The pandemic has made 98 percent of Pinoys adopt healthier lifestyle habits

And mental health issues have been pushed to the front


At a glance

  • ‘A lot of our customers are moving to mindfulness and they are seeing a lot of sleep-related issues. We are seeing a higher basket size for sleep-related products, immune-boosting supplements, and beauty items, especially cosmetics, fragrance, and skincare.’


4271630.jpg

The consumer trend reports are in: This country’s Gen Z, with respondents from 18 to 24 years old, say that their health concerns are related to sleep, migraines, allergies, asthma, and the their skin—but that mental health issues are also at the forefront.


The GWI Consumer Trends Report 2022 also shows that Filipinos are now more mindful about their health because of the pandemic. Based on a survey, most Philippine-based respondents (98 percent) have adopted healthier lifestyle habits, while more than half (68 percent) have found ways to be more physically healthy. A developing trend in the mental health segment has been observed, with many Filipinos (63 percent) expressing the belief that it is one of the most critical issues for 2023. 


“A lot of our customers are moving to mindfulness and they are seeing a lot of sleep-related issues. We are seeing a higher basket size for sleep-related products, immune-boosting supplements, and beauty items, especially cosmetics, fragrance, and skincare,” says Jared de Guzman, Watsons’ customer director.


Watsons sees itself as the Filipino’s health partner, leveraging its comprehensive network and vast resources to deliver data-driven insights on health and wellness. It wants to reach out to the 38 percent of Filipinos who consider the cost of treatment as the biggest hindrance to seeking help. 
More than 20 years ago, Watsons, the world’s biggest health retailer, partnered with SM Prime Holdings, the country’s leading shopping developer, with the Sys bringing in the first Watsons store at SM Megamall and The Podium. Today, it operates more than 1,000 stores in the country, with 250,000 Filipinos coming in every day.


The company makes vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter or prescription medicines, personal care products, and other essentials more accessible in its network of 1,000+ stores in the Philippines with its own brand products. You can also use their app to make purchases, speak with a physician for telehealth consultations, and schedule our vaccinations.


At the Watsons Health Hub, you can even do laboratory and diagnostic tests. The company has tried to make it convenient for its customers as it has a Click-and-Collect service, which allows them to pick up their purchases at their preferred Watsons store. Another option is Call and Delivery, where they can get their orders delivered directly to their doorstep within 24 hours.


It has also added online content to help educate consumers. These include practical tips, step-by-step guides, and demonstrations on various health and beauty topics, expert advice and recommendations from professionals, and even TikTok trends that convey messages of self-confidence and self-love.


Some of the health company’s highlight content of the year are the Kwentong Pharmacists Series, Watsons Health videos, and event activations like Race for Wellness and Vaxx Office Hits. But in its TikTok and YouTube channels, you can regularly see health tips, thanks to the Ask Your Watsons Pharmacist, Ask Your Watsons Beauty Bestie, and Let’s Talk Wellness videos.