OVER 200 business leaders are expected to join the Retail Leaders Summit hosted by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA).
Slated for March 5, 2025, at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Quezon City, the summit will bring together top executives, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to explore strategies for success in the evolving retail landscape.
With the theme “Retail Recharge: Inspiring Strategies for Retail Success,” the summit will tackle emerging trends, technological advancements and leadership strategies essential for driving business growth.
PRA president Roberto Claudio Sr. said the event is not just about preparing for the future but about seizing opportunities to innovate and expand.
A key feature of the event is the World Café Workshop on Future Retail Challenges, an interactive session designed to foster collaboration and problem-solving among industry players. The summit will offer insights on building high-performing teams, enhancing customer-centric strategies and leading transformational change.
Supported by Globe Business and Centric Software, the event provides a unique opportunity for retail professionals to strengthen their brands, expand networks and gain actionable insights for sustained success.
Positive outlook
The country’s retail sector remains bullish for the year with expectations of strong growth driven by easing inflation, a stable labor market and increased consumer spending, with a focus on experiential shopping experiences in malls, the rise of e-commerce and the entry of more foreign brands into the market.
BMI, a Fitch Solutions unit, is expecting consumer spending to continue to grow this year, driven by strong economic growth.
“We hold a positive outlook for consumer spending in the Philippines, with an acceleration in real household spending growth - from five percent in 2024 to 5.3 percent in 2025,” BMI said in a report released Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025.
BMI said that in real terms, household spending is projected to grow to P13.2 trillion this year.
According to BMI, the forecast is in line with expectations that the Philippine economy will grow by 6.3 percent this year.
BMI said easing inflation will boost household spending
this year.
Meanwhile, Colliers Philippines said it expects a more aggressive entry of foreign retailers in physical malls. It urged developers will continue to renovate their existing spaces and introduce immersive concepts to attract greater foot traffic.
With rising interest in the Philippine retail landscape, Colliers expects the entry of more anchor tenants, particularly in major regional and super-regional malls across the capital region.
“The Philippine economy is primarily consumption-driven and this entices foreign retailers to invest in the country,” he said. “Foreign players are now more aggressive in taking up physical mall space.”
Major developers have been redeveloping their existing retail spaces. Some of the malls that are being renovated are SM Megamall, SM East Ortigas and Robinsons Forum. Ayala Land is setting aside P13 billion’ (US$ 230 million) to renovate Glorietta and Greenbelt 2 in Makati Central Business District, Trinoma in Quezon City and Ayala Center in Cebu. / KOC