In the heart of bustling cities and towns across the Philippines, the Sy Group’s SM Supermalls is redefining the shopping experience by creating ecosystems of entertainment, dining, and community engagement to keep in step with evolving demands and preferences of the Filipino consumer.
And the metamorphosis appears to be paying handsome dividends. In the first quarter, SM Supermalls saw daily foot traffic surge to an average of more than 4 million in the first quarter—up from 3.3 million in the same period last year.
SM Supermalls is owned by SM Prime Holdings Inc., a unit of the Sy Group’s flagship firm SM Investments Inc. Publicly-listed SM Prime is the Philippine’s biggest developer, operator and owner of world-class shopping malls that total 93, eight of them in China, with a 10.8 million square meters of gross floor space at the end of March.
The company counted 82 shopping malls in the Philippines and 7 in China, with a total gross floor area of 10.4 million square meters, at the end of the first quarter of 2023.
Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls, attributes this growth to SM’s unwavering commitment to meeting customer needs. “Our malls are designed as dynamic hubs that blend modern retail with vibrant community spaces,” said Tan. He explained that this commitment is evident in SM Supermalls strategy to integrate diverse activities and experiences that cater to every member of the Filipino family.
Beyond shopping, SM Supermalls has evolved into lifestyle destinations where visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of experiences. A significant shift has been the increase in food tenants, now occupying 30 percent of mall spaces, compared to just 10 percent a decade ago. This transformation responds to the growing trend of mall-goers seeking leisure activities and dining experiences alongside their shopping trips.
The company also introduced Space & Time Cube+ at S Maison—an immersive art museum featuring 20 themed attractions such as LED tunnels and holographic displays, underscoring its efforts to create enriching cultural experiences within its mall environment.
SM Supermalls has also embraced and supported fandom communities, providing dedicated spaces like Cosplay City at SM City Fairview. This venue celebrates creativity and cultural interests, offering themed zones and interactive exhibits that resonate with enthusiasts of K-pop, anime, and beyond.
The introduction of flagship Game Parks, such as the one at SM Mall of Asia, marks another milestone in SM Supermalls evolution. Spanning 1,947 square meters, these indoor entertainment complexes feature state-of-the-art amenities like bowling alleys, basketball courts, and virtual gaming experiences. Such offerings cater to diverse interests and enhance the leisure options available to mall visitors.
Looking ahead, SM Supermalls remains committed to innovation and enhancing customer experiences. “Our goal is to create lasting memories through dynamic destinations that go beyond traditional shopping,” Tan affirms. This vision underscores SM’s role not only as a retail leader but also as a catalyst for community engagement and cultural enrichment.
As SM Supermalls continues to innovate and expand its offerings, it reinforces its position as a cornerstone of Philippine retail and leisure—a place where shopping meets entertainment, and where communities gather to create and celebrate shared experiences.
