Reopens 3 years after fire: Metro Ayala transitions to omni-channel retailing

CEBU, Philippines —  Metro Gaisano in Ayala Center Cebu finally reopens after it was hit by fire three years ago.

The reopening of the seven-storey department store and supermarket last January 29, 2021, is a testament to the unfaltering confidence on brick-and-mortar retailing, which is believed to have been greatly affected by online shopping during the lockdowns, this according to Manuel Alberto, president and chief operating officer of the Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI).

In a press conference, Alberto expressed optimism of the sustaining lifespan of physical retailing, saying engaging with customers through physical retail is still an important factor for the group’s post-pandemic strategy.

The publicly-listed Cebu-grown retail giant also announces its plan to open more stores this year, as well as expanding its presence online.

While the brick-and-mortar retail format continues to be its bread and butter, Alberto said online retail platform is also rising fast. Thus, the group is implementing omni-channel strategy, which is a combination of offline and online presence.

“What we are creating now is an omni-channel experience. Our vision is to make a seamless experience for customers between our offline and online platforms. But offline will still dominate,” explained Alberto adding that developing the right assortment of goods and launching of its shopping website, partnering with online retailers and shops are just few of the changes the group has introduced to catch up with the changing lifestyle and preferences of consumers during and after pandemic.

MRSGI will also launch its own mobile destination soon. By February, Metro stores and supermarkets will go live in Lazada.

“The importance of online has increased because of the pandemic. We will continue to invest in online platforms,” added Alberto.

This year 2021 and beyond, more Metro Gaisano stores will be opened in underserved areas, with its re-imagined compact department stores concept and more supermarkets particularly in the countryside.

“We will be opening a lot of stores this year still. We are focusing on opening supermarkets. We are focusing on underserved countryside markets. We are also opening our re-imagined compact department stores as well. (So) you can expect more Metro stores in 2021,” added Alberto.