakeholders: consumers, retailers, and farmers. Furthermore, this approach has helped consumers understand how much effort farmers put into feeding the nation. DTF has not only made products more accessible and affordable for consumers, but it also put a face to the food we eat.
While this model has worked and improved the situation for all stakeholders, the devastating effects of the recent typhoons prompt us to think of other ways retailers and farmers can support each other during such crises, which are becoming more frequent in the country.
To establish a system that supports both affected farmers and retailers looking for fresh produce to offer consumers, the following suggestions can be considered:
1. Set Up a Digital Platform or Network
A centralized digital platform could be created for farmers to list products that survived the typhoon. While these items may not be in the condition, they are still safe for consumption. Retailers can access the platform to directly purchase these goods.
However, given the technological limitations in the country and farmers’ unfamiliarity with digital tools, it would be beneficial for an independent organization to gather this information from farmers and input it into the digital platforms.
2. Establish Logistics Support
Logistics support should be set up to connect farmers directly to retailers. This could involve partnering with delivery companies to ensure timely transportation, reducing further losses or damage to the produce.
3. Offer Discounted but Reasonable Prices
Typhoons may damage products, making them less than “store perfect.” Retailers can benefit from purchasing these items at discounted but still reasonable prices. One of the biggest challenges for farmers after a typhoon is discarding their produce because it no longer meets quality standards. In some cases, they are forced to sell at deeply discounted prices, which hardly covers their expenses, let alone the cost of replanting for the next season.
At the store level, retailers can communicate that these products may not be in perfect shape but are still safe to consume. Moreover, by purchasing these “rescue crops,” consumers can feel good about supporting farmers during tough times. For example, stores could set up a dedicated “rescue crops” section or offer bundles or “resilient boxes” containing a variety of produce at discounted prices.
4. Ensure Transparency
Maintaining consumer trust is essential. Retailers should be fully transparent about the condition of the produce by using clear tags or labels with full disclosure. Retailers can also emphasize that purchasing these imperfect products help support post-disaster recovery.
5. Develop Support Programs
Retailers can partner with government agencies to educate farmers on how to recover financially after a typhoon. Additionally, retailers can commit to purchasing crops, ensuring that farmers have a guaranteed income stream post-disaster.
6. Establish Micro-Lending or Crowdfunding Programs
While the above initiatives will aid in recovery, some farmers will experience massive losses and need financial support to start over. Retailers could contribute to these funds in exchange for guaranteed supply arrangements.
Going Beyond Just Direct Purchasing
As the saying goes, retail is always evolving. Purchasing directly from farmers and eliminating intermediaries is just the first step in building a more sustainable and transparent food system that benefits all stakeholders. As consumers increasingly demand fresh, high-quality and ethically sourced products, retailers and farmers must work together to meet this demand. By implementing the suggested action points, we can strengthen retailer-farmer relationships, contribute to nation-building and community resilience, and involve consumers directly in the process. After all, wise collaboration in retail ploughs the way to a sustainable future.
Is the Head of Operations at RetailWise (formerly Euroasia Research Experts, Inc.). She is also the Division Merchandise Manager of Heyday for Beauty and Fresh Departments, implementing Direct-To-Farm Approach and advocating for rescue crops.
CS Fresh Supermarket truly lives up to its name—everything is genuinely fresh, from fruits and vegetables to the delicatessen, meat, and seafood sections.
Fruits and vegetable area
Fresh butchery and meat area
Fresh seafood
CS Fresh by Cold Storage is an upscale supermarket spanning over 2,700 sqm at Basement 1 of Great World. It’s a haven for gourmet enthusiasts, featuring bespoke butchery services, a world-class selection of beer, wine, and spirits, a fresh bakery, fresh sushi, and Singapore’s widest range of organic produce.
Wine, beer and spirits
Fresh sushi and fresh bakery
Delicatessen and fresh produce area
You will love this store from the moment you step in. Fresh flowers greet you at the entrance, accompanied by vibrant displays of colorful fruits and vegetables.
For added convenience, the “meals-to-go” section offers ready-to-eat options for those on the go. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the Tanamera Indonesia coffee bar, where you can enjoy premium coffee, refreshing drinks, and delicious food while shopping.
Kitchen on the go area
Tanamera coffee shop
CSFresh also prioritizes customer convenience with features such as free delivery for minimum orders, clear signage guiding you to counters, and self-checkout stations—an innovation worth considering in the Philippines to reduce long supermarket lines.
One more thing we like about this store is their e-waste collection bins, encouraging customers to recycle and be rewarded. You can recycle household batteries and bulbs here. Additionally, they have a Foodbank at the entrance, where customers can drop off food donations to support vulnerable families during challenging times.
Self check-out | free home delivery signage | recycle bin | Foodbank
The ambiance, look, and feel of this store make shopping a delightful experience. It’s a place you’ll not only shop at but also enjoy visiting time and again.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
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
The RetailWise Team recently visited Singapore, diving into its most innovative retail destinations! This week, we’re spotlighting standout retailers with unique features and concepts.
