Grocery retailer Puregold Price Club Inc. is making headway on its nearly ₱2-billion goal of building 30 new Puregold stores, marked by the opening of its first branch in Zamboanga del Norte.

In a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Lucio Co-led company said it has opened its 17th new store this year in Sindangan town, Zamboanga del Norte, which has seen consistent economic growth in recent years.

Puregold’s expansion plan this year is focused on bringing the grocery chain’s brand of affordability and quality to more rural areas.

The company said this would support micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) such as sari-sari stores and food stalls, which are the backbone of local economies.

“We are proud to mark our presence in Zamboanga del Norte, where we see tremendous potential for growth,” said Puregold President and CEO Ferdinand Vincent Co.

“More than becoming another retail player in the area, our brand has the unique opportunity to play a key role in accelerating the development of its MSME sector,” he added.

With the province’s first Puregold store, local entrepreneurs can now access its “Tindahan ni Aling Puring” program, which provides MSMEs free training and seminars, alongside access to financial institutions and competitively priced goods.

“We believe that when small businesses thrive, the entire community benefits. This is our vision for Sindangan and all other new locations where we will open our doors this year,” said Co.

Currently, Puregold has over 500 branches nationwide.

It has allocated a total funding of ₱1.9 billion for store expansions this year, with the target of at least 30 branches.

As of writing, eight more stores are scheduled to open this year.

Based on its latest financial report, Puregold recorded a net income of ₱2.64 billion in the first quarter of the year, seven percent higher than ₱2.48 billion during the same period in 2024.