SM Markets, the retail grocery arm of the SM Group’s SM Retail, is planning to open 10 to 15 new stores outside Metro Manila this year to provide for the essential needs of Filipino communities in underserved areas in the provinces.
“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,” the firm said.
The umbrella brand for SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore Market, SM Markets is set to open three stores in the first half of the year in Mati (Davao Oriental), Marilao (Bulacan), and Naujan (Mindoro).
Earlier in the first half saw the opening of Savemore Siniloan (Laguna), Savemore Pantukan (Davao de Oro), Savemore Hotel Supreme (Baguio), and SM Supermarket Caloocan.
With the addition of these stores, SM Investments Corporation said SM Markets will reach over 350 stores nationwide this year, of which over 70 percent are outside the National Capital Region (NCR).
“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 firm said.
It added that “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.”
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.
The three brands within SM Markets—SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore—cater to distinct Filipino needs.
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. Savemore, on the other hand, 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 consistently evolved to meet customer demands, including bringing the same shopping experience closer to customers' homes.