First, we showcased FairPrice Xtra at VivoCity. Next up : Scoop Wholefoods Singapore—a collaboration between Singapore’s retail powerhouses, Gill Capital and Sydney-based Scoop Wholefoods Australia.
This store is a haven for health-conscious shoppers, offering a wide array of organic, sustainable products and a zero-waste shopping experience.
We visited the flagship location at Great World, a 9,000 sq. ft. space thoughtfully designed for eco-minded shoppers.
Tea area
The store features bulk wholefoods, a Beauty & Bath chamber, an in-house Glass Box Bakery, and even a Kombucha Bar.
Glassbox bakery
With over 2,000 products—around 80% certified Australian organic and environmentally responsible—Scoop WholeFoods embodies a commitment to sustainable, wholesome living.
Scoop Whole Beauty
Sustainable homewares
What’s especially notable is the cozy bench area where shoppers can relax, read a book, and recharge.
The raw honey section is another beautiful highlight, adding to the store’s aesthetic appeal and dedication to eco-friendly advocacy.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
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
RetailWise Team has recently visited Singapore, and we’re thrilled to dive into its most innovative retail destinations! This week, we’ll be showcasing standout retailers with unique features and concepts.
First up: FairPrice Xtra at VivoCity
With an impressive 90,000 sq ft of retail space, including Unity Pharmacy on the second floor, this is the largest Fairprice store in Singapore.
What makes this store even more remarkable is that customers are greeted by a vibrant, expansive display of fresh fruits and vegetables, setting the tone with a burst of color and freshness right at the store entrance. Every visitor will find freshly delivered produce daily. They offer hydroponically grown vegetables harvested on-site, bringing farm-to-table right into the heart of the store!
The unique experiences don’t end there. Fairprice Xtra has a dining area at the core of the store, featuring zones like ‘Pick, Prep, Enjoy,’ and ‘The Kitchen,’ offering ready-to-eat meals, a dedicated sushi and sashimi area, cold cuts, pre-cut fruits, and an on-demand grill where you can select seafood or meat and have them prepared just the way you like. During our visit, we indulged in the ‘Oyster and Wine Night,’ enjoying fresh French oysters paired perfectly with wine.
The store’s layout is well-designed, with a spacious seafood section featuring farmed fish, live Dungeness crabs, and a variety of shellfish. The butchery area boasts premium selections, including grass-fed and grain-fed beef from Australia and New Zealand, catering to quality-conscious shoppers.
Fairprice Xtra also caters a have a beautiful bakery area with a wide selection of breads and pastries, a cozy café with seating area, dairy, and chilled sections. Fairprice Xtra truly is a one-stop shopping experience.
The second floor expands offerings with International and Local favorites, Sports & Leisure, Travel Essentials, Beauty & Wellness, Electronics, Home & Living, Mums & Kids, Pet Care, and Wines, Beer & Spirits.
This hypermarket exemplifies retail excellence, remaining fully stocked and organized even late into the evening, with self-service stations for weighing fruits and quick checkouts. Opened in 2019, this store is built around customer convenience and sustainability. Shoppers can have food prepped for easy home cooking, buy loose quantities of grains and nuts, and explore over 35,000 products, including 350+ local brands. A dedicated corner supports local enterprises, reinforcing FairPrice’s commitment to sustainability and customer-focused innovation. Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
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
The retail industry is a narrative of two stories, each reflecting the dynamic interplay between consumers and business innovation. Together, these two halves paint a vivid picture of an industry in flux, where adaptation and innovation are paramount for success.
This report provides you with an indispensable tool to navigate and strategically position yourself amidst the dynamic shifts of the market. Inside, you will find news and articles from the first half of the year, insights into the consumers of 2024, and how the lines between online and offline retail experiences are blurring. It also explores how businesses are embracing digital transformation, reshaping their stores and supply chains to seamlessly integrate into this new retail paradigm. Additionally, it introduces you to the new players emerging in the retail market.
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.
Below are the snapshots of what you will find in this report.
Retail News and Updates
National Players Update
Sustainability in Philippine Retail
Philippine Consumer 2024
The Future of Retail: What’s Ahead for H2 2024 and Beyond
Conclusion:
The insights gained from the first half of the year provide a crucial foundation for navigating the retail landscape in the second half and beyond. Understanding the trends, challenges, and consumer behaviors observed in the first half of the year equips retailers with strategic foresight. This knowledge allows them to anticipate market shifts, refine their strategies, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the second half and beyond. By leveraging these insights, retailers can adapt more effectively, enhance their competitiveness, and drive sustainable growth in a dynamic and evolving retail environment.
Moreover, staying informed about retail trends in the coming months is crucial for understanding evolving consumer behaviors and preferences. By focusing on who today’s consumers are and anticipating the trends of tomorrow—such as increased digital engagement, sustainability concerns, and demand for personalized experiences—retailers can adapt proactively. Embracing innovations like AI-driven personalization, augmented reality shopping experiences, and eco-friendly initiatives will be key to capturing consumer interest and loyalty in the future retail landscape.
Stay updated with RetailWise’s comprehensive Retail Report for H1 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!
