Watsons Philippines, the leading health and beauty retail brand under the SM Group, is bringing healthcare closer to Filipino consumers with the ongoing expansion of its community-based pharmacies.
At the end of 2024, one in every three Watsons drug stores are located outside shopping malls—a strategic decision to meet the growing demand for accessible healthcare. Of the 80 new stores opened last year, 50 were situated outside Metro Manila.
In total, Watsons now operates 1,166 stores across the Philippines, with approximately 400 located within local communities. This growth reflects the brand’s commitment to making healthcare products more accessible to all Filipinos.
The company also marked a significant milestone last year with the opening of its 8,000th store in Asia at the Mall of Asia. Dr. Malina Ngai, group chief executive officer of AS Watson Group, attended the event and commented, “The Philippines was chosen for this occasion because it is one of the fastest-rising economies in Asia and a key market for AS Watson. The country’s young, health-conscious demographic aligns perfectly with Watsons’ focus on health and beauty,” Ngai said.
Since its first store opened in 2002, Watsons Philippines—a joint venture between the SM Group and Hong Kong-based A.S. Watson & Co. Ltd.—has made significant progress in extending its reach. The brand now operates both mall-based and local community pharmacies.
A recent study by Bain & Company, Asia-Pacific Front Line of Healthcare 2024, revealed that 85 percent of consumers in the region prioritize healthcare maintenance, with 51 percent willing to spend more for improved health outcomes. In response, Watsons has made substantial investments in expanding its community pharmacy network.
Jared de Guzman, customer director at Watsons, emphasized the brand’s growing presence in local neighborhoods. “By the end of 2024, we had 400 community stores across the country, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for our customers,” he said.
Watsons began its community pharmacy initiative in 2015, with the opening of its first store in Pateros. Today, the brand operates in three key formats: Watsons Pharmacy, SM Beauty outlets, and LOOK, a multi-brand store. These community pharmacies have become crucial drivers of growth, offering essential health, beauty, and wellness products right in customers’ neighborhoods.
