SM Markets’ expansion blitz focuses on regions

SM Markets, the SM Group's umbrella brand for SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore, will open seven more stores, mostly in developing regions to spur rural progress.

The new malls open in Air Residences Makati, DECA Marilao, Tanza, EB Town Center in San Jose Del Monte, Sorsogon, Tuguegarao and Taytay that are all slated to start operations before the end of the year. As of October 2022, SM Markets has a total store count of 330.

"We are targeting 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," SM Supermarket President Jojo Tagbo said.

Full confidence on economy

"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 said.

Consumer spending is also expected to get a boost from the holidays and ongoing face-to-face classes. Already, SM Markets has seen an improvement in sales for fresh products, snacks, beverages and other school-related commodities as of year to date.

"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," Tagbo added.

It is enhancing its assortment to better serve customers' evolving preferences to complement physical store expansion.

It continues to support MSMEs to boost the local economy by adding their products on the pasalubong or locally-made aisles on grocery shelves and prominently through its popular weekend markets to showcase their unique products.

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

It introduced more options to the community to access essential products. It launched its online shopping platform accessible via shopsm.com/groceries, a natural complement to the business.

Golden Xmas journey

Visitors, mallgoers and the general public, meanwhile, are invited to experience a Christmas spectacle at an SM Aura Premier resplendent in shades of gold, an immersive tunnel display, and a light show overlooking Bonifacio Global City.

As Christmas draws near, shoppers and visitors to SM Aura will be welcomed by brightly lit archways, hundreds of golden Christmas baubles, crystal chandeliers, pearlescent orbs and curtains of light at the high-end mall's façade and entryways.

The grandest sight of all is the yearly awaited Christmas tree centerpiece at SM Aura Premier's Upper Ground Level Atrium.

Measuring more than 30-feet high, the lavishly decorated tree is accompanied by equally larger-than-life embellished structures, Broadway lights that spell out "Holidays at Aura," two life-size giraffes, and sprawling swirls of nearly a thousand gold and silver Christmas balls.