The new retail format, developed under RRHI's premium supermarket brand The Marketplace, opened on Oct. 30 at Henann Crystal Sands Resort in Boracay's Station 1.
The Boracay outlet serves as the pilot location for a concept that the company plans to evaluate for potential expansion into other tourism and lifestyle destinations.
Unlike conventional convenience stores, Little Marketplace combines premium groceries, imported merchandise, fresh food, travel essentials and foodservice offerings within a smaller retail space.
The move reflects RRHI's strategy to diversify its retail formats and capture opportunities arising from changing consumer preferences, particularly in high-traffic tourist locations.
New retail format
Located along Boracay's beachfront, Little Marketplace caters to both tourists and residents seeking convenient access to groceries, beverages, prepared meals and travel necessities.
The store also introduces foodservice offerings designed to encourage customers to dine and spend more time at the outlet.
Its Pick & Grill concept allows customers to select premium meat cuts, including Canadian Ribeye and Greater Omaha steaks from the United States, for on-site grilling.
The Little Marketplace Bar, meanwhile, offers cocktails, draft beers and wines, combining retail shopping with dining and leisure activities.
The concept builds on The Marketplace's existing premium supermarket business while introducing a compact format suited to locations where accessibility and convenience are major considerations.
Growth opportunities
The Marketplace deputy general manager Diana Prince Ang said the new concept responds to changing shopping habits, particularly among consumers in tourism and lifestyle destinations.
"Little Marketplace reimagines what a convenience store can be by creating a more curated and experiential environment for customers," Ang said.
"We wanted to develop a format that feels relevant to how people shop and spend their time in Boracay while providing greater convenience for both residents and tourists."
RRHI managing director for food segments–big formats Christine Tueres said the company sees opportunities in retail concepts that integrate convenience with food and beverage services.
"The concept brings together quality food, curated selections, and convenience in a format designed around the needs of today's travelers and communities," Tueres said.
She added that Boracay will serve as a testing ground for the new format, which could eventually be adapted for other markets.
The company has not disclosed a timetable or investment budget for additional Little Marketplace outlets.
Tourism-driven retail
The expansion reflects a broader effort by RRHI to develop retail formats that respond to evolving consumer lifestyles and shopping preferences.
By combining grocery shopping with foodservice and leisure offerings, Little Marketplace aims to attract customers seeking more than traditional convenience store products.
The Boracay outlet will operate daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Opening-day activities include a community fun run, a Matcha & Coffee Rave and a sunset DJ session.
The new format adds another retail concept to RRHI's diversified portfolio, potentially opening opportunities for expansion in tourism-oriented markets where demand for convenient, premium shopping and dining services continues to evolve. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
