What is the Most Popular Convenience Store in the Philippines?
Convenience stores have become a staple in the daily lives of Filipinos. These stores offer a wide range of products, from snacks and beverages to household necessities and even electronic services. With so many convenience stores available in the Philippines, it can be difficult to determine which ones are worth visiting.
To help you out, here are the top 6 convenience stores in the Philippines based on their popularity and the quality of their products and services. First on the list is 7-Eleven, which has been a household name in the country since it opened its first branch in Quezon City in 1984. It offers a variety of food and beverage options, as well as electronic services such as bills payment and money transfers.
Next on the list is Uncle John’s, formerly Mini Stop, known for its fried chicken and other hot meals. It also offers a wide selection of snacks, beverages, and household necessities. Family Mart is another popular convenience store that offers a range of Japanese-inspired snacks and meals and a selection of imported goods. Lawson, which originated in Japan, also offers Japanese snacks, meals, and a selection of local products. Finally, Alfamart, a relatively new player in the Philippine market, offers its customers affordable products and a loyalty program.
Overview of Convenience Stores in the Philippines
The convenience store industry in the Philippines has been growing rapidly in recent years. Convenience stores are small retail outlets that offer a wide range of products, including food and beverages, personal care items, and household essentials. They provide a quick and easy shopping experience, making them a popular choice among consumers who are always on-the-go.
The Philippine retail industry has been growing steadily, with convenience stores being one of the fastest-growing segments. According to a report by Euromonitor, the retail sales value of convenience stores in the Philippines is expected to reach PHP 330.3 billion by 2023, up from PHP 246.6 billion in 2018.
In the Philippines, convenience stores are often located in urban areas with high foot traffic. They are also found in residential areas, making them accessible to customers who prefer to shop close to home. Convenience stores are seen as an alternative to small sari-sari stores informal retail outlets that are prevalent in the Philippines.
The food retail industry in the Philippines is dominated by supermarkets, which account for a significant portion of retail sales value. However, convenience stores are gaining ground, particularly in the non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages categories. Convenience stores are also popular for their ready-to-eat products, catering to consumers looking for quick and convenient meals.
Key Players in the Market
The convenience store market in the Philippines is highly competitive, with several key players vying for market share. Here are some of the most prominent players in the market:
7-Eleven
7-Eleven is a well-known convenience store chain founded in the United States in 1927. In the Philippines, 7-Eleven is operated by Philippine Seven Corporation, a Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd subsidiary. As of 2022, 7-Eleven was the leading convenience store in the Philippines in terms of store count, with 3,323 stores across the country. The chain is known for its wide selection of snacks, drinks, and other convenience items and its 24-hour operation.
FamilyMart
FamilyMart is a Japanese convenience store chain that was founded in 1973. In the Philippines, the chain is operated by the Ayala Corporation and SSI Group, Inc. FamilyMart has firmly established itself as the second-largest convenience player in the region following the merger of the two retailers. As of 2022, FamilyMart had over 1,000 stores in the Philippines and is expected to maintain strong growth over the next five years. The chain is known for its fresh food offerings, including sushi, sandwiches, and bento boxes.
Lawson
Lawson is a Japanese convenience store chain that was founded in 1975. In the Philippines, the chain is operated by Rustan’s Group of Companies. As of 2022, Lawson had over 500 stores in the Philippines and is known for its high-quality products and services. The chain offers a wide range of products, including snacks, drinks, household items, fresh food, and ready-to-eat meals.
Alfamart
Alfamart is an Indonesian convenience store chain that was founded in 1989. In the Philippines, the chain is operated by SM Investments Corporation. As of 2022, Alfamart had over 1,000 stores in the Philippines and is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing convenience store chains in the country. The chain offers a wide range of products, including snacks, drinks, household items, fresh food, and ready-to-eat meals.
Uncle John’s
Robinsons has acquired the entire joint venture stake of the iconic Japanese convenience store franchise chain, Ministop, to become the sole owner of Uncle John’s, the Filipino-owned convenience store chain founded in 2000. Uncle John’s has become a household name in the Philippines, with over 500 stores nationwide offering fresh, delicious Filipino favorites such as fried chicken, siopao, and other local dishes.
Not to mention, Uncle John’s has also gained a reputation for its innovative products, such as the “Uncle John’s Fried Chicken” and “Uncle John’s Rice Bowls” lines. With Ministop now exiting the Philippines to focus on its home market, Robinsons is ready to take Uncle John’s to the next level!
All Day
All Day is a Filipino-owned convenience store chain that was founded in 2014. As of 2022, the chain had over 150 stores in the Philippines and is known for its affordable prices and wide selection of products. All Day offers a range of products, including snacks, drinks, household items, fresh food, and ready-to-eat meals. The chain is operated by All Value Holdings Corp., a joint venture between the Villar Group and the All Day Group.
