Tag: RetailWise

Metro Retail Ventures into Boutique Format

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MANILA, Philippines — Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., the listed retail company of the Gaisano Group, is entering a new retail category through the introduction a premium lifestyle store format.

Called Metro Corner, the new store format launched by Metro Retail at Mandani Bay in Cebu “combines the accessibility of a neighborhood store with the sophistication of a boutique shopping experience.”

Metro Corner represents the next chapter of Metro Retail’s innovation in serving our customers,” Metro Retail president and COO Joel Orense said.

“It’s a new store format that reflects how shopping is changing in urban communities, compact and closer, designed around convenience without losing the warmth and quality Metro is known for,” Orense said.

According to Metro Retail, Metro Corner offers a balance between everyday necessities and refined lifestyle finds through a curated selection of essentials, artisan goods, organic products and international specialties.

Unlike traditional supermarket formats, the company said Metro Corner is designed “to feel intimate and inviting, featuring modern interiors, organized layouts and easy navigation that promote quick yet enjoyable shopping.”

The store aims to offer a seamless experience for customers on the go with fresh selections, personalized service and faster checkout options.

“We’re proud to be part of Mandani Bay’s growing community. This opening reflects our broader goal of building meaningful connections with our customers, meeting them where they are and enhancing the everyday experience of city living,” Orense said.

Mandani Bay is a rapidly developing mixed-use community in Mandaue City.

Metro Retail said its growing population of residents, professionals and visitors aligns with the store’s mission to bring convenience and curated quality right around the corner.


Original article: https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/10/29/2483193/metro-retail-ventures-boutique-format

 

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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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IKEA Opening New Store in the Philippines in Partnership with Ayala Group

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MANILA, Philippines — Swedish home furnishing giant IKEA is opening its second official branch in the Philippines in partnership with the Ayala Group.

IKEA will open its first Plan and Order Shop in the Philippines at TriNoma Mall on Oct. 23, bringing its affordable and sustainable design closer to northern Metro Manila residents.

“We are now getting closer to the many more Filipinos, especially in the north of Manila. This partnership between IKEA and Ayala Malls allow us to create spaces that are accessible, convenient and inspiring,” IKEA Philippines country retail manager Ricardo Pinheiro said.

“IKEA Plan and Order Shop is one of the most recent formats we have. It’s actually a shop where customers can order the full IKEA range. It is also a shop where customers can plan their home solutions. It’s also a shop where customers can actually collect their online orders” he said.

Pinheiro said the Plan and Order Shop format is currently available in other IKEA sites globally like London, Paris, Stockholm, Spain and Portugal.

“We are opening more and more, but they are not very old. So it’s quite a recent format that we are still testing,” he said.

The first IKEA Plan and Order Shop in the Philippines will be a 500-square meter store located at the ground level of TriNoma Mall.

Pinheiro said that total investment for the store ranges from P30 million to P35 million.

The shop features small scale store with room vignettes and products that shoppers can purchase in-store and also functions as a free collection point for online orders.

It is also a space for customers to plan their dream kitchens, wardrobe and storage cabinet with the same expert guidance as offered from IKEA’s store in Pasay City.

The IKEA Plan and Order Shop aims to make affordable home furnishing even more accessible to shoppers from every corner of Metro Manila.

“For now, we are very committed to make this one a success. Based on the success of this one, we will decide if we will open more in different locations or not,” Pinheiro said.

Ayala Malls chief operating officer Paul Birkett said the opening of the IKEA Plan and Order Shop matches the ongoing refresh being undertaken at TriNoma.

“It’s really critically important that this first ever Plan and Order point in the Philippines, it’s the new retail format that brings the IKEA brand closer to consumers. It combines the convenience, the access, the innovation, but more importantly, the exceptional products. We give people another reason to visit TriNoma,” Birkettt said.

Pinheiro said the plan for IKEA Philippines for expansion moving forward is to explore both large store as well as the small scale Plan and Order Shop formats.

“For IKEA, it’s not one or the other. It’s one and the other. So we are looking to both formats as a way to get closer to the many Filipinos. Our country is so big and its so scattered around so many different islands and cities that we believe we need to explore both options of bigger store like Pasay and smaller Plan and Order shops like in Quezon City,” he said.

Asked about plans to open an IKEA store in SM Megamall, Pinheiro said: “It’s not part of our plans in the near future.”

IKEA opened its first store in the country in 2021 at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, which is currently the biggest IKEA store in the world.


Original Article: https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/10/15/2479893/ikea-opening-new-store-philippines-partnership-ayala-group

 

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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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From Dubai to Manila: Spinneys to launch Philippines stores in 2026

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After its Riyadh debut last year, the UAE grocer is teaming with Ayala Corporation to open its first stores in the Philippines, marking its maiden step into Southeast Asia.

Spinneys, which first opened its doors in Dubai’s Al Nasr Square in 1961, is now set to expand into Southeast Asia.

The UAE-based premium grocer has signed a joint venture with conglomerate Ayala Corporation to launch a series of supermarkets in the Philippines, marking a new chapter in its international growth story.

Under the agreement, Ayala will hold a 60 per cent stake and Spinneys a 40 per cent. The first store is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a pipeline of further outlets to follow. The joint venture will adopt a two-phased approach: Spinneys will initially support the venture with operational expertise before handing over day-to-day management to the new entity.

The move builds on Spinneys’ regional momentum. In June 2024, it opened its first Riyadh store in the upscale An Nuzha district, with plans to launch as many as 12 outlets across Saudi Arabia by 2028.

This year, the retailer also announced plans to expand into Kuwait alongside opening ten new stores in the UAE.

Sunil Kumar, CEO of Spinneys, said the Philippines offered the right fundamentals for the brand’s first step outside the GCC.

“The Philippines offers significant long-term growth potential, with strong economic fundamentals, a growing affluent population, and increasing demand for high-quality offerings,” he said.

“Our partnership with Ayala combines its deep local knowledge with our operational expertise, providing a strong foundation to grow in a measured way. As we enter this next phase, we’re delighted to be bringing our high-quality and fresh offering to a new region.”

Ayala, one of the Philippines’ oldest and largest conglomerates, has a diverse presence across real estate, banking, telecommunications, energy, and logistics. The group has been expanding its retail footprint by partnering with global brands.

“We are honoured to be the first partner of Spinneys as it ventures outside the GCC,” said Cezar P. Consing, president and CEO of Ayala Corporation.

“We hope this investment will catalyse trade and investment between the Philippines and the GCC.”

The tie-up aims to blend Ayala’s access to prime sites in mixed-use developments with Spinneys’ expertise in premium fresh food retailing. The Philippine market, with its expanding middle and upper-income classes, is seeing rising demand for modern, high-quality retail experiences, making it a strategic entry point for the brand.

Spinneys currently operates over 80 outlets across the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia (including Waitrose stores), and has become synonymous with quality produce. Its 2024 IPO on the Dubai Financial Market raised Dhs1.4bn, fuelling an expansion drive that now stretches beyond the Gulf.


Original Article: From Dubai to Manila: Spinneys to launch Philippines stores in 2026

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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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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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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

Follow us on our social media accounts! Facebook , IG , LinkedIn

 

 

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