Robinsons Retail Holdings stock tests new Boracay format

Robinsons Retail Holdings is testing a new premium convenience format in Boracay, with the first Little Marketplace opening on October 30 at Henann Crystal Sands Resort. The development was reported on October 28 by The Manila Times via Newswav.

Premium format targets destinations

Little Marketplace combines everyday groceries, imported products, fresh food, beverages and travel necessities in a compact store designed for locations that attract both tourists and local residents. The Boracay site is operating daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is intended to test whether the format can be adapted to other destination markets.

The store adds a Pick & Grill offer, allowing customers to select premium meat cuts for on-site preparation. A bar serving cocktails, draft beer and wine broadens the concept beyond conventional convenience retail and gives The Marketplace a stronger food-and-beverage element.

Private ownership changes context

Robinsons Retail voluntarily delisted from the Philippine Stock Exchange at the end of August after a tender offer by its largest shareholder, JE Holdings. The Boracay launch therefore represents an operating initiative by a retailer that is no longer publicly traded on the exchange.

Business spans Philippine retail

Robinsons Retail operates grocery, department store, convenience, drugstore, hardware, appliance and lifestyle businesses in the Philippines. Its banners include Robinsons Supermarket, Robinsons Department Store, Uncle John's, The Marketplace, Southstar Drug, Rose Pharmacy and Handyman Do It Best, according to the company's company profile. Robinsons Retail says its network includes more than 4,000 stores nationwide, including franchised outlets.