Watsons to expand community pharmacy format

MANILA, Philippines — Leading health and beauty retail brand Watsons Philippines is looking to bring its community pharmacy format to more local neighborhoods to ensure better accessibility and convenience for customers.

In a statement, Watsons Philippines customer director Jared de Guzman emphasized the brand’s focus on community pharmacies.

“Watsons is not only expanding in malls but is also committed to establishing a strong presence in local neighborhoods,” De Guzman said.

“By the end of 2024, we have 400 community stores throughout the Philippines, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our customers,” he added.

Watsons opened its first community pharmacy in 2015 with its first store in Pateros.

De Guzman highlighted the significance of these community pharmacies as a growth driver for the brand.

“Our community stores bring essential health care products closer to home, catering to the convenience our busy shoppers seek. They have become vital destinations for health, beauty and wellness needs,” De Guzman said.

The health and beauty retail brand under the SM Group currently operates in three formats: Watsons Pharmacy, with more than 1,000 locations in various settings; SM Beauty in 76 SM Stores and LOOK, a multi-brand outlet at SM Aura and SM Mall of Asia.

Watsons closed 2024 with 1,166 stores, as part of its strategic expansion.

A total of 80 new stores were opened last year, with more than 50 outside Metro Manila.

The company highlighted that last year’s new store openings include key cities and municipalities in Visayas and Mindanao, reflecting the brand’s commitment to reaching communities in need.

The Watsons brand also opened its 8,000th store in Asia at the Mall of Asia last year, led by Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group.

Ngai emphasized that opening the 8,000th store marks a significant milestone in their global expansion.

“The Philippines has been selected for this momentous occasion because it’s one of the fastest-rising economies in Asia and a strategic market for AS Watson. This vibrant and highly potential market has a young demographic that increasingly focuses on health and beauty, aligning perfectly with Watsons’ expertise,” Ngai said.

Since its first store opened in 2002, Watsons Philippines has grown significantly through a joint venture between the SM Group and Hong Kong-based A.S. Watson & Co. Ltd.