SM Markets to open 15 new stores

MANILA, Philippines — The Sy family’s SM Group is adding as many as 15 stores under its umbrella brand SM Markets this year in a bid to reach more communities across the country.

SM Markets, whose brands include SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore, is looking at opening 10 to 15 new stores this year.

The expansion seeks to provide provincial regions better access to a modern grocery shopping experience and to serve essential needs of Filipino communities to underserved areas.

The addition will bring SM Markets’ network to over 350 stores nationwide this year, of which over 70 percent of new stores are outside the National Capital Region.

“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 and discoveries, we aim to ensure families have access to their daily essentials,” SM Supermarket president Jojo Tagbo said.

SM Markets has 66 supermarkets, 54 hypermarkets and 223 Savemore stores.

In 2023, it opened 12 stores in various areas in the country including Iloilo, Bataan, Leyte and General Santos.

The three brands within SM Markets cater to distinct Filipino needs.

SM Supermarket offers a diverse range of food items within SM malls, while SM Hypermarket combines the convenience of a supermarket and a department store.

Savemore, on the other hand, provides convenient grocery essentials for all, being readily accessible to communities nationwide.

SM Markets’ regional expansion is aligned with the company’s commitment to reach more customers by bringing quality, affordable products and exceptional service closer to more Filipino homes.

The company said the new grocery stores would introduce more options for local communities and at the same time, support homegrown MSMEs by providing opportunities to showcase their products on the shelves and weekend markets.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores.