Malls and stores are amassing an influx of customers as Christmas draws near. However, shopping preferences have shifted over the years with 83 percent of Filipinos saying they prefer purchasing from brands that offer eco-friendly options, according to a Pulse Asia survey released early 2023. 

Catering to these renewed green preferences does not only involve sustainable practices and results, but also providing reasonable costs. Data from leading insights and consulting firm Kantar’s 2020 report indicated that 74 percent of Filipino households were willing to invest and support eco-friendly brands, however 55 percent of Filipinos also found difficulty in achieving a green lifestyle due to inaccessible and expensive products.

SM Green Finds is SM Retail’s collective response to the environmental costs of the retail industry. Kantar’s 2020 report also indicated that 36 percent of Filipino households believe that manufacturers and retailers can make a huge difference in the country’s efforts to protect and conserve the environment, as well as be leaders in providing sustainable alternatives that are available for all, and have more affordable options for lower-income households.

As the largest retail brand with over 75 stores across the country, SM Store is committed to fostering consumer markets that will facilitate eco-conscious shopping and green living for Filipinos, as well as provide a platform to promote and sell green products at affordable rates. 

Launched in 2022, SM Green Finds initially piloted the program, essentially featuring products from only five retail affiliates in five premiere stores. Since its maiden launch, SM Green Finds has been able to scale offering green products within the selling pads of each of the respective departments and retail affiliates within SM Stores across the country. This year’s rollout featured over 16,000 unique products from 16 participating retail affiliates and business units.

Through the program, SM Store remains a market leader and a one stop shop for sustainable living for all kinds of green finds for consumers of varying income and age levels.

SM Home as an example offers decorative and sustainable home organizers such as buri hampers (P1199-P1499). For a festive yet eco-friendly home fragrance, SM Home offers a collection of home fragrance products such as room sprays, scented candles and diffusers made by a social enterprise called Bright Ideas. The room sprays are ideal for gifting or for your own use during the holidays, when reunions and gatherings happen at home (P499.00). The candles come in a wide array of scents (P299.75), while the reed diffusers are conveniently pre-packaged in gift boxes (P799.00). 

“We look at our current assortment and check if there are items that we can source that are made by socially responsible companies or made from sustainable materials. Then each product’s quality is checked and aligned if these are sustainably-made or eco-friendly, made of recycled materials, utilized zero packaging or practices methods for low-waste production. We also make sure that despite it being sustainable it still gives value for money for our customers.” Said Janice Yang, SM Home Business Head.

Kultura, which can also be found inside SM Stores, offers a wide array and well-curated selection of sustainable and handcrafted gift items by local artisans like the Bankuan Sawali Sling Bags with Crocheted Lemons (P999), Abaca Slippers with Canvas Straps (P499), Bamboo Tumblers (P599), and Bamboo Dining Utensils Flasks (P349).  “By integrating green products into their merchandise mix, brands can position themselves as innovative and responsible retailers that are ready to serve discerning and eco-conscious Filipino shoppers,” said Kultura Operations Head, Sheila Tan. “We also share stories behind our eco-friendly products and highlight their unique features as we aim to educate customers about the benefits of making green choices,” she said.

Customers can also purchase green gift wrapping and packaging such as packs of Kraft bags (P109-P179), corrugated boxes e-flute (P79-P119), resealable bags (P99), eco jute bags (P129-P249), and non-woven reusable sando bags (P100) at Supplies Station Inc (SSI) found inside SM Stores. “We make sure that SM store offers a wide variety of giftwrapping materials for the creative and eco conscious customers”, said Jessalyn Uy, Business Unit Head for Supplies Station Inc. 

Through SM Green Finds, Filipinos can begin purchasing and sharing green gifts this Christmas season and beyond, towards achieving greener lifestyles for all.