SM to open more grocery stores–exec

THE SM Group is set to open 10 to 15 new grocery stores this year, all of which will be built in the provinces, the company said.

SM Markets, the umbrella brand for its grocery stores, will reach over 350 stores nationwide this year. Over 70 percent of these stores are outside the National Capital Region.

“Service is at the heart of everything we do. As we grow, we see an opportunity to enhance lives by providing quality food and excellent service across the nation. From fresh produce to pantry staples and discoveries, we aim to ensure families have access to their daily essentials,” SM Supermarket President Jojo Tagbo said.

This regional expansion is aligned with SM Markets commitment to reach more customers by bringing quality, affordable products and exceptional service closer to more Filipino homes, the company said.

The new grocery stores will introduce more options for local communities and at the same time, support homegrown MSMES by providing opportunities to showcase their products on the shelves and weekend markets, the company said.

SM Markets holds the brands such as SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore Market.

It is set to open three stores in the first half of the year in Mati in Davao Oriental, Marilao in Bulacan and Naujan in Mindoro.

The first half saw the opening of Savemores brand in Siniloan in Laguna, Pantukan in Davao de Oro, Hotel Supreme in Baguio and SM Supermarket Caloocan.

To date, SM Markets has 66 supermarkets, 54 hypermarkets and 223 Savemore stores. This continues the expansion of the geographical reach of SM Markets from 2023 when it opened 12 stores in various areas in the country including Iloilo, Bataan, Leyte, and General Santos. Among these new additions were two SM Cherry branches in Aklan and Rizal, further solidifying SM Markets’ presence in key areas.

SM Supermarket offers a diverse range of food items within SM malls, while SM Hypermarket combines the convenience of a supermarket and a department store. The company said Savemore provides convenient grocery essentials for all, being readily accessible to communities nationwide.

Since the first SM Supermarket opened its doors in SM Makati in 1985, SM Markets has evolved to meet customer demands, including bringing the same shopping experience closer to customers’ homes, the company said.