S&R’s strategic locations bode well for company

MANILA, Philippines — Lucio Co-owned S&R Membership Shopping (S&R) said it was able to capture key markets in three of Ayala Land Inc.’s master-planned estates during the pandemic.

S&R president Anthony Sy said that while the year has brought challenges as a result of COVID-19, the company has realized the returns of investing in strategic locations that ensured the constant flow of people who buy their goods.

“Location has always been a main priority for us when picking a new spot for our branches. This year, we discovered how this factor really makes a difference in any business’s operational success,” Sy said.

Three of S&R’s branches are located in Ayala Land Inc.’s (ALI) master-planned estates, Bonifacio Global City, Nuvali, and Circuit Makati.

According to Colliers, supermarket retailers like S&R receive the bulk of the public’s spending capacity as individuals and families focus on buying medicines, groceries, and food and beverage over other items or luxuries during this pandemic.

Moving forward, S&R is seen benefiting from stronger product demand and foot traffic from their stores’ strategic placements.

Ayala Land Estates assistant vice president Cris Zuluaga for his part said S&R’s presence in ALI estates enhances the livability and convenience for their buyers.

“Our partnership with S&R greatly benefits the public because we are able to provide a diverse and integrated lifestyle experience that accounts for their every need, especially at a time when convenience and accessibility are big considerations for many,” Zuluaga said.

S&R’s stores in ALI estates also align with the expected next phase of development arising from the pandemic as observed by Leechiu Property Consultants.

According to the property consultancy firm, there will be a surge in movement of people and businesses from Manila to the periphery in light of density issues brought to fore by COVID-19.

“Our mixed-use developments outside of Metro Manila such as Altaraza, Vermosa, Nuvali, Alviera and Cresendo all offer new possibilities for investors and locators who want to take advantage of being first movers in new and strategic locations,” Ayala Land Estates’ Zuluaga said.

He said real estate is still the best investment even at this time, especially when considering the capital appreciation expected from integrated mixed-use developments.

At present, ALI has 29 sustainable estates and is present in 57 growth areas nationwide. It has five residential brands, namely Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, Avida, Amaia, and BellaVita, which deliver quality homes to a broad segment of the housing market. Its commercial development and leasing portfolio are composed of Ayala Malls, Ayala Land Offices, and Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp.