Metro Retail expands presence in digital space

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI) is expanding its e-commerce presence by launching stores on online market platforms and getting more  supermarkets linked to delivery apps within the year to cater to the changing market demand.

In a statement, MRSGI said it is set to launch its official store in e-commerce platforms Lazada and Shopee this quarter to take advantage of the anticipated strong consumer spending for the holiday season.

For its supermarket chain, MRSGI is expanding its online reach by getting six of its stores on board super app GrabMart before the end of the year.

At present, customers of MRSGI’s Metro Supermarket in Ayala Center Cebu and Market! Market! in Taguig City can purchase goods and have these delivered through the Grab app.

MRSGI continues to develop and enhance its own online shopping site shop.themetrostores.ph.

Launched in July last year, the online shopping site offers over 6,200 products through 10 participating stores across Luzon and Visayas.

MRSGI is also working on linking its Metro Rewards Card with customers’ Metro online accounts so they can earn points for purchases made on the online shopping site.

To improve customers’ online shopping experience, the retail company is likewise developing a progressive web app which has reduced memory requirements and battery usage for faster loading and better navigating experience.

“All these developments we are doing are in line with our commitment to grow our e-commerce business and ultimately enable us to continue meeting the changing customer demands in today’s digital environment,” MRSGI president and COO Manuel Alberto said.

JJ Moreno, chief strategy officer and head of e-commerce at MRSGI,  said the initiatives are being undertaken as the retail company aims to make e-commerce an important component of its overall value proposition.

“Our customers can look forward to a more exciting and pleasant online shopping experience,” Moreno said.