Retailing

2023 proved to be a challenging year for discounters in the Philippines, in light of a limited store count and fierce competition with other retailers. With the revival of hectic pre-pandemic lifestyles, including the return of consumers to their…

In line with global trends, department stores in Malaysia are losing appeal due to growing interest in fast-fashion retailers such as H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, and Padini which offer the latest fashions at relatively affordable prices. Small boutique stores…

The general merchandise stores channel in the Philippines, which is dominated by department stores, saw buoyant growth in current value terms in 2023. An increase in mobility, including the return of consumers to their physical offices, contributed…

Guardian continued to lead health and beauty specialists overall in 2023, as well as health and personal care stores, with Watsons as its closest competitor at number two in both cases. These players are key contributors to the segment’s growth in…

Health and beauty specialists in the Philippines saw an improved performance in current value terms in 2023. Growth was boosted by an increase in mobility, including the return of consumers to their physical offices, which

Mr DIY continued to expand aggressively in Malaysia in 2023, cementing its lead in a highly fragmented competitive landscape. The success of Mr DIY mainly lies in its ability to provide a large variety of good-value products under one roof, thereby…

Home products specialists in the Philippines saw relatively modest growth in current value terms in 2023, compared to the previous year. This was due to persisting inflationary pressures, which placed a strain on household budgets, With many…

Hypermarkets was one of the retail channels hit hardest by the pandemic as demand for large-format modern grocery retailers plummeted. Quarantine lockdowns and restrictions on movement, combined with widespread fears of contagion, discouraged…

Hypermarkets in the Philippines recorded positive growth in in current value terms in 2023, albeit at a slower rate than the previous year. Sales were boosted an increase in mobility, which was evidenced by higher foot traffic in mall-based and…

Celebrating its first year in the Malaysian market, TikTok Shop has become the fastest-growing emerging e-commerce player in Southeast Asia, operating as an online marketplace within the TikTok video-sharing platform. The player attributes its…

While 2023 saw higher foot traffic in shopping malls and other physical retail locations. e-commerce continued see significant expansion in current value terms. Online marketplaces, such as Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora were instrumental to driving up…

Following reopened borders and lifted restrictions in 2022, Malaysia's retail sector witnessed a surge in consumer revenge spending throughout the year. However, starting from the second quarter of 2023, the trend showed signs of decline as consumer…

Despite persisting inflationary pressures, retail in the Philippines recorded healthy growth in in current value terms in 2023, continuing the trend of the previous year. Sales were boosted an increase in mobility, including the return of Filipinos…

One of the most important pandemic-related impacts on small local grocers was the huge shift towards working from home. This deprived many operators of an extremely important consumer base of busy, urban professionals looking for a quick and easy…

While modern grocery outlets such as supermarkets and convenience stores, recorded stronger current value growth than small local grocers in the Philippines in 2023, the accessibility and traditional appeal of sari-sari stores meant that they…

Like hypermarkets, the supermarkets channel struggled for growth during the pandemic as consumers adjusted their shopping behaviour. Due to the restrictions in place and the fear of contagion, alongside a shift to home working arrangements, many…

Despite ongoing competition from hypermarkets, supermarkets in the Philippines enjoyed positive gains in current value terms in 2023. Growth was boosted by the continued expansion of players such as SM Retail Inc, Robinsons and Puregold, which…

The number of vending machines increased in Malaysia in 2023, with several offering health supplements and others dispensing skin care products. There are even machines offering products as diverse as cacti and NFTs, suggesting that the novelty…

Vending in the Philippines continued on its road to recovery in 2023, with healthy growth in current value terms. Sales were boosted an increase in mobility, including the return of Filipinos to their physical offices, which gave rise to more…

Apparel and footwear specialists in Singapore continued to record robust growth in 2023. This was largely driven by the full-scale resumption of social activities and international travel. 2023 witnessed a full year of the effects and benefits of…