Anko opens first non-Ayala mall store in Cubao expansion push

Insider Spotlight

• Anko opened its sixth Philippine store at Gateway Mall 1 in Cubao, its first location outside the Ayala Malls network
• The new 1,455-square-meter branch taps Cubao's role as a major transport and commercial hub linking Metro Manila and nearby provinces
• The store was delivered entirely by Anko's Philippine team, highlighting local execution capabilities as the retailer expands
  
  
  

Australian home and lifestyle retailer Anko has opened its sixth store in the Philippines at Gateway Mall 1 in Cubao, Quezon City, marking the brand's first expansion outside the Ayala Malls network as it broadens its footprint in the country.

The 1,455-square-meter store is located on Level 2 of Gateway Mall 1 within Araneta City, placing the retailer in one of Metro Manila's busiest commercial and transport hubs. 

The location provides direct access to the MRT-3 and LRT-2 lines, along with major bus and jeepney routes, allowing Anko to reach shoppers from across the capital and nearby provinces.

Why it matters

The move signals Anko's intention to expand beyond its existing partnership with Ayala Malls and establish a presence in other high-traffic retail destinations. 

Cubao's central location and daily foot traffic make it a strategic site for the Australian brand as it seeks to grow brand awareness and accessibility.

“Cubao has always been a place of connection, where people pass through, meet, and discover. And that’s exactly where Anko wants to be: part of our customers’ everyday routines. At Anko, we are guided by a simple belief that everyone should have access to well-designed, quality products at everyday affordable prices,” Anko Philippines interim country manager Kimberly Mulligan said.

The store offers Anko's range of Australian-designed homewares, kitchen essentials, beauty products, travel accessories, stationery and toys, all positioned at everyday affordable prices.

The bigger picture

The Cubao branch represents more than a new retail location. It also showcases the capabilities of Anko's local team, which led the store's delivery from fixtures and visual merchandising to final styling. 

While planning support was provided remotely by global teams, no overseas personnel traveled to the site during the project.

“This store is especially meaningful because it reflects the strength and capability of our local team. It is not just another store opening for Anko, but it’s a reflection of the incredible work our Filipino team can deliver and an important step in our continued growth in the Philippines,” Anko Global CEO Arjun Puri said.

Anko, part of the Kmart Group, entered the Philippine market in November 2024 with its first store at Glorietta 2 in Makati City. 

Since then, it has expanded to Ayala Malls TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Ayala Malls Feliz.

The retailer said it plans to continue expanding in the country, including future locations in more non-Ayala malls, as it works to bring its home and lifestyle offerings closer to Filipino consumers. —Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma