Watson eyes rural expansion

Watsons Philippines, a health and beauty retail brand under the SM Group, plans to expand its presence in rural areas after it opened 400 community pharmacies last year.

Watsons Customer Director Jared de Guzman said on Thursday that the move aims to make healthcare more accessible to Filipinos. 

“Watsons is not only expanding in malls but is also committed to establishing a strong presence in local neighborhoods. Our community stores bring essential healthcare products closer to home, catering to the convenience sought by our busy shoppers. They have become vital destinations for health, beauty, and wellness needs,” he said. 

The company closed in 2024 with 1,166 stores, including 80 new locations, more than 50 of which are outside Metro Manila.  Watsons also opened its 8,000th store in Asia at the Mall of Asia last year.

SM as partner

Since launching its first store in 2002 through a joint venture between SM Group and Hong Kong-based A.S. Watson & Co. Ltd., the brand has expanded significantly, now operating in three formats: Watsons Pharmacy, SM Beauty and LOOK. 

Watsons’ community pharmacy initiative, which began in 2015 with its first store in Pateros, reflects its commitment to providing convenience and essential healthcare products in local neighborhoods.

A recent Bain and Company study highlights the region’s growing emphasis on healthcare, with 85 percent of Asia-Pacific consumers prioritizing health maintenance and 51 percent willing to increase out-of-pocket spending for improved outcomes.