Gaisano-led Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) is planning to open a total of 14 Generika Drugstores within its Metro Retail stores as part of its strategy of boosting revenues through synergies with partners.

In the first quarter this year, the firm said it launched the pilot rollout of Generika Drugstore within select Metro Retail locations as it continues to enhance its in-store ecosystem through strategic partnerships.

The drugstores will further strengthen its strategy of integrating essential services into its retail network. The first two pilot stores are in Ayala Feliz and Tagaytay, while MRSGI plans to open a dozen more by the end of the year consisting of four in CALABARZON and eight in the Visayas.

MRSGI's partnership with Generika enables customers to address both their household and health needs in one place. By integrating healthcare access into its existing network of supermarkets, department stores, and hypermarkets, MRSGI is evolving the in-store experience to better respond to the everyday realities of the communities it serves.

Meanwhile, MRSGI reported a 92.5 percent surge in consolidated net income to ₱25.8 million for the first quarter of 2026, supported by a 5.4 percent improvement in consolidated net sales to ₱9.38 billion.

“MRSGI delivered a steady start to 2026, supported by continued sales growth and improved margins across our core categories,” said MRSGI President and COO Joselito G. Orense.

He noted that, “During the quarter, we continued to strengthen our network in key growth areas, while managing costs and improving operational efficiency. These results reflect the sustained efforts of our teams on the ground as we build scale and expand our reach nationwide.”

All of the company’s major segments saw gains reflecting steady demand across core categories, with food retail remaining the primary driver (up 6.3 percent), followed by general merchandise (growing 2.5 percent). Same-store sales also recorded steady growth of 2.9 percent.

Gross margin improved to 21.7 percent from 21.3 percent in the same period last year, driven by favorable category mix and stronger performance in the food retail segment.

Operating expenses increased by 6.6 percent to ₱2.15 billion, mainly attributed to costs related to store expansion, network scaling, and the continued ramp-up of newly opened and renovated stores. As a result, EBITDA rose 14.9 percent to ₱474.7 million. (James A. Loyola)