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More than 190 stores across the country will have reduced opening hours for at least an hour or two starting Monday, March 30.
MANILA, Philippines – All major supermarket operators in the Philippines announced on Thursday night, March 26, reduced business hours starting Monday, March 30 to deal with the country’s National Power Emergency.
A large chain of malls, the Sy family’s SM Supermalls with 90 stores nationwidesaid store hours will be from 11 am to 9 pm, Monday to Friday; and from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. SM Supermalls opens at 10am on weekdays, while most of its stores close at 10pm on weekends.
“This strategic change is a direct response to the urgent need for electricity conservation nationwide. By adjusting daily opening times, SM Supermalls aims to significantly reduce demand on the national grid. This step ensures that the company manages resources efficiently during this time,” SM Supermalls said in a statement.
“SM is fully responding to the current situation by adjusting our operating hours. We remain committed to providing a high-quality retail experience to all Filipinos, aided by our increased use of renewable energy to power our malls,” said Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls.
The second-largest mall operator, Gokongwei Group’s Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), with 53 stores, adjusted its weekday hours to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., an hour or two shorter, according to the store, from Monday.
For weekends, Robinsons Malls business hours will be the same, 10 am to 10 pm.
“This proactive step supports ongoing efforts to address the National Energy Emergency and contribute to the responsible management of energy consumption across the country. By improving the daily operations of malls, Robinsons Malls aims to help reduce demand on the national grid while continuing to provide a safe, comfortable and high-quality environment for its shoppers,” Robinsons Malls said in a statement.
It also said that store closing hours may vary, and advised the public to check each store’s social media pages for updates.
Ayala Land Corporation of the Zobel de Ayala family with 30 stores also announced shorter store hours on weekdays from 11 am to 9 pm, while weekdays will be the same from 10 am to 10 pm, starting Monday. However, it advised the public to check the specific schedules of each store.
“We are making slight adjustments to store hours to support national efforts to help manage the energy situation,” it said in a social media post.
Tycoon Andrew Tan’s Megaworld Lifestyle Mall announced shorter store hours for its 18 malls starting Monday. Adjusted hours will depend on the stores. See the post below for specific fixes:
Megaworld also shortened cinema hours from 1pm to 9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, and 11am to 10pm Wednesdays to Sundays for its seven stores that have cinemas. – Rappler.com
