Big Supermarkets See Ample Room for Growth Outside Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines – Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) opened its first supermarket in the tourist town of Panglao, Bohol province, on September 4, marking a significant step in expanding its food retail business beyond the capital region. Panglao was chosen for its vibrant market, attracting not only residents but also a large number of tourists, hotel staff, and various businesses requiring regular access to groceries and fresh food. Alongside the supermarket, RRHI also launched a new Rose Pharmacy, its largest drugstore chain in the Visayas and Mindanao. This expansion highlights the substantial growth opportunities for large retailers in provincial areas. As of the end of 2025, RRHI’s food segment, encompassing brands like Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Shopwise, Robinsons Easymart, and Uncle John’s convenience stores, operated 799 stores. A striking imbalance exists, with 410 stores in Metro Manila and 308 in other parts of Luzon, while only 81 stores were located across the Visayas (56) and Mindanao (25). Food is RRHI’s largest business segment, accounting for 59.8% of the company’s revenue in 2025 and generating P125.8 billion in net sales. The company's incentive to continue expanding its physical footprint is clear, driven by new store openings and a 3.2% same-store sales growth. The broader Philippine grocery market data further supports this growth potential. The 2023 National Nutrition Survey revealed that 66.9% of households regularly purchased food from sari-sari stores and other small retailers. In contrast, only 45.6% of households shopped at modern food stores like supermarkets and restaurants once or twice a month, indicating a significant untapped market in provincial areas for formal retail. – Rappler.com