MANILA, Philippines — The SM group, through SM Markets, is set to open 10 to 15 new stores this year outside Metro Manila to provide provinces with better access to a modern grocery shopping experience, serving the essential needs of Filipino communities in underserved areas.
With the addition of these stores, SM Markets will reach more than 350 stores nationwide this year, with over 70 percent located outside the National Capital Region (NCR).
This regional expansion aligns with SM Markets’ commitment to reaching more customers by bringing quality, affordable products, and excellent service closer to more Filipino homes.
The new grocery stores will offer more options for local communities and support homegrown MSMEs by providing opportunities to showcase their products on the shelves and in weekend markets.
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SM Markets, the umbrella brand for SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore Market, is set to open three stores in the first half of the year in Mati (Davao Oriental), Marilao (Bulacan), and Naujan (Mindoro). The first half has already seen the opening of Savemore Siniloan (Laguna), Savemore Pantukan (Davao de Oro), Savemore Hotel Supreme (Baguio), and SM Supermarket Caloocan.
Store network expansion
“Service is at the heart of everything we do. As we grow, we see an opportunity to enhance lives by providing quality food and excellent service across the nation. From fresh produce to pantry staples, we aim to ensure families have access to their daily essentials,” SM Supermarket President Jojo Tagbo said.
To date, SM Markets has 66 Supermarkets, 54 Hypermarkets, and 223 Savemore stores. This continues the expansion of SM Markets’ geographical reach from 2023, when it opened 12 stores in various areas of the country, including Iloilo, Bataan, Leyte, and General Santos. Among these new additions were two SM Cherry branches in Aklan and Rizal, further solidifying SM Markets’ presence in key areas.
Since the first SM Supermarket opened in SM Makati in 1985, SM Markets has consistently evolved to meet customer demands, including bringing the same shopping experience closer to customers’ homes.