Makro opens 15th store in Mandaluyong

Pilipinas Makro has opened its 15th store in Mandaluyong as part of its P2 billion investment for 2005 and 2006.

Makro is slated to put up five more stores in the provinces. Makro spends between P250 million to P300 million for each branch.

Makro envisions over 20 stores nationwide with strategic locations to cover all major areas of distribution.

Makro’s 15 branches are located in Cainta, Rizal; Imus, Cavite; Novaliches and Cubao in Quezon City; Sucat, Muntinlupa; Las Pinas; North Harbor in Manila; Makati, Mandaluyong, Cebu; Davao; Pampanga; Batangas; Cagayan de Oro and Iloilo.

Pilipinas Makro president and managing director Bunny Khurana had previously said that Makro, with its strong market share of small retailers, caterers and professionals in the service sector, is committed to maintaining the important role its plays in filling in the gaps in a manufacturer’s distribution network.

Khurana said that the company is able to survive the economic slump by leveraging its buying power and efficiencies to provide a cost effective distribution channel.

Thus, the challenge, Khurana said, is "to keep this efficiency advantage by constantly coming up with improvements in our concept and operation."

Makro is a subsidiary of SHV of the Netherlands. It is a high-volume, low-cost, low-price, no frills, cash and carry wholesaler.

Makro first entered the Philippine market in 1996 as a joint venture between SM Prime Holdings of the Sy Group.

It employs 350 people.

Makro offers varying pack sizes addressing a specific needs.

It offers big packs for wholesalers who buy in bulk, downsized packs for the sari-sari store owners who have limited capital and small packs for end users for personal consumption.

Makro membership is free.