SM Markets, SM Group's chain of supermarkets, is set to open seven more branches in Metro Manila and in the provinces in a bid to continue serving emerging communities.

SM Markets' brands, namely SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore, will be sprouting in Air Residences Makati, DECA Marilao, Tanza, EB Town Center in San Jose Del Monte, Sorsogon, Tuguegarao, and Taytay this year, adding to its 330 branches as of October 2022.

"We aim to fill the need for better food shopping in developing communities. The rising incomes outside the National Capital Region is a welcome factor in terms of growth in the provinces," Jojo R. Tagbo, SM Supermarket president, said.

"We continue to expand and maintain our optimism on growth. Regardless of economic circumstances, our approach has always been to have a breadth of offerings that fits all wallet sizes," Tagbo added.

The opening of more branches coincides with the uptick in consumer spending with the upcoming holidays and ongoing face-to-face classes.

SM Markets said it had seen an improvement in sales for fresh products, snacks, beverages, and other school-related commodities this year.

"We are optimistic about the consistency of consumer spending. The return of face-to-face classes and the holiday season will push the business in the coming months," said Tagbo.

The supermarket is enhancing its assortment of products to serve customers' evolving preferences better and to complement physical store expansion.

It also continues to support micro, small, and medium enterprises to boost the local economy by adding their products on pasalubong aisles on grocery shelves and prominently through its popular weekend markets that showcase unique local products.

SM Markets has expanded its imported offerings to include brands such as Coles from Australia and El Corte Ingles from Spain, adding to already existing brands Iceland and Kirkland.