Metro Retail to open more stores in Visayas this year

CEBU, Philippines —  Metro Retail Stores Group Inc., (MRSGI), the operator of Metro Supermarket chain announced to open more stores in Cebu and other parts of the Visayas this year, banking on bullish economic outlook post-pandemic.

Manuel Alberto, president and chief operating officer of the Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI), said that the company is optimistic that the pandemic is already behind us as the economy is starting to recuperate and the Metro Group taking this opportunity to expand its store network.”

While, Metro Retail is expanding its brick and mortar network, it is also building up its strength in the online channel, such as developing an online app; establishing personalize shopping platform and setting up a one-number call system.

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.

Metro Retail Stores Group opened last April 8, 2022 its 62nd Metro Supermarket at the Paseo Arcenas, in Banawa.

The opening of the 2,668 square meters Metro Supermarket signals the company’s aggressive stance in investing money on more stores, particularly within Metro Cebu area.

While Cebu is the priority site for expansion this year, the group is also opening a new supermarket in Leyte this month, and constantly looking at fertile areas for more new stores moving forward.

Negros also offers good opportunity for expansion, Alberto added. At present, Metro Retail operates three supermarkets across Negros.

“We feel where opportunity is more in supermarket [business],” he said explaining further that opening a general merchandize store or the department store type depends on the feasibility of a location.