The Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia with a vibrant retail industry. In this article, we will discuss typical opening hours of shops, forms of payment accepted, major supermarkets in the Philippines, online shopping popularity, expat-specific shops, and consumer rights.
Typical opening hours of shops in the Philippines and forms of payment accepted
Most shops in the Philippines are open from Monday to Sunday between 10:00 am and 9:00 pm, with some staying open until later at night. However, some smaller shops and markets may have different opening hours.
As for forms of payment, most shops in the Philippines accept both cash and credit card payments. Some shops also accept mobile payments, such as GCash and PayMaya.
Major Supermarkets in the Philippines and differences between them
There are several major supermarket chains in the Philippines, with the two biggest ones being SM Supermarkets and Robinsons Supermarkets.
SM Supermarkets is a supermarket chain owned by SM Investments Corporation, with several stores throughout the country. It is known for its low prices and good quality products, including fresh produce and meat. SM Supermarkets also has a focus on private-label products, which helps keep prices low.
Robinsons Supermarkets is a supermarket chain owned by Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., with several stores throughout the country. It is known for its high-quality products, including fresh produce and meat, and has a focus on international products, including imported goods from around the world. However, Robinsons Supermarkets’ prices are generally higher than those at other supermarkets.
Online shopping popularity and main websites
Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in the Philippines, with more and more people opting to shop online instead of in physical stores. Some of the most popular online shopping websites in the Philippines include:
Lazada: This website offers a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, and household items, and ships to the Philippines.
Shopee: This website also offers a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, and household items, and ships to the Philippines.
Zalora: This website specializes in fashion and beauty products, including clothing, shoes, and makeup.
Shops in the Philippines specifically for expats and finding international products
There are several shops in the Philippines specifically for expats, catering to their specific needs and tastes. Some of these shops include:
S&R Membership Shopping: This shop is located in several locations throughout the Philippines and specializes in imported products, including food, drinks, and household items.
Rustan’s Marketplace: This shop is located in several locations throughout the Philippines and specializes in imported products, including food, drinks, and household items.
Specialty Food Shops: There are several specialty food shops in Manila that offer a range of international products, including cheeses, meats, and gourmet foods.
For finding specific international products, expats can also try visiting ethnic food stores or online retailers, such as Global Foods or World Market, which offer a range of products from different countries.
Consumer rights and contact details of main consumer organizations in the Philippines
Consumers in the Philippines have several rights that are protected by law. These include the right to a refund, the right to a replacement product or service, and the right to cancel a contract within a certain time period.
If consumers have a complaint or dispute with a business, they can contact the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and can impose fines or penalties on businesses that violate these laws. Consumers can file a complaint with DTI online or by visiting one of their offices throughout the country.
In addition to DTI, there are several consumer organizations in the Philippines that can provide information and assistance to consumers. Some of the main organizations include:
Consumer Action and Protection Society (CAPS): This organization is dedicated to promoting and protecting consumer rights in the Philippines. It provides information and assistance to consumers who have a complaint or dispute with a business.
National Consumers Affairs Council (NCAC): This organization is a government agency that aims to promote consumer protection in the Philippines. It provides information and advice to consumers on a range of issues, including consumer protection laws, product safety, and fair trading practices.
Consumers can contact these organizations by phone, email, or through their websites for assistance with consumer-related issues.
In conclusion, the retail industry in the Philippines offers a range of shopping experiences and products for consumers. Most shops are open from Monday to Sunday between 10:00 am and 9:00 pm, with some staying open until later at night. The major supermarket chains in the Philippines are SM Supermarkets and Robinsons Supermarkets, each with their own unique selling points. Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular, with websites like Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora offering a wide range of products. For expats, there are shops specifically catering to their needs, as well as specialty food shops and online retailers. Consumers in the Philippines have several rights that are protected by law and can seek assistance and information from organizations such as DTI, CAPS, and NCAC.