The moment I stepped into SM Makati’s beauty section, the familiar mix of fragrances filled the air–a blend of florals, musk, and something that just says luxury. It instantly gave me that little spark of joy that only retail therapy can bring. It reminded me how retail therapy isn’t just about buying things, it’s about how it makes you feel.

The space itself feels like a sanctuary for the senses. The soft glow from the lighting, the sleep interiors, and the way every product was laid out just right and it was the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of shopping.

And then, like clockwork, Hannah–my SM Store Personal Shopper–appeared with her warm smile and a cheerful “Good afternoon!” It’s that personal touch that makes me love coming back to SM Makati. Someone who listens, helps me find what I need, and makes sure I get the best deals.

The SM Store Personal Shopper is a service that everyone can use–no membership, no minimum spend required. What I love most is that it’s not an app, not a chatbot, but a real person from SM Store who shops with you or for you. Whether you send your list through Viber, call, or drop by the store, your personal shopper makes the entire process seamless.

But what sets the service apart is the human touch and connection. There’s comfort in knowing that my personal shopper doesn’t just fill requests, she anticipates them. She remembers my preferences, gives smart suggestions, and even updates me about upcoming promos, sales, and new arrivals. It’s like having a friend inside SM Store who makes sure I never miss out.

Need to pay from home? They can even bring a card terminal for you. They’ll also keep you updated on upcoming promos, sales, and even wrap gifts beautifully if you’re sending them to loved ones. Exchanges and returns? Consider them handled.

I was in the middle of packing for a business trip to Singapore for a world news conference, just days after coming home from a two-week European vacation. My suitcase was barely unpacked, and my schedule was already filled with meetings and deadlines. The last thing I wanted was to rush through a long shopping list.

This is where having my own SM Store Personal Shopper makes all the difference. I sent Hannah a message about what I needed, and by the time I arrived, she already had a mental list and a plan. From Lonio outlet adaptors at the electronics area to Hays luggage organizes and a Tefal travel steamer, she didn’t just find what I asked for, she also showed me other great options I wouldn't have thought of.

That’s the charm of having your own shopper: They anticipate, suggest, and make sure you leave with exactly what you need (or sometimes, something even better). For busy people or those constantly on the move, this level of service is priceless. You save time, make smarter choices, and still enjoy the pleasure of browsing–with someone who knows the store inside out guiding you every step of the way.

With the holidays around the corner–and my usual plan to avoid the Christmas rush–I told Hannah I wanted to start gift shopping early. I needed ideas for my sister who loves beauty products she can pack for work or travel, my brother-in-law who cooks during family gatherings, my brother who collects perfumes, and my dad who’s currently updating his bedroom.

In minutes, Hannah curated thoughtful suggestions: plush bedding from Mr. Big at SM Home, perfume sets from YSL, Prada, and Burberry at SM Beauty, and cookware from Kitchen Aid and Tefal. She practically turned the entire SM Store into a well-mapped shopping experience–efficient, organized, and stress-free.

If you’re like me, someone who loves shopping but also values time and good service, the SM Store Personal Shopper is your new best friend.