Impact of E-Commerce and Online Food Delivery
The e-commerce industry in the Philippines has been growing rapidly in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, as more people have turned to online shopping to avoid physical contact and maintain social distancing. As a result, the e-commerce industry in the Philippines has experienced a significant increase in revenue and users.
The online food delivery industry has also seen a surge in demand due to the pandemic. With people staying at home, the convenience of ordering food online has become more appealing than ever before. According to Statista, the number of online food delivery users in the Philippines is expected to reach 15.76 million by 2022.
Convenience stores in the Philippines have also adapted to this trend by partnering with e-commerce and online food delivery platforms. For example, 7-Eleven, the largest convenience store chain in the country, has partnered with Lazada and 24Catalog to offer customers the option to collect deliveries from their stores at no extra charge. This has made it easier for customers to receive their online purchases and food deliveries in a convenient and secure location.
The penetration rate of e-commerce and online food delivery in the Philippines is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This presents both opportunities and challenges for convenience stores in the country. On the one hand, partnering with e-commerce and online food delivery platforms can help convenience stores reach a wider audience and increase their revenue. On the other hand, the rise of online purchase categories may mean that some customers may choose to shop online instead of visiting physical stores.
Product Categories and Consumer Preferences
Convenience stores in the Philippines offer a wide range of products to cater to the needs of their customers. These products can be broadly categorized into food and non-food items. Food items include packaged foods, rice, noodles, pasta, processed meat, seafood, bakery food, ready meals, traditional food, and beverages. Non-food items include general merchandise and household items.
According to a report by Euromonitor, traditional food and beverage retail remains popular in the Philippines, with local products being the preferred choice of consumers. The report also states that per capita consumer spending on basic food products and sugar retail prices have been increasing in recent years, indicating a growing demand for these products.
In terms of food categories, packaged foods, and noodles are among the most popular products sold in convenience stores. These products are convenient and easy to prepare, making them a preferred choice for consumers who are always on the go. Ready meals, bakery food, and processed meat are also popular among consumers looking for quick and easy meal options.
Beverage retail is another important category in convenience stores. Soft, energy, and bottled water are among the most commonly sold beverages. However, there is also a growing demand for healthier options such as fruit juices, tea, and coffee.
Apart from food items, convenience stores also offer a variety of household items such as cleaning supplies, personal care products, and toiletries. These items are popular among consumers who need to purchase these products on short notice.
Investment and Franchise Opportunities
For those interested in investing in a convenience store franchise in the Philippines, there are several options available. The top five convenience store franchises in the Philippines are 7-Eleven, Uncle John’s, All Day, FamilyMart, Lawson, and Alfamart. Each of these franchises has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, and potential franchisees should carefully consider the options before making a decision.
Investment in a convenience store franchise typically involves paying a franchise fee, which can range from PHP 600,000 to PHP 1 million or more, depending on the franchise. In addition to the franchise fee, franchisees will also need to invest in the necessary equipment, supplies, and inventory to run the store. The total investment required can range from PHP 3 million to PHP 5 million or more, depending on the franchise and the location of the store.
One of the main advantages of investing in a convenience store franchise is the growth opportunities available. Convenience stores are a popular retail format in the Philippines, and the market for these stores is expected to continue growing in the coming years. This means that there is potential for franchisees to expand their businesses and open additional stores in the future.
In addition to growth opportunities, convenience store franchises also offer a number of other advantages. These franchises typically have established brand recognition and marketing support, which can help attract customers to the store. They also often have established supply chains and distribution networks, which can help ensure that franchisees have access to the products they need to run their stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the largest convenience store chains in the world?
According to Statista, the largest convenience store chains in the world are 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. 7-Eleven has the most stores worldwide, with over 70,000 locations in 17 countries.
What is the most popular convenience store franchise in the Philippines?
7-Eleven is currently the most popular convenience store franchise in the Philippines, with over 3,300 stores nationwide. Other popular franchises include Ministop, FamilyMart, and Lawson.
What are the top-selling products in Philippine convenience stores?
The top-selling products in Philippine convenience stores vary, but some of the most popular items include snacks, drinks, cigarettes, and personal care products. Some stores also offer hot meals and other food items.
Who are the main competitors of 7-Eleven in the Philippines?
Some of the main competitors of 7-Eleven in the Philippines include Ministop, FamilyMart, Lawson, and All Day. These stores offer similar products and services, and some have unique offerings such as freshly cooked meals.
How many convenience stores are there in the Philippines?
As of 2022, there are over 23,000 convenience stores in the Philippines according to Statista. This number is expected to continue to grow as more Filipinos turn to convenience stores for their daily needs.
What is the newest convenience store to open in the Philippines?
As of the current date, there is no information available about the newest convenience store to open in the Philippines. However, new stores are constantly opening, and consumers can expect to see new options in the market in the near future.
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