Metro Retail opens 83rd store, deepens Eastern Visayas presence

MANILA, Philippines —  Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI), the listed retail company of the Gaisano Group, has deepened its presence in Eastern Visayas with the opening of the company’s 83rd store nationwide.

MRSGI’s newly launched Metro Naval is a retail destination designed to serve communities across Biliran province.

The store, which brings Metro’s market, department store and home lifestyle offerings together under one roof, is the company’s 12th outlet in the Eastern Visayas region.

MRSGI said the expansion reflects the company’s continued focus on regional growth outside major urban centers,  making modern retail more accessible to underserved and growing regional communities.

It also signals a long-term investment in local communities by creating jobs, supporting local commerce and improving access to modern retail experiences in developing provinces.

As the company continues to expand its nationwide presence, MRSGI said it remains focused on building stores that enhance consumer convenience and long-term local development.

“Metro Naval represents our commitment to growing alongside the communities we serve. As we expand our footprint across the country, we want to ensure that families in provinces like Biliran have access to quality and affordable retail options while also creating opportunities that contribute to local economic growth,” MRSGI president and chief operating officer Joel Orense said.

MRSGI operates branches across Luzon and Visayas under the formats Metro Supermarket, Metro Department Store, Super Metro Hypermarket, Metro Value Mart, and Metro Home Improvement and Lifestyle.

The company delivered net income after tax of P25.8 million during the first quarter, 92.5 percent higher year-on-year, supported by consolidated net sales of P9.38 billion.

All major segments saw gains reflecting steady demand across core categories, with food retail remaining the primary driver, followed by general merchandise.

MRSGI also continues to enhance its in-store ecosystem through strategic partnerships.

During the first quarter, the company launched a pilot rollout of Generika Drugstore at select Metro Retail locations, further strengthening its strategy to integrate essential services into its retail network.

The first two pilot stores are in Ayala Feliz and Tagaytay, while MRSGI plans to open a dozen more by the end of the year.