How Mall Culture Moved to the Center of Philippine Life

The Philippines, a country known for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, has seen a significant shift in its social and economic landscape over the past few decades. One of the most notable changes is the rise of mall culture, which has moved to the center of Philippine life. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s tropical climate, urbanization, and the multifunctional nature of malls.

Historical Context and Evolution

The concept of malls in the Philippines began to take shape in the 1970s with the establishment of Ali Mall, the country’s first major shopping mall. Over the years, malls have evolved from simple shopping centers to multifunctional spaces that cater to a wide range of needs. Today, malls are not just places to shop; they are community hubs where people gather, socialize, and access various services.

Climate and Convenience

One of the primary reasons for the popularity of malls in the Philippines is the country’s tropical climate. With temperatures often soaring and the rainy season bringing heavy downpours, malls provide a comfortable, air-conditioned environment where people can escape the heat and rain. This convenience has made malls an attractive destination for Filipinos looking to spend their leisure time in a comfortable setting.

Urbanization and Accessibility

As the Philippines has urbanized, the development of malls has kept pace with the growing population in cities. Malls are strategically located in urban centers, making them easily accessible to a large number of people. This accessibility has made malls a central part of daily life for many Filipinos, who visit them not only for shopping but also for dining, entertainment, and even accessing government services.

Multifunctional Spaces

Modern malls in the Philippines are designed to be all-in-one destinations. They house a variety of establishments, including supermarkets, restaurants, cinemas, gyms, medical clinics, and even government offices. This multifunctionality makes malls a convenient place for people to accomplish multiple tasks in one trip. For instance, a person can shop for groceries, pay bills, watch a movie, and have a meal, all without leaving the mall.

Social and Cultural Hub

Malls have also become important social and cultural hubs in the Philippines. They host events, concerts, and exhibitions, providing a space for community engagement and cultural expression. Additionally, many malls hold Catholic masses on Sundays, further integrating them into the social fabric of Filipino life. This role as a community center has strengthened the bond between malls and the people who frequent them.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of malls in the Philippines cannot be overstated. They provide employment opportunities for thousands of people and contribute significantly to the local economy. According to data provided by the Philippine Retailers Association, shopping malls account for about 15% of the country's GNP and 33% of the entire services sector. The presence of malls has also spurred the growth of surrounding businesses, creating a ripple effect that benefits the broader community.

Conclusion

The rise of mall culture in the Philippines is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of Filipino society. Malls have become more than just shopping centers; they are integral parts of daily life, providing comfort, convenience, and a sense of community. As the country continues to develop, it is likely that malls will remain central to the social and economic landscape of the Philippines.

Source: ZRE

MerryMart opens largest standalone store

The MerryMart Group of tycoon Edgar “Injap” Sia II  has opened in Tarlac its largest standalone grocery, marking the 135th branch of its supermarket, with expansion in eight more on the line.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, MerryMart said it opened a supermarket in Ayala Cresendo Estate in Tarlac, sprawled on 4,032 square meters of land to make it the biggest of its kind.

The newest branch also provides the group with its 135th outlet, as it aims to grow its grocery network in the provinces.

MerryMart plans to open supermarkets in Antique; Palo, Leyte; San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; and Bay, Laguna. Further, it aims its reach to cover Koronadal City, General Trias, Cavite; Ormoc City; and Ozamiz City.

Among its current network, MerryMart enjoys the largest market share in Capiz. On top of this, it is gaining consumer traction in nearby areas, positioning it to compete with leading players.

Aside from widening its footprint, MerryMart said it is always on the hunt for companies to buy for as long as they support its future growth.

“MerryMart continues its organic expansion and continues to be on the lookout for opportunities in acquiring companies in the consumer space that have strategic fit to its long-term growth,” the company said.

The newest MerryMart branch, initially slated to be opened in July, is equipped with sustainable equipment like roof solar panels, LED lighting fixtures, bicycle slots and charging provisions for electric vehicles.

MerryMart is undertaking a group-wide expansion to achieve its target of raising P150 billion in revenue in 2030. Originally, the goal was placed at just P120 billion, but the company adjusted it earlier this year.

As of 2023, MerryMart operates 126 stores nationwide. Its portfolio is composed of MerryMart Grocery, MerryMart Express and MerryMart Wholesale, together with other ventures, including Injap Supermart, M Supplies and Carlos SuperDrug.

The company may be reliant on its brick-and-mortar format, but it is also penetrating the digital space through an app launched by MerryMart Wholesale.

For 2024, MerryMart expects its e-commerce channel to grow to 500,000 users and carry 15,000 products for businesses and households.

Source: Philstar

97% of Filipinos buying healthy

The majority of Filipino shoppers prefer purchasing healthy grocery items due to prioritizing their families’ health and personal peace of mind, Kantar, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company, reported.

“Nearly all Filipinos believe in the importance of focusing on one’s health and appreciate the value in choosing healthy grocery items for themselves and their families,” Kantar Philippines Worldpanel Division Managing Director Marie-Anne Lezoraine said during the virtual briefing for the results of the report.

However, Lezoraine highlighted that the motivations and influencing factors of consumers' shopping habits vary based on their location, “as the availability of these products becomes a challenge.”

Kantar’s “Wealth in Health” study revealed that nearly all or 99 percent of Filipinos consider remaining healthy as important, with 97 percent of respondents recognizing the value of buying healthy grocery items for their homes.

Data gathered by Kantar from almost 1,200 respondents from February to April 2023, also showed that 91 percent of them said that keeping their family healthy is the reason why they choose to purchase healthy grocery items, while 90 percent of them said that it is for their personal peace of mind.

In addition, only 72 percent of shoppers are actually buying healthy grocery items consistently, with residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) purchasing healthy food options more frequently at 84 percent, compared to those located in Mindanao at 55 percent, according to the report.

Meanwhile, the socioeconomic stature of Filipinos does not seem to make a big impact on their consistency in purchasing healthy grocery items with 77 percent of the upper class (ABC) buying often, followed closely by class D at 70 percent, and class E at 75 percent.

This pilot study provides valuable insights on what brands must do in order to leverage the desire of nearly all Filipinos to choose healthy grocery items, according to Kantar.

When it comes to their definition of healthy grocery items, one of the top five  product characteristics Filipino shoppers look for from brands is healthy ingredients, the report indicated.

Availability in most stores is also one of the key considerations in being able to consistently choose healthy grocery items as part of their shopping basket.

“Filipino shoppers have expressed their desire to choose healthy and to buy healthy. Knowing why health is important and how shoppers define healthy grocery items will help brands develop or expand product lines to cater to these motivations and shopping practices, especially with the coming New Year when Filipinos plan their resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle,” Lezoraine added.

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Source: Manila Bulletin